more than a superman

"I refuse to allow a disability to determine how I live my life."
--Christopher Reeve

I grew up watching Superman on the TV screen. I also grew up wanting to be Superman, and I don't think I've actually given up on that dream. Christopher Reeve was a huge factor in my deciding on that childhood ambition because he was Superman personified -- a comic book superhero come to life. He made it seem as though nothing was impossible to my young, impressionable mind -- that man could defy gravity and fly, crush enemies through strength and determination, and become a benevolent champion who represented truth and justice in their purest forms. He did all that and more, and he did it draped in full-blown technicolor (and he even looked exceptionally sharp in that get-up!). Not only was he great in those films, not only did he understand the character, and not only was he good-looking, he also brought a deeply humanising element to Superman. To me, he will always be the quintessential man of steel.

And not just for the reasons I've mentioned above. He exuded qualities that we can hardly find in real life; attributes more befitting of a fantastical, highly-idealised character like Superman. He never gave up. Even after that fateful day nine years ago when he became paralysed from the neck down, he never gave up. He never gave up trying to find a cure for his debilitating physical affliction. He never gave up believing that one day he would be able to walk again. He never gave up, even when all the odds were stacked up against him.

Tragically, life gave up on him. But not before he made me realise, in spite of my deficiently disenchanted mind, that impossible is nothing. May you rest in peace, Mr. Reeve. You've been an inspiration and a hero to millions.