Running the Race

 

In October of 2006, I sat on the exam table at the Post-Polio Clinic feeling as fragile as the sheet of paper that's torn off between patients. My pallor matched its color as the hum of the fluorescent lights echoed the buzzing of my anxiety. I had experienced worsening symptoms for 10 years when I realized enough was enough. The limp from polio returned, I was in constant pain, experiencing chronic fatigue, depression and anxiety. Since Post-Polio Syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, I underwent extensive testing to rule out any other causes for the symptoms. In December of 2006, the diagnosis was made. 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. But what's a social worker to do? I was at the height of my award-winning career as a VA social worker getting ready to retire in 3 years. 

In February of 2007, knowing I was at a crossroads in my life, I did what I'd done when I faced seemingly insurmountable challenges in my life. I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. It was a cold dark evening that seemed to mirror the dark night of my mind, body and soul. I had articles I printed out from the "new age" teachers (who in truth were sharing ancient wisdom) spread out on my dining room table. There was a prompt from Lisa Nichols newsletter that said, "I am so happy and grateful now that I can create..." "Whoa," I thought to myself. "Happy? Grateful? Create?" As I queried the Universe, I grabbed my laptop. My fingers almost magically flew across the keyboard as the poem, "Running the Race" poured forth from my heart and soul.

Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year
everyone around me filled with nervous fear.
Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear
the polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.

Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird
I dropped to the ground just like a stone and no one said a word.
The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse
"It's polio" the doctor said...he was abrupt and terse.

Called one of the 'lucky ones' I had a 'mild case'
but with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.
Miss Holly physical therapist, curly hair and a warm, broad smile
it tempered the pain of being apart - to walk I'd take a while.

I always wore those 'special' shoes the kids they poked and teased                                                     
with no support and much abuse with childhood I wasn’t pleased.                                                       
But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could
I couldn't kick a ball but my grades were always good.

Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give
I accepted the limp, everything else and decided my life I would live.
But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow
I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.

Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day
suffered in silence, alone and afraid tried to keep depression at bay.
And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide
I discovered there was a Post-Polio team and they were on my side.                                            

Sought out paths for healing and my spirit flew free
for the first time in life, I could truly be me.
The chains are gone and possibilities abound
I'm a tree with my roots planted firmly in ground.

Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do
resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.
Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace
while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.

I'm now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine
so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.
After all these years I can join the loving human race
I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.

Winning a 10K race? Why am I focusing on winning a race when I had never run a day in my life, was called “Easy Out Alper” (my maiden name) in gym class, and have this diagnosis and prognosis telling me to expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged? I am sitting here in a toe-up leg brace, using a cane and at times a wheelchair for mobility. As poetry flowed from my mind, heart and soul to the page, I viewed my past of having contracted paralytic polio followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members, through the lens of gratitude, and forgiveness and began healing my mind/body connection through beautiful metaphors.  

On 5/25, I will be celebrating the 19th anniversary of when I walked out of the Boston VA Medical Center for the last time. I had no idea what the future held for me or if I had a future. But as Abraham Lincoln once said, "The best way to predict the future is to create it." I was creating a future very different in my mind's eye from the one Western Medicine predicted for me. I saw myself as running free in my body, feeling healthy, whole and healed. I did not however, see running the 2009 Boston Marathon in my future. That happened in February of 2008 when my personal trainer asked me what my next health and fitness goals were. I'd been discharged in May of 2007 from outpatient physical therapy with an earth angel who did not subscribe to Western Medicine's belief that I was destined for a life in a wheelchair. In October of 2007, the Universe brought me together with Janine Hightower, an in-home personal trainer. After 6 months of working together she asked me what my next goals were. I'd accomplished so much in a short period of time being able to get off of a toilet seat independently, no longer use a tub chair in the shower and being able to pass the initial fitness assessment test. I told her I wanted to come out of my toe-up leg brace; maybe take a dance class as I loved ballet before contracting paralytic polio. I wanted to diversify my work outs. She wrote down my goals, gathered up her things and had her hand on the door knob.

"Wait...I have one more goal."

"What's that?" she asked.

"I want to run the 2009 Boston Marathon next year for Spaulding Rehab. I hear they have a Race for Rehab Team." The words bypassed any logic or cognitive process. It came from deep inside my soul just like that poem "Running the Race." She could have very easily said to me, "Hold on there. You are still in your leg brace and you've never run a day in your life. Shouldn't we set a less ambitious goal?"

Instead, Janine said to me, "Well you're going to need a pair of running shoes!" 

