I knew him only as a SuperMan. I will not forget that statue-like figure he had given to the character SuperMan. His face, hair style, shoulders and the physique was close what the supermans creater would have expected from a real human.
Only a few years ago, I knew his name was Christopher Reeve. And when I knew that, he had already lost 90% of what I, and possibly the whole world, admired in him. His entire body from right below his neck has gotten paralysed and one would least expect that to happen from a slippage on a horse ride. He could not feel or act on a single cell in his entire body down from his face. As pathetic as it may look, the blessing in disguise was he could perfectly see, hear and speak. He could take his food from his lips to his upper neck and thats all, he couldn’t take it further down. His breathing and speech were very much distorted since he couldn’t control the air past his throat.
[Reeve at Spinal Cord Injury Forum in Australia. Ever since his accident, he had to be bound to a chair with his spinal cord pinned to it coz niether could he hold it himself nor did it have the life to stay straight up ]
In the past few years, I have seen some great video footages of how hard he is trying everyday to beat his fate. He looked such a happy and healthy man inspite of this acute condition. I even saw him speaking at the US Congress pressing needs for stem cell research, which might cure such paralytic conditions. A few months ago, only becoz of his sheer gut and will, he was able to move his index finger, all by himself. An amazing feat according to medical treatments, when all his body cells are technically dead! Infact, I saw him walk comfortably under-water with very little support. Not a moment, I expected he would die without getting up and walking someday. But this today, not him but the Almighty must have given up on him. May his soul rest in peace.
He sure was an inspiration in me everytime I saw him. It reminds us how lucky we are to have had everything we have. We dont have lose anything to realize their values. Lets learn to be happy with and appreciate every small thing around us.
I am sure there are thousands out there who are like him, and Chris Reeve knew it. He did everything possible so every benefit/inspiration he got from medicine and training goes to everyone suffering. He founded the Chris Reeve Foundation and the paralysis resource center. He used his star status to funnel millions of money and influence the goverment to make policies favouring the paralysed. He even wrote a book, Still Me which must be truly an inspiring read for anyone.
What he has gone through is a herculean task. Perhaps, God knew only a SuperMan would stand this test. We can give up everything except : hope. I will remember him for ever.
