Reeve Foundation Paralysis Community

In Montana at Memorial Day, the lilacs are in bloom. As I go out on my training walks, the fragrance follows me, bringing me back in my mind's eye to the many Memorial Days I have spent remembering loved ones who now wait on the other side. This year, there are three new folks waiting for me, three people I did not have the honor to meet in this life, but know I will in the next. When I walk, they are always in my mind. When my energy flags, they pick me up and help me fly. These people? Well, Christopher and Dana Reeve are two of them. Knowing that this weekend is an anniversary of the injury that changed their lives makes Memorial Day even more poignant.

The third person I speak of is a new-comer to Heaven. Bob Heinle was a Missoula police officer who was shot and paralyzed by a petty thief. Bob lived many years in his wheelchair, and unexpectedly and tragically died this past February. The day of his funeral, I decided to devote myself to raising money for the Reeve Foundation by training to walk in the Missoula Marathon. My blog on which I chronicle my progress is at http://run4spinalresearch.wordpress.com I would feel honored and humbled if you would take the time to visit it.

This Memorial Day Weekend I will be walking. My walking partners are visible to me, though not to others. In my mind's eye I walk with Superman, Dana, and Bob.

Hi, Kimberly!

Thank you for such a awarm and thoughtful post! You struck just the right tone for Memorial Day.

 I wish you luck in your marathon!

I will visit your blog shortly!

Donna

Thank you, Donna! I am so happy and proud to be a part of Team Reeve. Each day and each walk I take ties me to real heroes... I wear that shirt with true pride.