Theory of Everything

Yesterday, my girlfriends and I saw the movie, "Theory of Everything". It's a movie about the relationship between the physicist, Dr. Stephen Hawking and his wife.

Before watching the movie, I didn't know much about Stephen Hawking. I've just heard his name in science classes that I took in high school and university. And after watching the movie, I still don't know a lot about Dr. Hawking. But I do have a new appreciation for the time, love and commitment it takes to care for someone with Lou Gehrig's disease.

According to the ALS Association, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), often referred to as "Lou Gehrig's Disease," is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Basically, your motor neurons, which reach from the brain to the spinal cord and the spinal cord throughout the body, degenerate, and you lose your voluntary muscle action, causing you to eventually become totally paralyzed.

This movie definitely shows the stages of ALS in a human being, and its affect on a relationship between husband and wife. Caring for anyone, with whatever illness they have, is life changing. You truly need to be selfless to care for someone you love, who is unable to care for themselves. This movie showcased the highs and lows of being a caregiver, both positive and negative.

Though I didn't really know what to expect before watching it, I do know I was truly touched by both Stephen and Jane Hawking, and their life together. I laughed and cried throughout the movie, but I think, more importantly, reflected on all the people and their families who deal with the realities of living with ALS. My thoughts, prayers and sincere admiration go out to each and every one of them.