One of the aspects of Stephen Hawking’s life that leapt out from the pages of his wife Jane’s original autobiography was that he (and his intellectually snobbish family) scoffed rather heartlessly at Jane’s Christian faith. Yet Jane lived out her faith values by loving and caring for her husband as his health declined. They had children, but divorce eventually occurred, and Prof Hawking married his nurse, a younger woman. This second marriage was also dissolved, and at the end of his life – a heroic one, for sure – Jane and their children remained loyal to him. She said she never regretted the marriage for a moment, showing perfect grace. Hawking measured everything by the material world, so he wouldn’t perhaps be on the wavelength of faith. Yet it could still be said that the Lord gave Hawking a great purpose. Yes, there were the amazing accomplishments in physics and cosmology, but there was also the shining example that he represented to disabled people everywhere. By his living witness, he demonstrated that a person can be seriously disabled – even to the point where he loses his own voice – and yet deserve every respect, and be given every opportunity of fulfilment. People who need wheelchairs, or are disabled in other ways, have always had many obstacles to overcome – and the greatest obstacle has often been other people’s attitudes, be it of prejudice or condescension. By his accomplishments – and celebrity – Hawking was their champion. One of his axioms was “Never give up!” – a source of encouragement and affirmation of the gift of life. No doubt it played some part in his reaching the age of 74, when he was predicted to die aged 21. ........ I have had a heartfelt letter from a father which I would like to share (with his permission). What advice might he be given? “My lovely, pretty 30-year-old daughter cannot seem to find a partner. She is clever and witty (which some insecure men seem threatened by) as well as kind. She is well educated and well travelled, having been brought up in England, Ireland and in continental Europe. “She was brought up Catholic, although like many young people, has lapsed. I suspect she will come back to the Church at some point and therefore think that a Catholic man or at least a Christian would suit her. She doesn’t smoke or take drugs and only drinks in moderation. All in all, she is great company. “The internet dating scene mostly seems to throw up conceited, arrogant men who have little in the way of moral standards. What she seeks is someone intelligent, kind and loyal. I therefore wonder if I should pay for her to go to a respected introduction agency, but not sure where to start on this route.” Do readers have any recommendations about where to meet, these days, a nice, eligible man who seeks a young woman such as described by her devoted father? Any responses (via editorial@catholicherald.co.uk) appreciated! ........ The Treasury has launched a consultation about whether the 1p and 2p coins should be abolished, although the Government has already decided not to favour the coins’ abolition. Financial experts tend to think they’re pointless and more trouble than they are worth. But such experts look at costs and utility, and dismiss symbolism. That the humble penny has a history (a Catholic church in Salford is described as “built with the pennies of the Irish poor”) and many linguistic allusions have relevant significance. “Light a penny candle”, “a penny for your thoughts”, “in for a penny, in for a pound”, “a penny saved is a penny earned”, “penny wise, pound foolish”; and that nice euphemism for visiting the toilet, “to spend a penny” (once the cost of entry to a public lavatory). When an idea has been grasped, we say that “the penny dropped”, recalling the practice of the old coin falling into the slot. It would probably be economically sensible to let the penny go the way of the ha’-penny and the farthing, but people still like the idea of pennies. As do charities. Whenever an item is £3.99, say, the purchaser will often say “drop the penny in the charity box”. It all adds up. Follow Mary Kenny on Twitter: @MaryKenny4