GAIL WHITE Reeve's Superman character runs deep, his wife says

"Life is not easy. No one ever promised that it would be. Life throws curve balls," says Dana Reeve, wife of actor Christopher Reeve, who suffered a severe spinal cord injury in 1995.
"What you make of the tragedy is where you derive the meaning and purpose of life."
Thursday, Dana Reeve will be sharing the "hidden gifts" she has discovered on her journey with her Superman husband as she takes center stage for The Angels of Easter Seals 26th Annual Spring Luncheon and Fashion Show Event.
Her message, delivered to a packed house at Mr. Anthony's, will benefit the parents and family members of Easter Seals children who are walking their own journey through hardships.
The room will also be filled with the Angels of Easter Seals who dedicate hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars a year to support these children's efforts.
"I never thought I would ever be talking to people about such things," Dana says. "It seems people derive inspiration from the way Christopher and I have handled his accident."
Indeed, the Reeves' story is inspiring. For years, we have watched this couple's journey after Christopher's equestrian accident.
Every television interview and article written have revealed two individuals who are determined to move on and fight back. This tragedy has never seemed to stop them in their tracks.
Undaunted by setback
They have never been overcome by its debilitating effect on their lives. Christopher and Dana's poise and determination are amazing.
Talking with Dana, I found she is, indeed, as poised and determined as she seems. Her demeanor is absolutely unassuming, yet her self-confidence comes through with every word. There is a sense, in talking with her, that she knows she is doing what she is supposed to be doing -- her purpose is being fulfilled.
"I had a privileged childhood," she shares. "It is hard to be grateful on a daily basis when you have everything."
"That is one of the hidden gifts," she says, referring to Christopher's tragedy. "You become intensely grateful every day for what you have."
"I would never have wished for this to happen -- to me or anybody," Dana says solemnly. "But I have learned so much and we have been able to help so many people."
Dana believes that another hidden gift has been the lessons Christopher's accident have taught their son.
"One of the greatest tools to give our children is how to deal with life's inevitable hardships," Dana believes.
"Instead of being threatened by the world around us, children learn that they can enjoy a life that's meaningful and happy even when things happen."
Speaking specifically of her son's experience, Dana says, "My child has learned that his father still has tremendous dignity and a powerful presence. That's one of the hidden gifts, the depth that one's character accumulates."
Love is evident
Every time Dana speaks of her husband, there is a lilt to her voice, like a school girl with a crush. She is madly in love with this man.
"He is the one I go to for everything," she says.
Christopher and Dana dated for five years before they were married.
"I was fresh out of graduate school," Dana explains. "He had already had a life. He had two children and had done several movies. I looked up to him. Our relationship was not equal."
After four years of dating, their relationship underwent a dramatic change.
"I was quite convinced," Dana says of her love for Chris.
"But I determined, if not him, then somebody," she says, adding she knew it would take time to recover after Superman.
"I grew up with two, happily married parents," Dana explains. "Chris had a totally different experience. He never thought he would be capable of that kind of a relationship."
"It was a very profound experience for him," Dana shares of their decision to marry. "It was a great leap of faith in terms of commitment for him."
Before they said their vows, the couple determined it was for a lifetime.
"It's you. It's me. It's us together, forever," Dana remembers saying.
Three years later, Christopher pummeled head-first from a horse.
"He is a man of great character," Dana says, with the lilt in her voice. "I always knew that. Since his accident, he proves it every day."
"He has grace, generosity and dignity," this loving wife shares. "He was never a man of great patience. He is hugely patient now."
Indeed, Christopher has dealt with his tragedy like Superman.
"People say that all the time," Dana laughs. "He can handle paralysis better than he can handle a cold. He becomes a big baby."
As our conversation comes to a close, I asked Dana if she has any dream expectations for Chris.
"I don't," she answers with her usual confidence. "I want what he wants for himself. I don't want it for me. If he never improved, I will still be happy."
"What does he want for himself?" I ask.
"He has a great longing for more movement," Dana shares. "That makes him impatient."
Hesitantly, I ask, "Does he believe he will walk again?"
"Absolutely," Dana says.
gwhite@vindy.com