Numerous accounts exist of children who have grown up to resemble their famous parents.
A number of famous children make us gasp in disbelief when we look at them, including the twin daughters of Michael J. Fox, the teenage daughter of Julia Roberts who looks just like her, and even the grandson of Elvis Presley.
Will, the 29-year-old son of Christopher Reeve, is striving to carry on his father’s inspirational legacy in addition to being a near-perfect replica of his father.
Sadly, at the age of thirteen, Christopher Reeve’s youngest son had to cope with the loss of both of his parents.
A scene from the 1978 movie “Superman,” starring Christopher Reeve as Superman. (Photo via Getty Images))
How does a hero appear?
Growing up in the late 1970s and early 1980s, Christopher Reeve was a hero to millions of people.
When the DC comic book character Superman first appeared on television in 1978, he won a BAFTA for Most Promising Male Newcomer.
Superman II, Superman III, and Superman IV: The Quest for Peace are the three further superhero films in which the endearing and attractive actor starred.
We will always remember the well-known superhero that goes by his name.
But in addition to being an actor, Christopher Reeve (born in New York in 1952) was also a screenwriter, producer, director of films, campaigner, and horseback rider.
Accident involving Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve’s life would forever alter on May 27, 1995.
The well-liked actor suffered a spinal cord injury after falling off his horse Buck at an equestrian competition in Culpeper, Virginia.
The Hollywood actor became wheelchair-bound and paralyzed from the neck down, shocking millions of fans and his family.
Christopher’s mother pleaded with the medical staff to discontinue his mechanical ventilation and allow him pass away, according to the actor’s foundation.
The actor would have died instantly if he had fallen one centimeter farther to the left, according to information subsequently disclosed by the New York Times. In contrast, Christopher would have most likely only sustained a concussion if he had landed slightly to the right.
Christopher became quadriplegic while he was just 42 years old. For the remainder of his life, he needed a portable ventilator and was confined to a wheelchair.
Physicians promptly announced that there was little chance of recovery, telling Reeve in particular that it would be “impossible” for him to regain any movement.
In the early days of his hospital stay, Christopher Reeve was incoherent and highly drugged. He was going through hell. He believed his life had been ruined after learning the terrible diagnosis from the doctor.
In an attempt to spare his family from further hardship, he suggested to his wife Dana Morosini that they might as well end the relationship.
“I will support whatever you want to do because this is your life and your decision,” she said, her eyes welling with sorrow. But I want you to know that no matter what, I’ll be by your side for the entire journey. You remain who you are. I also adore you.
Reeve had the option to give up, but he chose to dedicate himself to activism and founded the Christopher Reeve Foundation with his loving wife Dana. Later on, the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation became its new name.
Additionally, the pair co-founded the Reeve-Irvine Research Center, which advocates for stem cell research and patients of spinal cord injuries.
To ensure his son had a happy childhood, Christopher Reeve also made the decision to do everything in his power.
In a 2016 interview with PEOPLE, Will talked candidly about his incredible upbringing, which he described as “completely typical.”
Will recalled them with affection, saying, “They were the ones who told me to go to bed, eat my broccoli, and turn off the TV.” “It was a totally normal childhood, but I understand that not every child experiences seeing their dad on the magazine at the checkout aisle when they go to the grocery store.”
Will also recalled the day his father showed him how to use a wheelchair to ride a bike. “I didn’t think it would succeed. “I’m scared, but I can hear my dad saying, ‘Steady, steady, left, right, left, right,’” he remarked. “By the third lap, I’m grinning and waving at my dad, and he’s grinning, too.” That had great meaning for him. I would race in a wheelchair later on. He would permit me to triumph.
Regretfully, just as they were reassembling everything, Will’s father passed away.
Death of Christopher Reeve
Christopher Reeve has numerous health issues even as a small child. His breathing was hampered by allergies and asthma.
He also discovered at the age of sixteen that he had alopecia areata, which was the reason of his hair loss. During his acting career, Christopher managed to manage the condition; nevertheless, upon becoming disabled, he made the decision to completely cut off all of his hair.
Christopher had multiple infections treated in the early 2000s. He was receiving treatment for an infected pressure ulcer that was resulting in sepsis in October 2004. While he was watching his son Will play hockey on October 9, Christopher had a heart attack that same evening as a result of receiving medication for his sickness.
The physicians were at a loss for what to do once he went into a coma.
At 52 years old, Christopher Reeve passed away on October 10, 2004.
Reeve’s death was attributed to a medication response, according to both Mrs. Dana and the doctors.
At Hartsdale, New York’s Ferncliff Cemetery, his corpse was cremated, and his ashes were dispersed.
