I cannot believe the number of posts this generated. Why is this so big? Folks die everyday, sad though it may be, and many leave orphans.
I know a little something about the riding "accident". Mr. Reeves was a bit arrogant, as most actors are. Supreme confidence helps you deal with rejection and forge ahead in a tough industry. However, such an attitude when dealing with 1200 pound animals can help you write a check your body can't cash. I've seen him frequently try to perform beyond his abilities horseback. Sometimes that is good, as it allows us to grow, but in his case it was catastrophic. No criticism here, just observation; these things happen.
Now, simply being married to someone who suffers a paralysis, DOES NOT MAKE YOU A HERO. Why is she special?
Why are these people so special? Doesn't anyone remember "Death Trap"? A pioneering gay flick? Caan and Reeve kissing on the big screen? Were this one of the Brokeback actors dying everybody would be chiming in good riddance. ANd don't try the "he did so much for cripples" speech either. That line went sour with Tookie.
Sad story yes, but nothing special.
The woman was 45 healthy and did not smoke and died from Lung Cancer, and that in itself is a tragedy that we know so little about the disease..She was special to her family and friends and was in the news constantly with her husband...
Maybe you can point us to the post where someone said she was a hero.
She was a good and kind person who went through a lot in her life, and now she has died. And some of us were saddend by that fact.
Well, I have to disagree with you on the 'nothing special' bit. I never paid much attention to Christopher Reeve until after his accident. The thing that got my attention the most was his great attitude. He didn't whine and bi%%ch and moan about his life on a regular basis. He tried to be upbeat and optimistic and inspire others. Now, given his lot and the extent of his injuries, I'd say he was pretty special to keep appearing in public in his compromised physical state, to battle through his own personal demons in a very public way, and to try to present a calm, dignified demeanor through it all. He worked to make things better for people. People who most of us don't think about on a regular basis (those with brain and spinal injuries). He didn't give up. He didn't quit and he didn't solicit pity. That, IMHO, made him a very special human being.
Well, she was an inspiration. I don't really care about what movies he made. The fact that she stayed by his side after the accident and until his death makes her an inspiration.
They are also famous, and lots of people knew of their problems.
I would feel sorry for anyone having gone through their ordeals, and I especially feel sorry for their son.
"I know a little something about the riding "accident". Mr. Reeves was a bit arrogant, as most actors are. Supreme confidence helps you deal with rejection and forge ahead in a tough industry. However, such an attitude when dealing with 1200 pound animals can help you write a check your body can't cash. I've seen him frequently try to perform beyond his abilities horseback."
You're right. Money can buy the best horses, tack and trainers but it can't buy experience. Chris Reeve was the first to admit that he was trying one high risk sport after the other, searching for something missing in his life. Maybe that's why he was so gallant in his actions after the accident, he knew he had no one to blame but himself.
Are you familiar with FR Saddle Club? Join us, if you like talking horse with lots of other ladies with the same interest.