Ever since I set out on a quest to heal my life from the once ravaging effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma, I have focused on optimism; knowing that harnessing my faith, my determination, an attitude of optimism and harnessing the power of the mind/body connection, I would be able to heal and transform my life.
Tom and I went on an early morning run on Thursday. Ruth Anne who has lived with an autoimmune condition called PANS, had a flair of her condition last week. When this happens, her brain becomes inflamed, her judgment impaired and she needs antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds. Unfortunately, she presents with psychiatric symptoms as well. It's not a very well known condition and we have had to educate all providers about it. We are so grateful to an organization called ASPIRE that I found in 2019 after her last hospitalization and what we had hoped would have been her last hospitalization. After re-watching one of the most comprehensive videos about PANS by Dr. Craig Shimaski, we realized that PANS can have a relapsing remitting nature to it.
It would be so easy to collapse under the strain of it all. Ruth Anne and I were featured in an article in the BC News about how we use running and be of service to the community in our healing journey. Running has been our therapy so I knew that I needed to get out the door and get on a run. Ruth Anne persuaded me in May to take on the challenge of the Bermuda Triangle Challenge 10K. She said she was heartbroken that we hadn't trained for any races together since the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon. My prayer is that my ongoing journey of transformation gives her hope and inspiration during this challenging time.
It was a beautiful cool morning with low humidity and glorious sunshine:
I hadn't posted anything on Facebook other than Ruth Anne was feeling under the weather with the hope that she would quickly clear with proper treatment. We hadn't heard from her or the social worker saying that she gave consent for us to have communication with her team. When we first set out on the run, I experienced a lot of fearful thoughts filled with what if's. Seeing the radiant sunshine and the beautiful water of the Reservoir, I thought about holding a space for a miracle of healing and remembered the above quote about optimism.
I also reflected on Ralph Waldo Emerson's quote:
One time Bill Rodgers said to me, "Life is tough yeah! That's why we run!"
Saturday is 4.5 miles -- the longest distance I have run since Team McManus trained for the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon. You better believe that I will be running on optimism!
In health and wellness,
Mary
Visit my ***NEW*** website to be inspired by my journey. May it ignite a spark within you to go farther than you ever believed you could. Be sure to visit the News and Events Page.
My books that pack powerful messages of healing, hope and possibilities are available on Amazon
Thank you to Mike Reilly for featuring my story on Stories From the Finish Line Sponsored by CURAD Performance Series to inspire others.
Be sure to subscribe to the On the Runs podcast for stories of individuals who are fierce and determined to overcome challenges, set goals and crush them. Here is the link to my Episode 56. Be sure to subscribe to their new YouTube Channel https://www.youtube.com/@OnTheRuns to enhance your podcast listening experience!
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