Death of the wife
Despite never having smoked, Dana, Christopher’s spouse and caretaker, was also diagnosed with lung cancer only ten months after her husband’s passing. But in the early years of her career, Dana used to sing and perform in smokey pubs and hotel lobbies, claims Christopher P. Andersen.
On April 11, 1992, American singer and actress Dana wed actor Christopher Reeve in Williamstown, Massachusetts.
Dana, 44, passed away on March 6, 2006, following several months of fighting a malignant lung malignancy.
Willard Reeve
William Elliot “Will” Reeve, the son of Christopher and Dana, was born on June 7, 1992. Regretfully, Will was abandoned as an orphan when he was just 13 years old.
Nevertheless, Will has grown up to resemble his father, even though he has mostly avoided the spotlight up to this point.
After completing his schooling, Will is pursuing a successful career in the sports press profession.
Will, who is now 29 years old and has been handsomely bequeathed by his father, looks just like him more than ten years later.
However, what really stands out about this young man is that he is carrying on the excellent work that his parents began.
Despite the possibility of a downward spiral or mental instability following such a traumatic experience at such a young age, Will was able to avoid going down this path because of his strong moral principles and the support of his parents.
“A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles,” my father once said. I use this quote often to honor his legacy and instill his timeless spirit in a new generation,” he added in a Daily Mail article.
Will told his parents he would succeed in his career and now contributes to ESPN’s SportsCenter. He and his father both enjoy sports.
After serving as a production assistant and intern at “Good Morning America” while attending Middlebury College, he was hired.
He carries on the job his parents began, searching for novel treatments and spearheading the foundation’s fundraising efforts for additional technological advancements that will benefit individuals with spinal injuries.
In an interview with CBS News in 2018, Will discussed a letter he had written to himself following the death of his parents.
“I have both bad and good news to share. I’ll start with the negative because, no matter what, you always need to be aware of the full picture. And no, it won’t change. You’re at the lowest moment in your life, which is the bad news. You’ve just said your last goodbye to Mom and you’re in a hospital room in New York City,” he wrote. “You’re thirteen years old.” She is forty-four. carcinoma of the lung. Never indulged in smoking. Gone, like Dad, who passed away a year and a half ago, when you were at your lowest point. You’ve reached a new low, where you feel scared, perplexed, and incredibly depressed. However! The good news is that this is the bottom. You’re heading straight up, which is the only direction there is.
How motivating is Will Reeve, a young man?
Even though he lost both of his parents when he was quite young, he honors their memories every day with his accomplishments and attitude.
I’m sure his parents were quite proud of the progress this young man has made. He truly is an inspiration.
Son Talks to Mom Only on Video Call for 7 Years, Sees Deserted House When He Finally Visits – Story of the Day
A woman finally got a good job when her son left for college and paid for everything he needed since then. Seven years passed, and they only talked through a screen, but one day, he returned and couldn’t believe what had happened.
“Chris, don’t worry about anything. I’m paying for as much as I can. Whatever you need, call me,” Olive told her son at the train station. He was on his way to New York for college, and she had finally landed a well-paying job.
However, for most of his life until then, she couldn’t afford much. His presents were always second-hand, as she raised him alone and studied at night. He never lacked food or shelter, but Olive always felt guilty for not being able to give him the things his friends had.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
She finally got a decent salary and was ready to give him anything he wanted.
“Thank you, Mom,” Chris said, hugged her, and got on the train.
He knocked on the door. No response. He looked through the window and couldn’t believe it. There was nothing inside.
***
“Mrs. Franklin, you should come to visit! I’m so huge now!” Chris’ fiancée, Rosalie, told her through the computer screen.
Chris had met her during his junior year, and they were both about to graduate. However, Rosalie found out she was pregnant, and they got engaged. Sadly, Olive had yet to meet her in person because they were both studying so hard, and Rosalie couldn’t travel much in her condition.
Meanwhile, Olive couldn’t visit either because she was working extra hard. Over the years, she took on more and more hours at work despite her excellent salary because she was paying for Chris’ college, his housing, his expenses, and her own. However, she lived as frugally as possible.
“Soon, Rosalie! I hope to meet you soon. When I get a free moment,” Olive nodded, and finally, Chris appeared on the screen. He told Rosalie he needed to talk to his mother, and she left the room.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Mom, I wanted to ask you something,” Chris started, scratching the back of his head. “Since Rosalie and I are going to graduate soon and have a baby, I was wondering if you could help me with a house. We looked at one already. It’s in New Jersey because there’s no way we could live in the city, but it’s beautiful. It reminds me of home.”
Olive stared at her son for a while and thought hard. “Well, I… don’t know,” she muttered, thinking about her savings and hard work. She was finally planning for retirement.
“Please,” Chris begged and talked about the house cost and how much they would need for a down payment. He also said that Rosalie didn’t have anything because she had no family to help out.
