
In February of 2007, in the wake of a devastating diagnosis, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I discovered the gift of poetry in my soul that was initially in the cadence of Dr. Seuss. Why Dr. Seuss you might ask? My physical therapist, Miss Holly, was a healer way beyond her time. She read Dr. Seuss to me before my physical therapy sessions after contracting paralytic polio and had me recite back to her in tandem during the painful treatments. I invariably chose The Cat in the Hat.
My first poem was called "Running the Race." Little did I know it would foreshadow my 2009 Boston Marathon run! Ever since April 20, 2009, April has become my favorite month!
At first, it all seemed impossible. I'd never run a day in my life. I sat in a toe up leg brace, using a cane and at times, a wheelchair for mobility. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. My first reaction was that of Lewis Carroll's Alice in Wonderland. "It's no use trying," she said. "One can't believe impossible things." Yet my personal trainer did, in fact believe in impossible things when I told her, after 6 months of working together, in February of 2008, that my next health and fitness goals were to feel free in my body. Diversify my health and fitness workouts. Maybe take a dance class since I took ballet before contracting paralytic polio.She picked up her things after writing down my goals, had her hand on the door knob and I said....WAIT I have one more goal. "What's that," she asked. "I want to run the 2009 Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. I hear they have a Race for Rehab Team."
"Well you are going to need a pair of running shoes!"
April is the month of possibilities. Before we see the trees burst forth with colors of pink, green and white, we feel the certainty of possibilities in the air. What a feast for eyes' delight when that first warm sunny day coaxes the blooms to burst forth. The once frozen ground yields to warmth as perennials slowly rise to meet the new season bringing joy to children of all ages! April is a time of celebration. The dark, gray days of winter are behind us. Boots, winter hats and gloves, ice scrapers, ice melt and sand are stowed away for the next 8 months or so. More time is spent in outdoor activities. April is the pivotal time between Winter and Summer. I savor every moment!
When I crossed the finish of the Boston Marathon I was reborn into a new season of my life. Every day is a celebration of life for me. While Ruth Anne finished her last long run on the road to the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab, Tom and I did our 5K on Heartbreak Hill. Signs of Spring and the 129th running of the Boston Marathon are everywhere! Everyone cheers everyone on. We were blessed to "run into" Rachel, one of the members of our running family. Even though we are still running in winter clothes, nothing can dampen the sense of joy and celebration along with the anticipation of all that is April in Boston.

I love enjoying the harbingers of Spring, savoring every moment of what is here-now and experiencing the joy of anticipating when everything is in full bloom. April is my favorite month!
From my heart to yours--
In health and wellness - Mary
Visit my website
to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection
helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006
that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I
went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have
many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently
updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking
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My books are available on Bookshop that share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. Be sure to visit my Author Page on Amazon My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is receiving rave reviews and is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club .