I had to find a way to find comfort in the discomfort of uncertainty holding onto hope, accepting everything as it was. There were abundant signs from the Universe that everything was going to be okay. I would see just what I was supposed to see on social media and friends' messaging me videos and quotes to support me during the time of uncertainty. We created imagery to imagine Ruth Anne's healing like this Unicorn and rainbow:
We imagined the healing powder from the Unicorn's horn helping to bring Ruth Anne to a state of wellness and well-being. The rainbow is a wonderful symbol of hope and our connection to the Divine.
We were grateful that there hadn't been any more disconcerting phone calls as there had been during the previous Saturday's run but I was clearly feeling the cumulative effect of the stress of Ruth Anne's hospitalization.
It was the first cool, cloudy and drizzly run we had in a long time. The weather could easily be like that on race day in Bermuda although I am visualizing a perfect sunny yet cool dry day. Training in all kinds of weather, especially while having a hard run is great physical and mental preparation for race day. Up until Saturday's run, I hadn't realized how much I was missing Ruth Anne on our training runs. It was also the first time that I wasn't sure how Team McManus was going to be able to emerge from the darkness that descended as a result of Ruth Anne's infection. I reflected on how excited Ruth Anne was to have me take on this goal and having us train together. My heart was heavy but I kept focusing on how vital it was for me to train hard even when/especially when it was a hard day!
We focused on the contrast between the delicate flowers that dotted the path around the Reservoir and how the powerful wind created waves on the often still waters of the Reservoir. I breathed deeply knowing that in the midst of mist, a grey sky and clouds the sun still shines somewhere. I remembered a recent fortune I got at our favorite Chinese restaurant that said, "It's always darkest before dawn."
I felt accomplished and empowered after getting through those 5 miles. It wasn't my best pace but it was a pace that was well within finishing before the 2 1/2 hour time limit.
Saturday afternoon we received a call from Ruth Anne. She wasn't quite back to being/feeling herself yet but she was certainly better than she was the week before. And then...after 7 very long hard weeks...all of a sudden Ruth Anne was ready to come home!
To celebrate her homecoming, we went on a run together. It was the perfect weather day with warm sun, blue skies and puffy clouds:
What a blessing to be able to take a selfie together:
Team McManus navigated through seven weeks of mostly hard days. We feel like champions after weathering those storms and are so deeply grateful to have a loving, supportive village surrounding with prayers and healing energy. We know we can get through anything with our faith, our love and the healing power of running in our lives.
From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary
Visit my 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.
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Be sure to download and subscribe to the AdaptX podcast. Here's the link to my wonderful conversation with host Brendan Aylward sharing my journey of transformation and healing in the wake of polio, Post-Polio syndrome and trauma.
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