“Ok, Chris, ok. I think we can work something out,” Olive finally said. She would have to deplete her entire savings and, maybe, live even more frugally. But it was possible.
“Thank you! Thank you, Mom! I don’t know what I would do without you!” Chris said, almost crying on the video call, and Olive smiled, knowing it was all worth it.
***
“I wish you guys could come this Christmas,” Olive commented in front of her computer, as she did many times over the years. Her son had left her house seven years ago and had not returned to his Maryland hometown. All they did was video chat. She was missing her granddaughter’s life and hated it. But everyone was busy.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
Olive worked now more than ever because she still helped her son often and had depleted her savings a second time when he wanted to start a business. She never asked him for anything in return but wished they would at least visit, as she couldn’t.
“We can’t, Mom. Not this year,” Chris said, shaking his head. “But thank you for the gifts you already sent Mallory. She loves them. You’re an amazing grandma.”
“Put her on the screen,” Olive requested gently and watched her granddaughter longing to hold her in her arms.
***
Olive didn’t know that Chris was finally planning to visit her. He couldn’t buy plane tickets for Rosalie and Mallory to come with him, but he was finally happy to see his mother.
However, his taxi stopped in front of his house, and Chris frowned. It was 9 p.m., and the lights were completely out. Chris told his cad driver to wait for a second and got out. The porch furniture was gone. The plants her mother loved were also missing. The garden was overgrown, and even the welcome mat was absent.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
He knocked on the door. No response. He looked through the window and couldn’t believe it. There was nothing inside. Did Mom move? Why didn’t she tell me? he wondered, concerned.
“Chris? Is that you?” a female voice asked.
He turned around and saw Mrs. Torres, an old woman who had lived next door to them all his life. “Mrs. Torres. Hi, there!”
“What are you doing here, kid?” she asked.
“I’m here to see Mom. Do you know where she is?” he asked, frowning.
“Oh, dear. Your mother moved away about two years ago. She sold that house, but the new owners moved just a few weeks ago. I don’t know who’ll be moving in now,” Mrs. Torres said, her forehead wrinkling as she rambled on.
“She never told me,” Chris muttered. “Do you know where she is?”
“Sure, I have her address written. Come with me,” Mrs. Torres went to her house and gave him a piece of paper.
Chris read the address and frowned. The address pointed to a side of town that wasn’t too nice. “Do you know why she moved there?” he asked the older woman.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“No, honey. But I know she has a roommate now,” Mrs. Torres shrugged, and Chris was even more baffled.
He finally got back in his taxi and gave him the new address. He reached an apartment complex with run-down paintwork on a poorly lit street. It was terrible. Also, he quickly entered the building and went up easily because there was no security.
“Chris? What are you doing here?” Olive asked, shocked when she answered the door.
“Mom! What is going on? Why did you sell the house?” Chris questioned, dismayed and bewildered.
“Oh, Chris. Come in,” she sighed and ushered her son into her tiny living room.
Olive explained that the first time he asked her for money for the house, she had some savings and depleted him to buy them the house. However, when Chris asked her for money for his business, she had not saved anything and decided to sell her house and give him almost all the profit.
Chris was shocked by this news and the fact that he had been so oblivious. So careless. Such a lousy son. “Why didn’t you say anything? Mom! I wouldn’t have taken that money if I’d known,” he muttered, breathless.
“But I wanted you to succeed, sweetie. I failed to give you so much when you were younger, I just didn’t…” she tried to explain, but Chris cut her off.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
“Mom, you gave me everything I ever needed. I only asked because I thought you had it. I shouldn’t have asked. I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry for not asking about you. I’m sorry for not visiting. I’m so sorry you have to live in this part of town and with a roommate at your age, for God’s sake!” Chris apologized, frustrated tears coming out of his eyes.
Olive teared up as well and hugged her son dearly while Chris made her so many promises. He called Rosalie that night, explained everything, and they both agreed that it was time to move Olive closer to them. Luckily, she got a new job in New Jersey quickly.
Eventually, they built an in-law suite for her so that Olive wouldn’t miss another second of her granddaughter’s life. And slowly but surely, Chris repaid his mother for every penny she had given him for the house and business – which took off exponentially and allowed them to live comfortably. But most of all, Chris never allowed Olive to sacrifice anything else again.
What can we learn from this story?
- Visit and talk to your parents as much as possible, especially those who give you everything unconditionally. Not everyone is lucky enough to have a mother like Olive, and Chris should’ve checked on her more often.
- Don’t feel guilty if you can’t buy your kids the same as other parents. All they need is your love. Children don’t need fancy new sneakers or the latest games. All they need is your support and love.
Share this story with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.
If you enjoyed this story, you might like this one about a man who quit his job to take his mom from a nursing home and doesn’t find her there.
This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone’s life.
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