This year I discovered the TV comedy The Big Bang Theory – and was saddened recently to realize that the

show’s Inspiration, British scientist Stephen Hawking had died in March at the age of 76.  I first learned

about his genius by reading his bestseller “ A Brief History of Time”  when it came out in 1988 and later

saw  the film “The Theory of Everything” in 2014.

 

Hawking was one of the world’s best-known scientists, with a talent for bringing

complex  theoretical  physics to the general public.  Hawking also was as recognized for

his wheelchair and synthetic speaking voice as for his work in the sciences.   Diagnosed with

amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease at 21, he achieved greatness

even while his condition eventually all but paralyzed him.  He also married twice and had three devoted

children.

 

Hawking was one of the figures who constantly reminded me that I had no excuses for not  realizing my

own dreams.  As we celebrate the holidays and make our resolutions for 2019, it’s always good to

remember  our challenges only make us stronger.  Dream big.