By Staff
The words are synonymous with other phrases such as faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive and up, up and away. Each phrase in itself brings pictures of the same person to mind. This person traveled from a distant planet and lived here on Earth as our protector. His name is Superman and lived in a world of cartoons. That is until a man named Christopher Reeves brought him to life.
Growing up I was always attracted to superheroes. These heroes were people that were larger than life and always found themselves in some kind of trouble where they would have to display their colorful costumes and with some fantastic power would dispatch the evil forces. Myself, I was always attracted to the DC comic characters, which showcased Batman, Wonder Woman, the Flash, and many other fantastic characters including Superman.
Reeves is probably to blame for my childhood love of cartoons and funny books. The first time I saw Reeves as Superman came about one night when I was spending the night at my grandmother's house. Flipping through the channels I tuned in just as Superman flew up to rescue Lois Lane as she fell from a helicopter. Lois's response to Superman's comment of saving her by saying, "Then who's got you," was all it took to capture me for a lifetime. It wasn't that green rock called Kryptonite that sent one of my childhood heroes to rest but actually an infection common in people with paralysis and relying different medical devices for their care.
One things still the same, whether Reeves was wearing the cape or not. He was a hero. Rather than falling away after the accident never to be heard from again, Reeves became one the most recognizable supporters of spinal cord research.
His fight for a better life for himself and everyone that suffers from some sort of paralysis is awe-inspiring.
Christopher Reeves was truly, a superman.
By Chuck Bodiford, publisher of the Atmore (Ala.) Advance. Note: Editorials from other newspapers printed in the FCT also represent the opinion of our editorial board.