After Thursday's before breakfast strength training sesh with my bestie Tom, I felt really strong. I felt the benefits of the new exercises we have added to our workout. Cranking up the playlist (and the a/c) fueled the surge of strength I felt. While feeling strong at the age of 72+ years old is a wonderful feat, it is especially amazing for THIS 72+ year old. 20 years this December marks the anniversary of when I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. I started reflecting on physical, mental and spiritual strength.
My first challenge in my life happened when I was only 5 1/2 years old. I contracted paralytic polio. I was initially paralyzed from the neck down. To compound the challenge, my mother was addicted to prescription pain medication and unable to care for me. During the acute phase of the virus, I had an out of body experience. Despite being unable to move, a "hand" was extended to me inviting me to step into a well bucket. I was reeled up to meet this Being with only a head and a long flowing beard. I decided to return to my physical body having this sense that no matter what happened to me, I would be able to make it through.
I was blessed with Miss Holly and Dr. Moskowitz; physical therapist and rehab medicine physician who specialized in the care and treatment of those who had contracted the polio virus. She was an earth angel whose compassion, care and being a healer ahead of her time coaxing withered muscles and nerves back to health. I felt her strength and intention for me to heal; I was able to come out of my ankle to hip left leg brace after a year. I used her strength to fuel my determination to get stronger.
I summoned all of my mental and spiritual strength to endure years of abuse at the hands of family members who were alcoholic and addicted to one substance or another. I had a constant pipeline of prayer to the Divine. I became high school valedictorian harnessing my intellectual prowess while dissociating mind from body to survive the terrors of my childhood and adolescence. Attending Boston University one month after my father's death by suicide when I was 17 years old required incredible strength as did asking for help from the BU Counseling Center.
After receiving an MSW from Boston College, I went on to have an award-winning social work career at the Boston VA Outpatient Clinic. All those years of ignoring my body and soul's needs finally caught up with me when, in December of 2006, I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. After going through the initial phases of anger, depression, anxiety, feeling helpless and hopeless, I did what I had always done when facing seemingly insurmountable challenges. I got still and asked for Divine Guidance.
When the poem, "Running the Race" in the cadence of Dr. Seuss flowed out of me I was at once delighted and surprised that this was the answer to my prayer. Miss Holly read Dr. Seuss to me before every painful physical therapy session. As she ministered to me in the treatment room, she had me recite back to her in tandem whatever Dr. Seuss book I chose to distract me from the painful treatments! The portal to healing opened wide with tapping into the gift of poetry in my soul. Allison Lamarre-Poole, another earth angel physical therapist came into my life who did not subscribe to what Western Medicine believed about Post-Polio Syndrome that if you use it you will lose it! I knew that I was at a crossroads in my life. I dug really deep to find the strength to take a leap of faith leaving behind a steady paycheck, benefits and a career that no longer served me mind, body and soul.
While I found the strength to move in a new direction in my life, the Universe had my back at every turn. And what a turn my life took when a personal trainer came into my life in October of 2007. I asked her if she thought I could get a little stronger building on the outpatient rehab program that Allison gave me after I was discharged from her care. In February of 2008, my personal trainer asked me for my next goals. "I want to feel free in my body. I want to come out of my leg brace. I really want to diversify my workouts, maybe get back to dance since I took ballet before I contracted paralytic polio." She wrote down my goals and gathered up her things. She had her hand on the door knob when I said, "Wait. I have one more goal." "What's that?" she asked. "I want to run the Boston Marathon next year for Spaulding Rehab. I hear they have a Race for Rehab team." Now there were many responses she could have made such as, "Don't you think you need a more modest goal? You have never run a day in your life." Instead she said, "Well you are going to need a pair of running shoes."
I wrote poetry and called forth all of my physical, mental and spiritual strength to train for and cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon, the race that "Running the Race" foreshadowed in February of 2008.
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.
Through her narrative, Mary McManus reveals how music became her sanctuary. A pivotal moment in her life came when her cousin, a Broadway producer, introduced her to the world of musical theater—a vibrant escape that ignited her passion and brought her immense joy. This episode explores the profound connection between music and emotional healing, showcasing how Mary McManus found solace in melodies during her toughest times and how they helped her forge connections with others
Listeners will be moved by Mary’s reflections on the influence of her high school music teacher and the supportive community she discovered in orchestral music. These experiences highlight the essence of music as therapy, illustrating its role in fostering emotional well-being and resilience. Mary’s journey culminates in her remarkable achievement of running the Boston Marathon, a testament to her indomitable spirit and the impact of music in her life.
Throughout this episode, we delve into the broader themes of music and mental health, exploring how independent musicians can harness their art to inspire and uplift. Mary’s story is not just about personal struggles; it’s a celebration of the healing power of music and its ability to connect us all. From emotional healing through music to the stories of musicians who have shaped our lives, this episode is a treasure trove of insights for anyone seeking inspiration.
Join us as we uncover the magic of music and its role in personal stories of triumph. Whether you’re a fan of the music history podcast genre or simply looking for a dose of motivation, this episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast promises to resonate deeply. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of finding your voice and the transformative nature of music in navigating life's adversities. Don’t miss out on this heartfelt journey with Mary McManus, where we celebrate the stories that remind us all of the profound impact music has on our lives.
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.
