How different were the choices made by Christopher Reeve. His life changed completely after he broke his neck in May 1995 when he was thrown from his horse. Refusing to allow his injuries to define his life he directed and even acted after his paralysis. More importantly, he worked tirelessly for increased research into spinal injuries, including promotion for controversial stem cell research. He lobbied Congress for better insurance protection against catastrophic injury and moved an Academy Award audience to tears with a call for more films about social issues.

I read that if his fall had been only two millimeters different, he would have been fine. Or two millimeters the other way, he would have died. As I read, I couldn't help thinking that his fall was the worst of three possible choices. Personally, I would choose death over his situation.

And yet ... he stated that he had never been happier. How are we to understand a comment like this? Who of us can know how we would react in the face of such a stunning life blow?

I became personally teary when reading how when he went to the New School in Manhattan to give a speech to students, his body went into spasms. While being helped he joked, "Sorry. One second, guys. I'll be right with you ... Now, where were we?"

Since this brave man is no longer with us, why would I say that he “is” Superman, rather than “was”? Simply because his influence will linger for a long, long time. Many future sufferers with spinal problems will have cause to bless his name. That is the finest bequest any human can leave behind. Perhaps the best epitaph for Christopher Reeve was given by ... himself:

"When the first Superman movie came out I was frequently asked 'What is a hero?' I remember the glib response I repeated so many times. My answer was that a hero is someone who commits a courageous action without considering the consequences - a soldier who crawls out of a foxhole to drag an injured buddy to safety. And I also meant individuals who are slightly larger than life: Houdini and Lindbergh, John Wayne, JFK, and Joe DiMaggio. Now my definition is completely different. I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”

With these words, he totally defined himself and his life.

To make a donation to the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation:

http://www.crpf.org