An Extraordinary Time For Renewal

 

The tree in our neighbor's yard has not bloomed in several years. We often said that the tree was lonely for its original owners who passed away and their children sold the property. The property is now being used as a rental property. The new tenants are lovely and wanted to know how to help the tree bloom. We suggested that they lovingly trim the dead branches, water the soil and see what happens. 

This is what happened!

This post-pandemic season is an extraordinary time for renewal. Purple, reds, pink, and even yellow flowers seem to be showing eye-popping color. Of course perception is a big part of seeing but many of my friends in social media are making the same comments about how magnificent Spring in Boston is this year.

There's also extraordinary renewal of joy, grateful hearts, hope and celebrations.

We have been pruned during the pandemic needing to socially distance, change our habits, forego traditional celebrations and gatherings finding ourselves in a very strange new world.

Since Governor Baker lifted all restrictions, there has been a blossoming of gratitude and photos of graduates with their families beaming with an indescribable joy celebrating the milestone of graduation in the context of a pandemic. What would mark an ordinary milestone in the lives of graduates from kindergarten through college has been transformed into an extraordinarily emotional experience. We celebrate as a community deeply blessed and grateful that ceremonies and celebrations can happen once more.

Prior to resuming pre-pandemic activities, there was a collective sense of fatigue and weariness. While most adapted to wearing masks, we were tired of having to don masks wherever we went. "Will this ever be over?" was the question of the day. There were many who welcomed receiving the vaccination resulting in a shortage and frustration in trying to schedule an appointment. My daughter and I struggled with whether or not to receive the vaccine as I wrote about in Fear or Faith. 

We owe it to ourselves to take the time we need to make this transition from living under the cloud of the pandemic to this time of extraordinary renewal.

I am so excited for what takes root and blossoms as we grow in love, faith, hope, joy, hugs, gratitude, realizing our resilience and strength to navigate life's adversity taking our cue from how nature renews itself. 

Renewal

Weariness and wariness
when will this pandemic ever end?
Asking how and where and why
on my faith I must depend.
Yet being only human
I’m tired to the bone
also knowing that it’s pointless
to whine, complain and moan.

It’s been the longest darkest winter
holding tight to the end of my rope
digging deep to do soul work
clinging closely feeling hope.
As winter’s ground began to thaw
buds of renewal came into view
sensing finish line's in sight
tough miles but we made through.

Fully vaccinated
a new phrase with thumbs up pic
once deadly corona virus
our antibodies now can flick.
And with the grace of Springtime
brilliant colors burst on the scene
hearts opened with blossoming flowers
purples, pinks, yellows and reds-grass of vibrant green.

Celebrations fill social media
a kind of joy extraordinaire
caps and gowns donned with relief and pride
so much emotion fills the air.
A scene so very different
than 15 months ago
patiently (or not) waiting for these moments
giving life that special glow.

Emerging from winter’s darkness
now time to live life with delight
leaving behind the pain of the past
snuffing out those moments of fright.
Let us gather the lessons
moving forward to light our way
and appreciate every moment
of each and every day.

Be sure to listen to my conversation with Greg Chastain and Ed Siegel on their Voices of Hope podcast, The Cardinal Cafe. From Greg Chastain: The latest episode of The Cardinal Cafe is up! On this episode we meet Mary McManus. Mary is a motivational speaker, author, poet, 2009 Boston Marathon Finisher, polio and trauma survivor. She has a remarkable story of resilence, healing, Hope and possibilities. Once you hear her tell her story you will want to rush out to purchase her newest book of poems “Hope is a Garden” which she wrote during the recent pandemic. So please join us for this incredible story.

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.  

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.

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