#RIPStephenHawking: "There were four of us in this marriage". A heartbroken true love story

Stephen Hawking, legendary theoretical physicist and cosmologist Stephen Hawking, sadly passed away at age 76 on March 14, 2018. The world renowned scientist breathed his last when he was surrounded by his family and friends at his home in Cambridge, England. His three kids, Lucy, Robert and Tim, released an official statement which read, “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. His courage and persistence with 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."

Stephen Hawking was a great inspiration whose work in black holes and relativity stood the test of time. Known for unravelling the mysteries of space it was his Theory of Everything: the universe evolves according to well-defined laws, which he will most be remembered for.

Mr. Hawking’s life needless to say was showcased on the silver silver in the movie, “The Theory of Everything”, 2014. It starred Eddie Redmayne who bagged an Oscar and a BAFTA for his brilliant and true to life portrayal of the late scientist. Felicity Jones also starred in the movie and played the role of Stephen’s first wife, Jane Hawking. The movie revealed the bitter sweet relationship that the two shared in a marriage that lasted for over 30 years and how they tackled every turbulent phase in their lives together. With the passing of this talented man, let us throw light on his beautiful love story with Jane which was weaved with magic, trust and even the end of this beautiful story just further instills our faith in pure love.

How it all began..

Their love story dates back to when they were really young. Stephen met the love of his life when he began his degree program at Cambridge. Hawking’s parents were both from the science background and thus he was always inclined toward math and science. His passion of science landed him in Oxford to study physics at the tender age of 17. Post Oxford he enrolled into Cambridge to begin his doctorate. It was at a New Year’s party that he met Jane Wilde who was a friend of one of his sisters. Jane was a literature student and was a perfect balance to Stephen’s wit and extremely rational nature. The two started to fall in love with each other..as an extremely sad news awaited them.  

Fighting through the disease..

The signs of his dangerous disease started surfacing in his last year of Oxford, when he tumbled down a flight of stairs and really struggled getting back on his feet. He tried hiding his increasing physical problems from his friends and family but eventually it was established that he really needed help. Post all his tests it was finally established that Hawking was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS (the fundraising ice bucket challenge was based on this disease) His doctors had informed him that he wouldn't survive for more than three and that he should be mentally prepared. A true love story is always carried out on the shoulder of a strong partner. Jane refused to succumb to Hawking’s illness and decided to ‘challenge the future’ by sticking together. Jane really wanted to marry Stephen and build a future with him and this only helped and motivated him further who worked hard towards obtaining his Ph.D

Marriage and life post it..

The two got married in July 1965 and the following year, Hawking’s received his doctorate. The young couple, built a home together, gave birth to kids in quick succession and just LIVED the time they had together to the fullest. The love and optimism surely triumphed with Hawking’s actually, “defying” the disease by 1969 and outlived what the doctors had predicted, although he became wheelchair bound.

Difficulties..

Jane was over the moon when she got to know about her husband’s life’s longevity; however, since he did not want outside help, he became extremely dependant on her. With growing children and a wheelchair bound husband, life became extremely difficult for the two. In 1975, student reached out to Jane to help her in taking care of Hawking in exchange for free accomodation in their house. Around this time, the great scientist and Big Bang Theory’s, Sheldon Cooper’s biggest inspiration, could no longer write and his speech became unrecognizable.

A black hole of another kind..

Jane had once said, “The truth was, there were four partners in our marriage,” says Jane. “Stephen and me, motor neurone disease and physics. If you took out motor neurone disease, you are still left with physics. Mrs Einstein, you know, cited physics as a difference for her divorce ...” his ailing disease continued to cause a rift between the two as with each passing day, Jane was feeling worn out but she still hoped for the best and that things will get better with time. In 1985, Hawking was struck with Pneumonia and was put on life support, while everyone asked her to disconnect the life support and let him die but she blatantly refused.  He recovered, however, he needed a 24 hour nursing support. With Stephen reaching new heights, jane started feeling that “her marriage was engulfed and swept away with fame and fortune”. Even their opinions over religion differed as Hawking was an atheist and Jane had strong Catholic beliefs.

End of a 30 year old marriage..

The marriage soon crumbled down when Stephen fell for his nurse Elaine Mason and Jane married her choirmaster and friend, Jonathan Hellyer Jones. While Jane found a new and love filled home, Hawking’s marriage trickled down post the allegations of abuse which led to a divorce.

Jane went on to write two books and it was her second book, Travelling to Infinity: My life with Stephen which became a backbone to the movie, The Theory of Everything (2014). Stephen and Jane reconciled their differences and came down on a smooth ground where the theoretical physicist also accepted that he “was never able to understand the strain it put on Jane”. Well, now that he rest in peace, only the good that he created for the World and the love that he shared, lives on.

Rest in Peace, Mr. Hawkin!