Ryan Reynolds wrote a tribute to Michael J. Fox that will bring a tear to your eye.

“I know Michael J. Fox. Like, I know him pretty d*mn well,” Reynolds began. “He’s funny. He’s warm. He’s handsome and intensely smart. He also falls a lot. Not just because he has Parkinson’s. He falls a lot because he’s unafraid to fly.”

Reynolds revealed he “met Mike 17 years ago.” And he’s “watched him raise the bar for purpose and passion,” adding that it would be “lazy” of him to characterize Fox “as the greatest champion of Parkinson’s research on the planet. He’s someone who helped my dad, along with millions of others, feel less alone.”

“It’d be kinda lazy to simply regard him as a movie star who shaped the lives of people all over the planet with a uniquely electric wit and self-aware charm. He’s the sum of these beautiful parts. And so many more.”

As Reynolds continued, he reminisced about watching Back to the Future with his 8-year-old daughter. “It’s become her favourite film. And for now, that’s enough for me—and her. One more kid from one more generation sees what I saw.”

His daughter, Reynolds admits, has no idea that he’s friends with the star of her favorite movie. But shares that if Fox has taught him anything about being a parent it’s that he should teach his daughters “the level of compassion Mike has mastered. Or teach her to tell stories the way Mike tells stories. I need to teach her that it’s OK to fall a lot. It’s the absolute best way to know you’re flying.”

One year ago, Michael J. Fox opened up about living with Parkinson’s Disease. In an interview with CBS Sunday Morning, Fox revealed that life “is getting tougher. Every day it’s tougher.”

Now, Fox believes he can see his future. And he admits he doesn’t think he will I’ve to see his 80th year.

Michael J. Fox Admits Life Is Getting ‘Tougher’ With Parkinson’s