On April 20, 2009, after 7 hours and 49 minutes, I crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon having run a race that by all appearances should have been an impossible accomplishment for me. I've gone on to have many adventures as runnergirl 1953, published 7 books that chronicle my journey of life after a once devastating diagnosis and dire prognosis and wowed audiences with my powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities. 

What a gift and blessing to be celebrating 19 years of healing after finding the courage to take that leap of faith on 5/25/2007. Every day is a celebration of life. My heart overflows with gratitude and appreciation for every run and every workout. Last Saturday, despite a light rain, nothing could dampen my Spirit as Tom and I got in magnificent morning miles. The lush green was captivating as I realized how fortunate I am to be outside in Nature experiencing the change in seasons up close and personal.

 

I often shudder to think of what my life would look like had I taken the prognosis of Post-Polio Syndrome sitting down but I did not and that's what's important. My life transformed as I embraced the diagnosis as a gift and became a most unlikely runner, author, poet, blogger and motivational speaker.

And to think it all started with a poem in which I imagined myself Running the Race despite all appearances to the contrary.

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 engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 Last year I was the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

 

 

The Merry Month of May

 

The month of May is a month long celebration of when I took a leap of faith leaving behind an award-winning social work career at the VA on 5/25/2007. I am celebrating 19 years of healing after the once devastating diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006. 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. Western Medicine based their prognosis on clinical observations of individuals who had contracted paralytic polio in their younger years. Fortunately, I did not buy into the prognosis that was described in Dr. Julie Silver's book written in 2002, "Post-Polio Syndrome: A Guide For Polio Survivors and Their Families." I refused to take the diagnosis sitting down. Dr. Silver has since written books about the body's tremendous capacity to heal yet I do not see any updated information specifically about Post-Polio Syndrome. The Post-Polio Clinic at Spaulding Rehab continues to treat polio survivors with treatments based on the same prognosis!

In February of 2007, knowing I was at a crossroads in my life, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. My mind, body and soul were crying out for healing. I connected with Source tapping into the cadence of Dr. Seuss that had been a source of healing after I contracted paralytic polio. My physical therapist, Miss Holly was a healer ahead of her time. Before every painful physical therapy session, she'd prop me up on the red leather chair in the reception area of the office of Dr. Eugene Moskowitz. He was the supervising physiatrist who specialized in the treatment of polio survivors. There was a display of Dr. Seuss books on the table. She'd have me choose one; invariably The Cat in the Hat and she would read it to me. She took my hand as we entered the torture treatment room. During the painful sessions, as she would coax muscles back to health, she would have me respond in tandem to her to distract me from the pain and discomfort of rehabilitation. "The sun did not shine it was too wet to play. Your turn, she would say." "So we stayed inside all that cold cold wet day," I'd respond. Poetry flowed out of me on that dark night of mind, body and soul in February of 2007. My imagination was on fire and it ignited the power of the mind/body connection. My first poem, "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run.

 Last Saturday, Tom and I basked in the glory of Springtime in Boston with magnificent morning miles. There is nothing better than being outdoors unplugged in Nature with my bestie. We shared lots of oohs and aahs appreciating the miracle of rebirth that happens every year!

I too experience rebirth and renewal in May as it marks the day when I found the courage to leave behind a steady paycheck, benefits and what once was an incredibly rewarding career to follow my newfound bliss as a poet and author.  With pen in hand, poetry in my soul and faith in my heart I embarked on a journey having no idea where it would lead. It led to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and many adventures as runnergirl 1953. It led to publishing 7 books that uplift, motivate and inspire readers with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary, two books of which helped readers navigate the pandemic. It led to inspiring others with my courage, strength and resilience despite or maybe because of knowing challenges since I was 5 1/2 years old starting with contracting paralytic polio followed by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members until my dad ended his life by suicide when I was 17 years old. It has led to me discovering the truth of who I was always meant to be emerging from the rubble of my past and to experiencing joy and a vibrant life in a way I never knew was possible. Gratitude and appreciation run deep in the very fiber of my Being now. I take nothing for granted, grateful for every step, every mile, every workout and all the incredible experiences I've had that I would not know had I not taken that leap of faith. 

Here's to the merry month of May as Mother Nature treats us to glorious displays of renewal and rebirth and I am fortunate to be celebrating 19 years of healing at 72 years young spreading a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities despite all appearances to the contrary.

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 engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 Last year I was the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

 

 

A Run in South Boston and Reflections as National Poetry Month Ends

 

Given the long, cold winter and the slowly emerging warmth of Springtime in Boston, it had been a minute since Tom and I went on a run in South Boston. While there was still a brisk headwind, the sun was relatively warm. It felt wonderful to be back getting in miles breathing in briny sea air and seeing the expanse of the ocean and the sky.

