Dreaming and Disability

Christopher Reeve is most known for his role as Superman.  In many ways, he was Superman.  Christopher Reeve accomplished a great deal in his shortened life.  He was an actor, director, producer, screenwriter, author and an activist for people with spinal cord injuries.

At the age of 43, Christopher Reeve was permanently paralyzed when he fell off his horse.  After his accident, he became a prominent activist for others with spinal cord injuries. Christopher Reeve continued to act and direct after his accident.  Christopher Reeve and his wife, Dana, started the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. The foundation provides information, support and research for individuals with spinal cord injuries.

Still Me: With a New Afterword for this Edition

By Christopher Reeve

Sadly, Christopher Reeve passed away on October 10, 2004 at the age of 52.  It is believed that the cause of his death was due to a reaction to an antibiotic given to him for an ulcerated pressure sore.  Less than a year later, Dana Reeve was diagnosed with lung cancer.  She passed away on March 6, 2006 at the age of 44.  The important work they accomplished in their short lives continues to impact so many through The Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation. 

I’ve still never had a dream that I’m disabled. Never.  ~Christopher Reeve

When I read this quote it really struck home for me.  Even though I’m still somewhat disabled in my dreams, I am not using a wheelchair.  I am usually walking with a mobility device or with a limp.  However, I am always walking in my dreams.  I can never remember having a dream where I was using a wheelchair.

In my dreams, I walk

Outside of my blog, I rarely talk about my cerebral palsy with others.  Even as a child, I don’t remember thinking I was different.  I think this is because subconsciously I see myself as more than just a statistic and a person with limitations. I’ve always viewed myself and others simply as the person they are and not by their abilities or disabilities.

Quite honestly, I think we all have a little bit of Superman in us.  We all have our super powers and we all have our kryptonite.  My kryptonite is not necessarily my cerebral palsy.  I think my kryptonite is my shyness.  My superpower is my positive outlook and my acceptance of who I am.  That allows me to see past the limitations of others.  It allows me as a writer to share my message to keep rollin’ and smilin’ through the hard times.

Some may wonder why I and others with physical disabilities dream “outside our disability”.  I really don’t have an answer for that.  However, I do have several theories.  Maybe it is because I don’t see other people’s limitations, so why would I see my limitations in my dreams?  In my dreams, my kryptonite, my CP and shyness, disappear.

My other theory is that my belief in the advances in technology and medicine is reflected in my dreams.  Advances in technology have provided greater independence and freedom to many with physical disabilities. I believe whole heartedly in the magic of science, medicine and technology.  I have hope that sometime in my life, I will be able to walk.  If that day never comes and I am a wheelchair user for the rest of my life, I’m okay with that too. I’ve always believed that no matter what happens, as long as I’m able to live a happy, healthy, productive life, I am a success story!  In the meantime, my dreams show me what life will be like outside my disability and shyness.

How do you see yourself in your dreams?

Until next time, Keep Rollin’ and Keep Smilin’

Resources: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Christopher_Reeve

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