Matthew, Alexandra, and Will Reeve opened up about the resilience of their family, the unwavering support of their stepmother Dana, and how they navigated the loss of both parents at a young age. Their story, a testament to love's enduring power, coincides with the release of the documentary 'Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story.'
- Christopher Reeve is in the spotlight again
- A new documentary is being released
- THESE were his kids' words to him after paralysis
A Family's Strength Tested
The world knew him as Superman, but to Matthew, Alexandra, and Will Reeve, he was simply Dad. In a touching interview with Diane Sawyer, the Reeve siblings shared their heartfelt memories of their father, Christopher Reeve, and the life-changing moment that tested their family's strength.
Alexandra, 40, recalled how stepmother Dana Reeve briefed the kids before taking them in to see Christopher, explaining that she "walked us down and she said, 'It's gonna look really scary, but he's still there. Just talk to him. Ignore everything else. Just talk to him.' "
"She said, 'You can hold his hand.' And it has machines on it, you know, and you're reaching and holding his fingers," she continued.
The accident in 1995 that left Christopher paralyzed could have shattered their spirits, but the Reeve family's resilience was nothing short of heroic. Alexandra vividly remembers how their stepmother, Dana Reeve, prepared them to see their father for the first time after the accident.
Matthew's first words to his father were a beacon of hope: "I love you. We're here." These words encapsulated the family's unwavering support for Christopher during his most challenging times.
A Legacy of Love and Support
Will, the youngest, was barely three years old when the accident occurred. Yet, his memories of being close to his father, touching him, and even helping with his physical therapy, highlight a childhood marked by extraordinary circumstances but grounded in love.
The loss of Christopher Reeve in 2004, followed by Dana's passing 17 months later, left the siblings without their parents at a young age. Yet, the support they received from their community, family, and friends was a testament to the impact the Reeves had on those around them. Will's move to live with neighbors, a decision that could have felt like an upheaval, instead became "an unlikely, amazing experience," thanks to the collective support of the community.
As Will said Monday on 'GMA', "I think in an effort to make sure that I wasn't terrified of my dad permanently, my mom made sure that I was involved as was reasonable."
"That included always being near him and touching him and helping lift his legs to range him, which is important for someone with a spinal-cord injury," explained the ABC News correspondent.
As the documentary 'Super/Man: The Christopher Reeve Story' hits select theaters, the Reeve siblings' interview serves as a powerful reminder of their father's legacy. Not just as a superhero on screen, but as a fighter, a loving father, and a man who, despite the odds, never lost his spirit.
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The Reeves' story is not just about overcoming adversity but about the power of love, family, and community support. It's a narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced challenges and found strength in unity.