When I wrote "My Soul Settles By The Sea" I had not yet started my unlikely runner career. I remember sitting on the beach in Southie being inspired by low tide to write the poem. It was in the early days of my healing journey in the summer of 2007 shortly after I had taken a leap of faith leaving behind my award-winning VA social work career. I knew I was at a crossroads in my life in December of 2006 after being diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. It was in the early days of research into the mind/body connection and Western Medicine did not take into account neuroplasticity; that our bodies have a tremendous capacity to heal. From what I glean from doing searches on PubMed and ScienceDirect and a generic Google search, the prognosis remains grim for Post-Polio Syndrome. When I first started sharing my journey, I was fortunate to be featured in Brookline Tab articles. I received comments from fellow polio survivors that they had hope that they were not destined for a life of an accelerated decline in functioning. I always give the caveat that I am not a doctor nor am I qualified to offer medical advice, but I can share how meditation, harnessing the power of the mind/body connection and becoming active reversed the symptoms I once experienced. On Thursday's run, I felt unbridled joy and my heart overflowed with gratitude for every step and every mile. It's something I never ever take for granted.

 

What a joy to savor Springtime in Boston and breathe in the scents of the season. There was a time when I could barely walk without a cane. There was a time when I felt as though I was living life with my nose pressed on the window seeing life pass me by while others were running free. I know how blessed I am to be able to go out the door and live life to the fullest. 

 

I love what my beloved physiatrist, Dr. Eugene Moskowitz, who treated me after I contracted paralytic polio in June 1959, wrote in an op-ed in the NY Times when the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome was being made.

Caution and Hope On Polio 'Signs'
Published: March 3, 1985
I read with interest the article entitled ''A Group for Polio Survivors Who Have New Symptoms'' (Feb. 10).

Having supervised the rehabilitation of poliomyelitis patients at Grasslands Hospital during the epidemics of the 50's and 60's, probably including the ''then'' infants mentioned in the article, I would like to add a word of caution and even hope as an afterthought. Firstly, there is no reason to suspect deterioration in the nerve cells in the spinal cord. After 30 years, one must accept some loss of endurance, increased fatigue and even some discomfort induced by other unrelated medical problems. This is true in the athlete with repeated injuries, in the obese person with back problems and even in the jogger with foot ailments.

Any individual with paralytic disability in an extremity will experience the normal process of ''wear and tear'' except that it may be more difficult to adjust to it. Just as one learned to compensate for the initial impairment so must one adjust to the later, more subtle changes rather than develop an emotional hang up of being a ''polio victim.'' ~EUGENE MOSKOWITZ, M.D. Mount Vernon 

 

I have a Resources for Well-Being tab on my website. Science now shows that when we harness the power of the mind/body connection through visualization, the body heals in miraculous ways. We are not our diagnosis nor are we bound by the edicts that Western Medicine gives us. In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The portal to healing opened through my pen as the poem, "Running the Race" poured out of me. Despite the dire prognosis, "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. What followed was an anthology of poems in which my imagination was fired up to harness the power of the mind/body connection to heal mind, body and soul from the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma. 

 

National Poetry Month ends tomorrow but May marks the month when I celebrate 19 years of healing after taking that leap of faith to heal my life. Tom and I just wrapped up a phenomenal training cycle for Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K and I was blessed to celebrate my 72nd birthday with 7.2 miles. I'm excited to let all the niggles from the intense training cycle in grueling winter conditions to heal as we start to slowly build mileage again. We have incorporated an extra strength training session into our weekly fitness plan and, for now, are doing weekly runs. I am content and grateful for all this body has given me and all it continues to give me. It's been a joy to revisit poems during National Poetry Month being able to experience their healing power all over again. I'm thrilled to be working on my 8th book, "Running the Race: From Atrophy to Astonishing", continuing to share my profound message of healing, hope and possibilities despite all appearances to the contrary.

 

We'll see what adventures lie ahead both on and off the roads grateful for the miracle of healing and transformation almost 20 years after having been told that I should prepare to experience an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged and spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair!

 

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 engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.

