Can You Believe It?

 

During this training cycle for the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I've been reflecting on my healing journey in the wake of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006.  I'd known about the healing power of the mind/body connection through Bernie Siegel,MD  since the 1980's. One of my favorite examples of the power of the mind/body connection happened after abdominal surgery. In his books and talks, Bernie talks about giving hypnotic suggestions to his patients while under anesthesia. When I met with the anesthesiologist at my pre-op visit, he was familiar with Bernie's work. I told him how I always got sick after anesthesia. He said he'd be happy to give me a suggestion to help me wake up feeling comfortable and pain free. When I woke up in the recovery room, as I felt as though I was going to be sick, the wave of nausea stopped. I had a sudden craving for a BBQ hamburger and asked for one out loud. The anesthesiologist had told the Team the suggestion he made and I heard laughter reverberate in the room! Can you believe it?

There have been times when I have used deliberate focused intentions to address healing a condition in my body. In April of 2007, I had an abnormal mammogram and used visualization to dissolve the tumor. Creating poetry that harnessed the power of the mind/body connection focused on rewiring my nervous system with love after polio and trauma. The runner within me was born in my imagination in the first poem I wrote, "Running the Race", that foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, I used chiropractic, KT tape, a revised strength training regimen and visualization to dissolve bone spurs, grow a new gastroc muscle, repair torn cartilage, and reverse degenerative changes due to arthritis. That total knee replacement that I was told I'd need in a few years never happened. I was told to stop running or cap my distance at a 5K. Well not so much. I went on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and the Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K in 2016. Can you believe it?

There have been setbacks and comebacks along the way that I met with my profound belief in the body's tremendous capacity to heal. By falling in love with the process and trusting the results would come, I celebrate, thriving in the wake of polio and trauma aging strong.

While many of my healing moments were driven by intentional visualizations with allowing the incredible Intelligence within us to heal, there is one that teaches us about the Divine Intelligence that happens as a result of nature's incredible design. In 1992, I had a femoral osteotomy on my left leg to correct the alignment in my left leg. My leg was bowed as a result of childhood paralytic polio causing the knee joint to wear down. Doing a total knee replacement in my late 30's was not ideal. My surgeon, Donald T. Reilly had invented the procedure. A year after the surgery, we both agreed on removing the hardware. It was uncomfortable especially in cold weather. I was non-weight bearing for 6 weeks after the surgery while the holes from the screws that held the plate in place filled in with new bone! I truly did not give it a second thought as Dr. Reilly was totally confident about nature's healing process. When I returned for my post-op visit, he took an x-ray and sure enough I could toss aside the crutches and be weight bearing since the bone healed! Can you believe it?

As I share my healing journey, my hope is to inspire others with what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary. I can believe what's possible because others shared their healing stories. Two stories in particular that inspired me on my journey are Wilma Rudolph and Evy McDonald. Of particular note is that when I set out on a quest to heal my life, I did not know what the outcome would be. I loved the song "Dancing Through Life" from Wicked and was determined that whatever the outcome, if I were to spend my life in a wheelchair, I would dance through life. Yet I fell in love with myself, the process of healing and what miraculous results happened beyond my wildest imaginings. Can you believe it?

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.

I was recently 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.

My books share a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities; what's possible despite all appearances to the contrary and are available on Bookshop  My 6th book, "Into the Light:Emerging From the 2020 Pandemic" and my 7th book, "A Most Unlikely Runner:Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" are selections of the WBZ News Radio Book Club. "Inspiration From The Heart of a Warrior" is also a selection Bill Rodgers Running Center Billy's Bookshelf: Recommended Reads for Every Runner. Visit my Author Page on Amazon for rave reviews.

