Care Packages: Letters to Christopher Reeve from Strangers and Other Friends

“This book is a thank-you letter. A long overdue reply to all of the people who, during one of the most difficult and painful periods my family has had to endure, took time and wrote to us; faxed us; phoned or visited us; prayed for us; joined hands for us; sent us flowers, gifts, white light, religious tokens and talismans, books, tapes, drawings, funny stories and jokes that made us laugh, tales of overcoming hardship that inspired us and gave us hope. . . .”

When Christopher Reeve was paralyzed in a riding accident on May 27, 1995, letters poured in from around the world, some addressed only to “Superman, USA.” It was an astonishing demonstration of sympathy and support for a man who had become an American icon. In Care Packages , Dana Reeve, Christopher’s wife, has collected some of the most unforgettable letters and gifts that her family received. There are thoughts and prayers from Hollywood’s greatest stars, like Katharine Hepburn (“Golly. What a mess. Call me.”) and Robert De Niro, politicians and presidents, and, of course, the everyday heroes who have prevailed in the face of nearly overwhelming adversity to lead rich and fulfilling lives. These letters are inspiring, funny, surprising, and always deeply touching. Some writers offer advice (listen to jazz, try LSD psychotherapy, get a cat), while others simply tell their own stories in a beautiful gesture of hope and community. And sometimes the youngest fans say it best (“I’m sorry that you fell off your horse. Let’s hope it won’t happen again”; “i broke my neck….im ok now. i hope you will be too”). But Care Packages is not only about the “strangers and other friends” who have had such a profound effect on the Reeves. With an introduction to each chapter by Dana Reeve, it is also the story of a marriage and a family facing the ultimate test–from the fear of the emergency room to the long, hard days of rehab to the bittersweet moments of a wedding anniversary–and reaffirming their commitment in a thousand new ways.