 

 

 

 

A Bucket List Adventure to NYC-Part 2

 

After reading Jeffrey Seller's "Theater Kid," I listened to his conversation on The Hamilcast. I was moved to reach out to him to let him know my reaction as I read his book, especially seeing my cousin's name jump off the page in Chapter 20 as I mentioned in Part 1. I sent it to a general contact email having no idea whether or not he would receive it. He responded within a day! He thanked me for my kind, wonderful note and let me know that my cousin and his partner enthusiastically attended his book launch for Theater Kid at the Public Theater in May of 2025. I'd lost touch with Paul after our Aunt died but I followed his career to the MUNY and his Tony nomination for "Beautiful." He's not on social media (or has a very low profile) and I often wondered if he were still among us. What a joy to know from Jeffrey that he still keeps an apartment in NY and is doing well! When I shared this with Gillian, the host of The Hamilcast, she said, "What are the chances? So cool you chatted with Jeffrey about your mutual connection." One phrase that Gillian often calls up on her pod is "What are the odds the gods would put us all in one spot." She does so when she expresses her awe at the amazing tapestry woven together through The Hamilcast. What are the odds that a podcast that began as a conversation between two friends about Hamilton would become a part of the Hamilton legacy 10 years and 500 episodes later? And what are the odds that the gods would bring together Lin-Manuel Miranda, Tommy Kail, Alex Lacamoire and Andy Blankenbuehler, aka "The Cabinet" to create this theatrical masterpiece!

  

We returned to the West Bank Cafe, voted Best Brunch in Hell's Kitchen for our pre-theater brunch. I enjoyed a Virgin Mimosa. We chose the Brioche French Toast enjoying extraordinary foods and flavors.  

 

We had plenty of time to walk to the theater on a beautiful warm Spring day. As I mentioned in Part 1, I have overcome much of the challenges of paralytic polio and trauma (I even ran the 2009 Boston Marathon!) but there are moments that still challenge me. We bought Orchestra seats so that I wouldn't have to climb the often steep steps that lead to the mezzanine. When we entered the theater and showed our tickets, we were told to go up the stairs. They also announced there were no bathrooms beyond the lobby (and the bathroom was down a  flight of stairs). Tom asked if there was an elevator and was told there was none. As a side bar, I did a search about accessibility at the Rodgers. There is a handicapped accessible bathroom in the lobby and there are seats in the orchestra that can be accessed without stairs. I harnessed the power of my mind and conscious movement to mindfully climb the stairs and descend the stairs to our row. I was NOT going to throw away my shot to see Hamilton!

 

We chatted with the families seated around us. They were from Oklahoma and Utah. It was one girl's 11th birthday. Her birthday wish was a trip to New York to see Hamilton. She was one year old when the show opened! It is still a phenomenon Hamilten plus years later. There is a line in the West Wing that Sam says to CJ, ""Let's forget the fact that you're coming a little late to the party and embrace the fact that you showed up at all." I remember seeing a video of Lin-Manuel's final Hamilton performance when Alex Lacamoire led the orchestra in playing the West Wing theme!  I know that my Hamilton experience was Divine Timing as all the stars aligned to create an unforgettable theatrical experience. I still feel #allthefeels and goosebumps as I am writing this. 

 

The Hamilcast episodes informed and enhanced my experience of Hamilton at the Rodgers. Seeing the show through the lens of The Cabinet and feeling their presence, I was in awe of their creative process that created this perfect melding of voices, dance, and orchestrations while telling the story of tonight. The show evolved not only through the collaboration of The Cabinet, but the interaction between the actors and The Cabinet. The Cabinet also allowed the actors and musicians to inspire the evolution of Hamilton. While there were many prominent moments informed by The Hamilcast conversations, there were 2 moments that took my breath away. Aaron Burr's table jump and The Room Where It Happens scene sent shivers up and down my spine after hearing Gillian's conversations with several of the actors who played Burr and with choreographer Andy Blankenbuehler. I was completely unprepared for experiencing Yorktown live. My breath caught as I felt this connection to something far greater than I am. I felt connected to Gillian, her podcast, the Patreon peeps as they are affectionately called, the Cabinet, the world of musical theater and beyond! At that moment, I intuitively felt how everything aligned to bring me to that moment. I fought my own Revolution after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome (when 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) to free myself from the tyranny of my past. While I've always believed in "something more," hearing the music live deeply resonated in my soul as it reverberated throughout the Richard Rodgers Theater. 

 

I sat mesmerized throughout the show bearing witness to creative genius. I allowed myself to be moved swept up by an extraordinary company of actors. Time suspended for 2 hours and 45 minutes sharing the experience with 1300 other theater patrons. Tom captured these moments as the audience stood and cheered after the final note of "Who Tells Your Story."