 

 

 

On the Road to Bermuda 10K - The Body Achieves What the Mind Believes

 

After last Saturday's four miler and with the new sensations that come with training for an event after a 5 year hiatus, I asked myself the question, "Can this almost 70 year old body go the distance again?" I wasn't sleeping well Wednesday night awakened by nerve pain and muscle spasms. Even before the diagnosis of Post Polio Syndrome, I knew about the power of the mind/body connection with Dr. Bernie Siegel. I'd gotten pregnant with twins, dissolved a breast tumor, stopped an adverse reaction to anesthesia with the help of an amazing anesthesiologist at the Brigham and Women's Hospital and knew the power that the mind has in healing one's life through stories that Bernie shared in his lectures and books.

The nerve pain and muscle spasms began two years ago, the night after I received the 2nd COVID vaccine in 2021. The sensations have come and gone during the past two years. When I first started training for the 10K, they had stopped completely but something 'got tripped' after last Saturday's four miler. 

When I first set out on my healing quest after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I came up with an image that God is my Master Electrician helping me to rewire the 'damage' from childhood polio and trauma. My story is shared in Dr. David Hamilton's Book, "The Tenth Edition of How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body."

 

 

In the synopsis of my journey, David shared how I was able to harness the power of visualization to heal a left knee injury in December 2014, going on to run 3 Bermuda Half Marathons despite warnings from the medical community to stop running and prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years.

The fantastic part about setting the goal of the Bermuda 10K is that I am rededicating myself to my healing journey. I know I can completely resolve the nerve pain and muscle spasms harnessing the power of my mind and upping my self-care game. When I did not have an event to train for, I was focused on being support crew for Tom and Ruth Anne and was not as focused on self-care. I now take my rest days very seriously; fortunately Ruth Anne and Tom are totally on board with this. They are so excited to have me join them out on the course.

 

When I don't sleep well, I use the time to meditate and feel my connection to the Divine. Yesterday morning, the alarm went off at 6:15 am and I was so excited for early morning miles. With the meditation in the wee small hours of the morning (cue the music from "Sleepless in Seattle") fears dissolved and were replaced with a deep stirring in my soul that I've got this. I've got nothing to prove in terms of time but instead am going to give my best effort during training runs. I remembered how, when training for the 2009 Boston Marathon, I would lie awake at times experiencing what I called phantom pain (ie traumatic memories) from childhood paralytic polio and trauma. When I went for a run, the pain dissolved into the ethers of the Universe. 

 

The plan was for Tom and Ruth Anne to run 3 miles together and I would do my two miles at an easy pace. Ruth Anne thought we were all running together so she didn't bring her garmin or 'prepare' for 3 miles. Tom suggested that Ruth Anne and I stay together and he would do his miles solo since he needed to get in a really good training run.

The morning light was magnificent and we felt bathed and blessed by the Divine. The day was quickly heating up with humidity; we were so glad we had set the alarm for 6:15. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with Ruth Anne feeling good in my body. As if right on cue, we spotted a shiny penny on the hill heading home:

 We ended up with a negative split which happened without feeling the pressure of having to achieve a certain time. Tom met up with us for the final portion of his run and we cooled down together.

I love how breakfast of Heritage Flakes with banana, orange juice and toast tastes after a satisfying run. The endorphins were kickin' and I allowed myself to be bathed, mind, body and soul in a renewed belief that the body achieves what the mind believes.

From my heart to yours
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!

 

 

Father's Day Reflections 2021

 

 

Father's Day celebrations had always been difficult for me. My social media news feed is filled with pictures current and past of fathers with adoring posts about how wonderful their fathers were or are.  I realize there are many out there who had circumstances similar to mine and may have experienced the same pangs as I did. Yet this year, in the wake of the pandemic, that ache is transformed and transcended. I feel deep abiding joy for those who share in the love of fathers and grandfathers and who can once again be reunited for Fathers Day Celebrations. My heart overflows with compassion for those whose beloved fathers have died and people feel moved to share their photos from years past. And my heart overflows with gratitude as I reflect on those who have been like a father to me.

