Dana Reeves Died
Dana Reeves died late Monday night.

Now that didn't really strike some of my family or the people I know with too much significance, but for some reason, it did me. I can't explain it Maybe it was because she had died from lung cancer never having even lit or smoked a single cigarette. (I can see her face being applied to the posters for anti-smokers and those against second hand smoke even now.) Maybe it was that I felt the pain she must've known to have already lost her husband and then to have to get her own diagnosis and to have to tell her 13 year old son then, and to have to have that child be left with no parent. Maybe it was the suddeness of her death so soon after hearing her announcement of her having been diagnosed. Maybe it was because cancer scares me so much. But I think it was just that it was because it was so unfair that here she had been through so much with her husband, Christopher Reeve (better known to many from the "Superman" movie lore), and had carried herself with so much grace while stoically caring for him with so much love and devotion. It simply wasn't fair. But Dana said life wasn't fair and the sooner we learned that, the better we would all be. I never saw her when she wasn't smiling, no matter what.

When she got diagnosed, I remember people asked if she would rally for cancer research like she had for the Christopher Reeve Foundation, which was to look for ways to advance research for paralysis, some of which involves stem cell research, not always a popular vote. She said no, she could only fight for the one with the energy it took, and she was dedicated to it.

Now I know there are mixed opinions on the research involved, and I have my own opinions on it, but I still think the woman had to be admired for her love and devotion to her husband and son inspite of some pretty overwhelming obsticales, and to carry herself with the dignity that she did.

And I still hurt for the 13 year old child, Will, who has now lost both parents in such a short span of time, in such tragic ways. What a load for such narrow shoulders to carry.

I'm reminded of the ending of another movie that Christopher Reeves made, "Somewhere In Time".I can see Christopher whole again and reaching his hand out to welcome the love of his life, Dana, to eternity with him, and they are together again. I hope it is that way.