I took a deep breath soaking in the soul moving experience that IS Hamilton before descending the stairs. I was totally confident in my body's ability to safely navigate the stairs despite not having a full railing. I was assertive with my fellow theater goers letting them know that I had to have the railing on my left side. They were understanding and allowed me to pass through! Since we had not been able to get to the Drama Book Shop on Friday, it was perfect timing to go after seeing Hamilton. Although the Drama Book Shop moved from its original location, the creative energies of all that happened in its basement was still palpable. My wide eyed childlike wonder continued as we sauntered through the shop. To get there, we had to navigate our way through the theater crowd of exhilarated theater goers, many of whom were gathering at stage doors joyfully clutching their Playbills. We opted to skip the stage door experience to go to the Drama Book Shop. 

 

They were unfortunately sold out of signed copies of Daniel Pollack-Pelzner's book, "Lin-Manuel Miranda: The Education of an Artist"so we bought Ron Chernow's book instead. We walked back to the hotel talking still buzzing with the energy of Hamilton and The Drama Book Shop. 

 

When we arrived at the West Bank Cafe for our 6pm dinner reservation, the energy was electric! How wonderful to be greeted by Michael and Tom asking us how we enjoyed the show. We had a table in the main dining room with diners on either side of our table. A love of food and theater were the topics of conversation. Tom D'Angora was busy serving tables but made sure to stop by to check on us and see what we ordered. We started with a Caesar Salad that had a delightful light dressing with crisp fresh romaine lettuce and croutons. We couldn't decide between the chicken or eggplant parmesan so my Tom and I split the dishes. I don't remember the last time I enjoyed NY style chicken and eggplant parmesan. It has a unique flavor and texture that was muah - chef's kiss. The pasta was cooked to perfection with just the right amount of parmesan cheese garnish. As we left, Tom D'Angora gave me the biggest hug and wished us safe travels. He was delighted we had such an amazing adventure that exceeded all expectations.

 

The weather dramatically changed on Sunday morning but we were so deeply grateful for the two sunny warm days on Friday and Saturday. Fortunately we packed warm clothes that served us well as we walked to the WBC to have brunch one last time. Tom had a veggie omelette and I ordered eggs florentine with one more Virgin Mimosa. When I'm tired after a whirlwind of activity, the tremors that linger from polio and trauma can get activated. I unashamedly asked for a straw. Our server said, "Yes of course. I should have brought it sooner," as he had seen me try to steady the glass to drink. The magic of Hamilton and NYC was a catalyst to help me accept my challenges while continuing to harness the power of visualization and conscious movement to heal. Tom and Michael's warm welcome, their hospitality and unconditional love was also a healing balm.

Michael was at the Cafe Sunday morning. I was so happy we had a chance to say goodbye to him until next time and thank him for the amazing hospitality and food. My one souvenir was buying a West Bank Cafe t-shirt but I packed a suitcase full of memories to take home.

 

When we arrived at Penn Station, I was concerned about how we would get downstairs to get to the track. Back Bay is so easy with one elevator that takes you to Tracks 1 and 2. Fortunately, the woman we asked if the elevators went to all the tracks suggested we secure the Red Cap Baggage Assistance since it was a very complicated system. Who knew there was pre-boarding assistance for a train? We had the most wonderful Red Cap service. I was so relaxed, I didn't even mind the gap when boarding the train! 

 

On the way back to Boston, I downloaded the remainder of the songs to complete my OBC Album for Hamilton. We played it as the soundtrack to our strength training workout Saturday morning. When we got home, I dusted off my copy of Mike Anthony's "Life at Hamilton" and have already started re-reading it while Tom dove into Ron Chernow's book. 

 So often, when one experiences childhood trauma, it can be difficult to harvest the memories that bring joy. This bucket list adventure to NYC and seeing Hamilton healed me in ways I did not even know was possible. I revisited the power and magic of musical theater and felt a connection to my cousin Paul Blake who introduced me to Broadway musicals. The Hamilcast episodes took me on a deep dive behind the scenes having a lens through which to experience Hamilton in a profound way. As President Bartlett on The West Wing often queried, "What's next?" I have The Hamilcast website tab open on my laptop to catch up on episodes I missed from coming late to the party. I'm excited to re-read "Life at Hamilton." I'll continue to listen to the OBC album and experience the many layers of all that is Hamilton. But most of all, I will allow this experience to integrate into the very fabric of my very Being as I move forward in my life. 

We'll be back to NYC in October and see what adventures the Universe has in store.

 

Coincidentally, this Thursday I am recording an episode of the "Music Saved Me"  podcast. I am the winner of the Music Saved Me Story contest. I won sharing how my cousin introduced me to Broadway musicals and how, playing viola in my high school orchestra was an antidote to the bullying I experienced. I also shared how Broadway musicals became the soundtrack for my healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.

 

Stay tuned....

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 engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 I was recently the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.