When Stephen Hawking died last week there were tributes from every corner of the earth. Visionary, Genius, one of our Brightest Stars ,reverence, and accolades that go on and on. Most of us know (although we may not fully understand) some of the scientific discoveries and theories that came from this unique intellect. 

In a statement his children, Lucy, Robert and Tim, said: "We are deeply saddened that our beloved father passed away today.
"He was a great scientist and an extraordinary man whose work and legacy will live on for many years."
They praised his "courage and persistence" and said his "brilliance and humour" inspired people across the world.
"He once said, 'It would not be much of a universe if it wasn't home to the people you love.' We will miss him forever."

Alan Burdock wrote in The New Yorker: "For five decades, he used an electric wheelchair and, as the years progressed, had an ever-shrinking range of motion. Toward the end, only the twitch of a cheek muscle, processed through a computer interface with a digital voice, provided an outlet for the churning, often playful mind inside. To the eye alone, he was a rumpled suit on wheels, fathoming the unfathomable."

These are the two things I keep thinking about Stephen Hawking - that twinkle in his eye that revealed the humor we know so well and his ability to continue to do what he could as long as he could  participating in life to his fullest. 

Dr. Hawking said, “I accept that there are some things I can’t do. But they are mostly things I don’t particularly want to do anyway.”

This is a lovely lesson for us all. Engage in life with gusto with the part of you that works best! 

None of us know what cards we will be dealt, The one measure of control we have is how we respond to what comes our way.  

Miles O'Brien, the journalist, who  lost his arm in an accident,  sent out a tweet that struck me as the most fitting final tribute. 

Thank You Indeed!!