Superman ~ My Hero

Once you choose hope, anything's possible. ~ Christopher Reeve

I am usually full of hope...hoping for the best, hoping for this and that. My hope is intertwined with my prayers and I feel comfort in that.

I greatly admired Christopher Reeve; he was 'superman-ish' in my eyes...a hero of sorts. After his tragic accident I had an even greater admiration for him; he was such a fighter that refused to give up.

It was my pleasure to meet this gentle giant in a most unusual manner. My sister owned a beautiful home in Aspen, Colorado and she and I loved getting together there a couple of times a year for a 'sister-fest'. One of my nieces lived there and worked at the Snowmass Club; we'd meet her after work and fool around, have dinner...you know the drill.

Aspen area has a wonderful shuttle system so Jane (my sister) and I would walk through the snow to the bus stop...hop on and ride to Snowmass. We'd heard that Christopher Reeve would be in the area for body training prepping for a new film; we aren't really into 'chasing' celebrities so didn't think much of it. On one particular day, we hopped onto the bus and settled in the rear...we were the only passengers. Jane casually said, "Wouldn't it be neat if Superman got on this bus?" In your dreams, right? Oops...pulled up to a stop and none other than Superman and his brother joined us in the rear of the bus. Jane whispered to me before he came into view..."Don't look up...but it's him."

'Scuse me??? Not looking at Superman is tough...ignoring her own admonition, Miss Jane blurted out some inane statement; he looked at us w/those electric blue eyes and struck up a conversation...oh wow! We didn't pester him, didn't ask for autographs...just smiled and said good-bye at our destination which was the same as his. He paused later that day as we passed by and said hello again. Then again at dinner...so nice.

He must've been born nice to have carried himself through the tragic events later in his life...the picture of hope and of courage. What do you suppose kept him going?

Here's a clue: "When the first Superman movie came out I was frequently asked 'What is a hero?' My answer was that a hero is someone who commits a courageous action without considering the consequences… 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."
Christopher Reeve

I am a most ordinary person who has found strength to encourage others in spite of what might seem 'the end'...God has a way to lift me and keep me up and believe me...HE works it. Filler' up, indeed.