Although there have been many influences in my life, including family
             members, friends, as well as literary figures, that have all helped to
             shape my character and values, the one that comes to mind the most is my
             first hero as a child, Superman. To me, he was the epitome of super-hero.
             He was tall, handsome, strong, courageous, and possessed super strength and
             x-ray vision. However, more importantly, he was just.
             I knew that an actor played Superman in the movies, and therefore I
             was not so nave as to confuse the character of Superman with the actor,
             Christopher Reeve. I worshiped Superman' and never gave a second thought
             about the actor. When the news of Mr. Reeve's accident hit the media, I
             was saddened, but nevertheless, still did not give much thought to the man.
             I know it sounds selfish and shallow, but what I remember most is being
             disappointed because there would be no more "Superman" movies. And as news
             spread of his condition, I remember thinking it would be better for him to
             die than to have to live paralyzed for the rest of his life. After all,
             what a burden, not only for Mr. Reeve, but for his wife and children,
             family and friends. What good could possible come of this if he lived.
             Yes, death seemed much more compassionate and practical.
             Well, was I ever wrong! Christopher Reeve became Superman right
             before my eyes, before the entire world. It would have been so very easy
             for him to give up and hide away from the world. After a while, most
             people would have forgotten him and whenever his name was mentioned would
             probably say something like, "Oh, yeah, he fell off a horse and died,
             didn't he'" But Mr. Reeve didn't give up and he didn't hide. He faced the
             outside world and invited it to join him on his journey, a journey filled
             with pain and tears, triumph and hope.
             Although I never met the man and confess that I have not taken the
             ...