Joe Stetz was my swimming counselor when I attended Badger Day Camp. I had contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5, and 3 years later, endured abuse at the hands of my father and grandmother {which continued until I was 17 when my father ended his life.} When I was 10 years old, after two failed camp experiences, my physiatrist suggested I go to Badger Day Camp because they focused on swimming and opened their hearts to all abilities. Joe was on track to become a competitor in the 1964 Olympics in the Butterfly but instead he chose to become a physician. 

 

There were only 2 other campers competing in the end of Camp Olympics in the butterfly and Joe, with his soulful brown eyes told me that I needed to be the third competitor. I was guaranteed a place on the medal stand. I couldn't believe that he wanted me to compete. I told him all of my fears (not revealing what was happening in my home life but focusing on the effects of paralytic polio). He told me he would work with me one on one and on race day, after I came in third place long after the other two swimmers finished their races, he helped me out of the pool and escorted me to the medal stand where I received a bronze plaque for 3rd place. He believed in me as a father would and nourished my abilities and the heart of a champion. I drew from what he taught me after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome when I decided to run the 2009 Boston Marathon despite all the odds. His last day of camp hug left a lasting imprint on my heart and soul. There were many times during the pandemic when I drew on its strength.

I discovered his Death Notice in the Boston Globe in December of 2004 and found this photo along with more information about his life. I was stunned to discover that we worked at St. Elizabeth's Medical Center at the same time when I worked as a social worker on the inpatient geriatric psychiatric unit. 

 

 

 

 

  

As total grace from the Divine, I 'just happened' to be standing next to a woman at the starting line of the 2017 Bermuda 10K waiting for my husband to begin his race. As runners so often do, we started talking. She was a nurse who was scoping out the race as part of medical preparedness. "Where are you from?" I asked. "We live not far from Boston," she replied. "Where do you work?" "I work at St. Elizabeth's." My breath caught. She mentioned she'd been there for many years. "By any chance did you know Dr. Joe Stetz?" I inquired. "I sure did!," and she went on to ask me about how I knew him. We shared stories and our eyes filled with tears. She told me that Joe injured his hand changing the oil in his car and was devastated that he could no longer practice surgery but was looking forward to retirement having time to read books, enjoy his grandchild and ride horses. His legacy as a father and grandfather lives on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Bernie Siegel became what he affectionately calls my Chosen Dad or CD. He has become a Chosen Dad to many, like myself, who were abused and abandoned and who lost faith in ourselves. Disease manifested in our bodies and Bernie coaches us to reparent ourselves with his wisdom and guidance. We have had this beautiful relationship since the 1980's when a nurse first introduced me to his ground breaking work in the field of mind/body medicine.

After I sent him my recent book, "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" he sent me an email blessing me and asking me if I'd been on his radio show to share it.

I've had many interviews through the years but our conversation on Dreamvisions 7 Radio deeply touched my heart and soul. He was so proud of what I had created with the Divine and his love poured forth from his heart to me. 

Two lessons we have all learned from the pandemic is. "Tomorrow is never promised. Don't wait to tell someone how you feel." I sent Bernie a Father's Day card this year. Much to my surprise, he sent me a card back to me blessing me and letting me know I am now a BD = Bonus Daughter. He is going to be 89 years young in October and I cherish every moment we share together. It was such a powerful healing moment for me this Father's Day Weekend.

In years past, I would quickly scroll past photos and Fathers Day posts just wanting to 'make it through' the day. The pandemic has been a great force for transformation and growth. I am excited to celebrate Father's Day sharing those who have been like a father to me, being blessed with a husband who has been a wonderful father to our twins and to my friends in social media as they share all the feels on Father's Day 2021.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary

Be sure to listen to my conversation with Greg Chastain and Ed Siegel on their Voices of Hope podcast, The Cardinal Cafe. From Greg Chastain: The latest episode of The Cardinal Cafe is up! On this episode we meet Mary McManus. Mary is a motivational speaker, author, poet, 2009 Boston Marathon Finisher, polio and trauma survivor. She has a remarkable story of resilence, healing, Hope and possibilities. Once you hear her tell her story you will want to rush out to purchase her newest book of poems “Hope is a Garden” which she wrote during the recent pandemic. So please join us for this incredible story.

