Superman's passing

I'd be remiss if I didn't devote at least a few words to Christopher Reeve, who passed away yesterday at the age of 52.

We measure the success of a life not by what we accumulate over the years, but by what we give back to society. Mr. Reeve was blessed to have achieved stardom earlier in life, but it was what he did with his life after he was paralyzed in a 1995 equestrian accident that made him such a righteous soul.

What he did for those suffering from spinal cord injuries is virtually incalculable. He was instrumental in helping raise untold millions of dollars for research and care. He was at the centre of efforts to lobby all levels of government to orient themselves toward finding a cure and easing day-to-day living for the injured, as well as their families. He raised awareness by devoting his life to this most personal of causes.

He was, in a word, irreplaceable. The world is lessened by his loss. Yet what he built while he was here will ultimately help those so tragically impacted by spinal injuries. May we always celebrate the achievements of those whose own tragedies would make it easy for them to simply give up. Mr. Reeve never gave up, and I hope his example will remain as strong tomorrow as it has been for the past nine years.

He was a super man, indeed.