A Leap of Faith

 

On 5/25/2007, for the first time in almost 20 years, except when I was on vacation or it was the weekend, I did not have to set the alarm for 5:30am. I got up at 7:30 and only had to drive to the Jamaica Plain VA Medical Center instead of navigating traffic into North Station.

I showed my Handicap Placard to  Mark the parking lot attendant with whom I developed a relationship through the years when attending meetings at the JP Campus. 

"I won't be long Mark. This is my last day. I just have to go in and 'clear out'."

The stocky veteran with the husky voice got a little teary as I shared with him why I was leaving.

"Hey park right over here. I'll see you on the way out."

I hung my placard, grabbed my cane and with a dignified walk entered the JP VA Medical Center for the last time.

As I visited the places I needed to go, I bumped into some people I had worked with for the past 17 years. We hugged and they wished me well. Several of them shook their heads as they walked away incredulous that I would walk away from my award winning career as a VA social worker just 3 years shy of when I was eligible for retirement.

After I turned in my card with all the signatures indicating that I did not owe any money and was not taking any property with me, I returned to the parking lot. There was no turning back now. It was official. I was no longer a VA employee.

Mark and I hugged and he wished me well telling me to take care of myself. I wished him well and sent him love.

When I arrived home, I took out a lawn chair and edited my manuscript for "New World Greetings:Inspirational Poetry and Musings for a New World" while continuing to write down how I visualized my future on a yellow legal pad.

I knew I had a long road ahead on my journey of transformation. I was the caterpillar in the cocoon and I did not know how or what I would be when I emerged from my time in the cocoon of healing. 

I discovered the sport of running and my poem, 'Running the Race' foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. 

Writing poetry and running paved the way for me to unfurl and let my spirit fly free. I found my voice as one who survived paralytic polio and trauma and now inspire others with what is possible despite all appearances to the contrary.

It's been 14 years filled with miracles, adventures, tribulations, triumphs and an ever deepening relationship with the Divine. I am so blessed and grateful that I dug deep and found the courage to take that leap of faith.

I treasure the memories of my time there and feel so grateful for the legacy I leave behind.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I am so excited to see what the next 14 years bring.

Be sure to check out my website's News and Events page for upcoming and past interviews where I share my remarkable and inspirational journey as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website. 

 

My books to inspire and uplift you are available on Amazon.