Saturday was World Polio Day and in December, I celebrate 20 years of healing after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome with its dire prognosis of preparing to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged. I've been inspired to celebrate my journey as one who contracted paralytic polio as a child and to share the wisdom I garnered along the way.
Tom and I had the most magnificent morning miles amidst Autumn splendor. I am so deeply grateful that my scrappy and determined self refused to take the diagnosis and prognosis of Post-Polio Syndrome sitting down. I've often said that I felt as though my nose was pressed against the window pane of life watching life pass me by. With limited mobility from polio complicated by enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members, I did not feel free in my body to enjoy the changing seasons up close and personal. The Reservoir was serene and calm. We savored the experience of the warm sun on our faces.
My story of polio has quite a different outcome than most. I am honored and blessed to share my journey to becoming a most unlikely runner after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome. I went from a toe-up leg brace and using a wheelchair at times for mobility to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond! In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. I discovered the healing power of poetry. The first poem I wrote, "Running the Race" foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run.
Running the Race
Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year
everyone around me filled with nervous fear.
Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear
the polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.
Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird
I dropped to the ground just like a stone and no one said a word.
The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse
“It’s polio” the doctor said…he was abrupt and terse.
Called one of the ‘lucky ones’ I had a ‘mild case’
but with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.
Miss Holly physical therapist, curly hair and a warm, broad smile
it tempered the pain of being apart – to walk I’d take awhile.
I always wore those ‘special’ shoes the kids they poked and teased
with no support and much abuse with childhood I wasn’t pleased.
But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could
I couldn’t kick a ball but my grades were always good.
Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give
I accepted the limp, everything else and decided my life I would live.
But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow
I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.
Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day
suffered in silence, alone and afraid tried to keep depression at bay.
And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide
I discovered there was a Post Polio team and they were on my side.
Sought out paths for healing and my spirit flew free
for the first time in life, I could truly be me.
The chains are gone and possibilities abound
I’m a tree with my roots planted firmly in ground.
Using wheelchair to travel, set limits on what I could do
resulted in joy to realize I could live life anew.
Celebrated my body-creaks, groans and need for a brace
while in my mind I focused on winning a 10K race.
I’m now off the sidelines, no need to sit and whine
so much gratitude fills my heart and love and beauty shine.
After all these years I can join the loving human race
I exceed all expectations and now I set the pace.
I am deeply grateful that polio is almost eradicated worldwide.That's a lot to celebrate. However, Western Medicine does not take into account the power of the mind/body connection and neuroplasticity when it comes to polio survivors. My fervent hope is that, just as we are this close to eradicating polio, one day Western Medicine's view of polio survivors will change! While Polio Awareness Month in October and World Polio Day on October 24th bring awareness to efforts to completely eradicate polio, I am bringing awareness to what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary.
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.
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