How Lucky I Am to be Alive Right Now!

 

 

Saturday was the first day in a long time that Tom and I were able to get our run on in short sleeves and shorts. As we made our way around the Route 9 Reservoir savoring the lush green and the sights, scents and sounds of Springtime in Boston, I said to Tom, "How lucky I am to be alive right now!"

 

In December of 2006, I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome with the dire prognosis of preparing to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expecting an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. Talk about a wake-up call. My life came to a screeching halt when I was at the height of my award-winning career as a VA social worker. My life today (if in fact I would be alive today) would look very different had I chosen to take that diagnosis sitting down.

 

Next Monday, 5/25, marks 19 years since I left behind my award-winning career as a VA social worker. I am forever grateful to Tom for his unwavering support letting me know that it was a no-brainer to leave behind my career to heal my life. I smile as I reflect on that day in February of 2007 when I got still and asked for Divine Guidance knowing I was at a crossroads in my life. The answer to my prayer sure did surprise me! The poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of my soul followed by an anthology of poems inspiring me to heal from the once devastating effects of childhood paralytic polio and trauma.

 

I took that first step trusting in the Divine Guidance I was receiving through my poetry that fired up my imagination. At the time I wasn't aware of the extensive research that supports what happens when we harness the power of the mind/body connection through visualization. The body heals in miraculous ways. I had no idea what my future would look like. I had no way to anticipate that I would go on to become a 2009 Boston Marathon finisher and have many adventures as a most unlikely runner nor that I would author 7 books (and now working on book number 8), become a blogger and motivational speaker. I certainly had no idea that I would be sharing a powerful message of healing, hope and possibility to inspire others with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.

 

As I count down to the anniversary of when I took that leap of faith that set me on a trajectory of healing after years of neglecting my health mind, body and soul, the runs I share with Tom become especially meaningful and special. We went from two salaries, and my career offered full benefits, to one salary. Fortunately, we were able to get health insurance through Tom's job.  I had withdrawn my retirement account and taken the penalty but it quickly dwindled. Tom was steadfast and steady through the lean years until I swallowed my pride and applied for social security disability. Oh the irony of a social worker hesitant to apply for benefits. 

 

Each step and each mile brings joy, gratitude and appreciation savoring the change of seasons and Nature up close and personal. I remember the days when I needed a toe-up leg brace and cane or, if I needed to go any distance, used a wheelchair. I used a tub bench to shower and had special utensils for eating. I had to use a straw to drink liquids to not aspirate into my lungs and used a chin tuck so I wouldn't choke on food. I let my eyes linger on the beautiful blue/green hues in the water and the lush green on the trees surrounding us.

The dancing sparkles on the water tickled and delighted my soul. The sound of the waves gently lapping on the shore provided the soundtrack for our run. We completely unplug when we are out in Nature getting in our miles. Instead of a scene of Tom pushing me around the Reservoir in a wheelchair (if I would have still been alive) we shared joyful moments feeling incredibly vibrant and alive. And while tomorrow is never promised to anyone, given my diagnosis and prognosis in December of 2006, I know how lucky I am to be alive right now! Every day is a celebration of life.

In health and wellness - Mary

Visit my website to learn how poetry, optimism, gratitude and the mind/body connection helped me to transform my life. After having been told in December 2006 that I should prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I went on to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and have many adventures as runnergirl 1953. Be sure to visit the recently updated News and Events Page for links to podcast interviews, speaking engagements and where you can find my incredibly inspirational story.

My Trilogy of Transformation chronicles my journey from having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair with the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards to a woman transformed through the sport of running. Take a journey into a world of healing, hope and possibilities with my 7 books, available on Amazon. My 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner: Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is a selection of the WBZ News Radio Book Club and Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reading for Every Runner. You will be inspired by my strength, courage, resilience, determination and overcoming the inevitable setbacks that come with a journey to health and wellness. 

 

"Meet Mary McManus — our first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest winner.
We asked you to share the stories of the songs, the albums, and the moments when music reached in and changed everything. You delivered. And one story stopped us in our tracks. We are thrilled to announce that Mary McManus is the winner of the first-ever Music Saved Me Story Contest. Mary’s journey is one for the ages. She contracted paralytic polio at age five. She survived years of childhood trauma. And then, at the height of an award-winning career as a VA social worker, she was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of her life in a wheelchair.

Music — and the healing power of words — had other plans for Mary.
Through poetry, perseverance, and an unshakeable belief in what’s possible, Mary transformed her life. At 53 she became a runner. At 55 she crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. That is what music can do." 

 

Mary will be the guest on an upcoming exclusive episode of the "Music Saved Me" podcast.

 Last year I was the guest on The Optimism Institute Blue Sky Podcast. 
"Mary McManus has never had it easy. As a kindergartner, she was a victim of polio just a short time before the vaccine was introduced. She also faced trauma in her home life but somehow managed to persevere and overcome these and still more obstacles throughout her life. Today, Mary is an inspiring author, poet, motivational speaker, and finisher of the Boston Marathon." Here is the link to the Episode Website. Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast platform and on YouTube.

 

Reach out to me at maryamcmanus@gmail.com if you'd like me to speak to your organization or group to inspire them with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary; how one finds strength, resilience and determination in the face of seemingly impossible odds.