An Unexpected Anniversary Celebration

 

Fourteen years ago I sat in my sparsely decorated office, saying farewell to patients and families and staff that I worked with for almost twenty years as a VA social worker. In December of 2006 I was diagnosed with the progressive neuromuscular disease, Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.

It was my wake up call to heal my life from the once devastating effects of paralytic polio and severe childhood trauma. I gave 6 weeks notice and chose the date of May 25, 2007. Coincidentally, May 25th was my father's birthday. He died by suicide at the age of 50 on 8/1/71.

I spent those final days of my VA social work career being celebrated for my efforts on behalf of veterans and their families and imagining a future very different from my past and very different from the ones the medical profession predicted for me. I reconnected with Bernie Siegel, MD who was the pioneer of mind/body medicine in the US in the 70's. I came to know his work through a nurse who told me I needed to heal my life during a hospitalization for a staph infection in my shoulder in the 1980's. We became friends through the years and Bernie helped me to 'rebirth' myself after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.

On April 20, 2009, I crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon. I published poetry books and wrote my memoir "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility." I appeared on radio shows and podcasts sharing my journey of transformation and went on to have many adventures as runnergirl1953 writing a Trilogy of Transformation.

As I have with each of my books, I sent a copy of my latest book, "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" to Bernie as he loves to be called. He sent me an email thanking me for the book and asking me if I had been on his radio show yet to discuss it.

We went back and forth with emails and there was some confusion about which of his shows I would be on and settling on a date and time.

We recorded the interview for his show Mind Health Matters last Tuesday. The air dates are going to be May 20 and May 21 and May 27 and May 28 at 12:00am and 12:00pm. Usually the guest for the 'live' show is for one week but Deborah is going to have the show air for the two weeks. Unbeknownst to her, this is the time when I celebrate the anniversary of my leap of faith.

What an unexpected and wondrous way to celebrate the 14 year anniversary but as Bernie would say there are no coincidences. 

Here's the link to listen to be uplifted and inspired by my conversation with Bernie and Deborah Beauvais who is the visionary and owner of Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network.  

Deborah has selected "Hope" to be part of her "Books We Adore." In July, "Hope" will be the Book of the Month and one lucky subscriber to Dreamvisions 7 newsletter will receive an autographed copy from me.

I love how the Universe surprises and blesses me. I know that our conversation is going to bless all who listen to the powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities and how we have within each of us the strength and resilience to overcome whatever challenges may come our way.

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.

 

"Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" along with all of my books to inspire and uplift you is available on Amazon.

 

Be sure to tune into Dreamvisions 7 Radio to hear my conversation with Bernie Siegel, MD on his show Mind Health Matters May 20 and 21st, May 27th and 28th at 12:00am and 12:00pm ET. We talk about my newest book, my journey as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma, healing, hope and possibilities and how my relationship with Bernie helped me on my journey of transformation since the 1980's.