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.  

Be sure to check out my website's News and Events page for upcoming and past interviews where I share my remarkable and inspirational journey as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma.

My books to inspire and uplift you are available on Amazon.

 

 

Dancing Through Life

 

As I sat in the waiting room of the International Rehab Center for Polio and Post Polio at the Framingham Spaulding Outpatient Clinic, I clutched my CD player listening to the soundtrack from Wicked. If I was going to have to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, I was going to have to find a way to dance through life.

In February of 2007, a few months after the 'official' diagnosis of a progressive neuromuscular disease after having undergone numerous diagnostic tests to rule out any other possible causes of my symptoms, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance.

The poem, "Running the Race" flowed out of me and my theme song went from Dancing Through Life to Defying Gravity!

Harnessing the power of the mind/body connection and being blessed with a physical therapist who believed in the body's tremendous capacity to heal and then working with a personal trainer, I traded in my toe up leg brace:

 for a pair of running shoes! I went on to cross the finish line of the 20009 Boston Marathon and transformed my life mind, body and soul through the sport of running.

Christmas 2007 just a few months after working with a personal trainer to see if I could get a little stronger and build on the home exercise program that was prepared for me when I was discharged from Outpatient Care at Spaulding Rehab. When I asked Janine Hightower if she thought she could help me get a little stronger, she used the Henry Ford quote, "Whether you think you can or think you can't, you're right." We worked together from October of 2007 and in February of 2008, we did a 6 month re-evaluation of my physical status and goals. I had improved in every area of the assessment and told Janine my new goals were to feel free in my body, to walk outside without my leg brace and to diversify my workouts. She was all set to leave the house when I said "Wait! I have one more goal." She put down her things and said, "What's that?" "I want to run the 2009 Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab. They have a Race for Rehab team." She was totally non-plussed by the fact I never ran a day in my life and said, "Well you are going to need a pair of running shoes."

She trained my husband, daughter and me for 14 months and after 7 hours and 49 minutes, we finished our journey from Hopkinton to Boston.

Every finish line is a starting line and I've been blessed to have many adventures on the road and off during these past 14 years since I took that leap of faith leaving my award winning career as a VA social worker to heal my life. I am so excited for the adventures ahead!

From "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life":

It was a cold, dark day in February 2007. I sat in a leg brace, using a wheelchair at times for mobility. I faced a grim and uncertain future as the doctors handed down the decree of the diagnosis of post polio syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. They told me that if I had any hope of stabilizing the disease where it was, I would have to quit my full time award-winning career as a VA social worker three years shy of when I was eligible for retirement. It was a no brainer. I knew I had to take a leap of faith and leave my career. But what’s a social worker to do after almost 25 years? She opens her heart to the cadence of Dr. Seuss that brought her so much comfort during the painful physical therapy sessions as she recovered from paralytic polio. This is the first poem I penned. Bear in mind, I had never run a day in my life.

 

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.

Be sure to tune into Dreamvisions 7 Radio to hear my conversation with Bernie Siegel, MD on his show Mind Health Matters, on May 21st, May 27th and 28th at 12:00am and 12:00pm ET. We talk about my newest book, my journey as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma, healing, hope and possibilities and how my relationship with Bernie helped me on my journey of transformation since the 1980's.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.

 

My books to inspire and uplift you are available on Amazon.

 

A Date With Destiny

 

“Follow your bliss. The heroic life is living the individual adventure. There is no security in following the call to adventure. Nothing is exciting if you know what the outcome is going to be.” ~ Joseph Campbell

Because of the intense nature of working at the VA, staff at the medical clinic would begin to look at life after the VA as we neared the time of retirement.

I was just 3 years 'shy' of when I was eligible to retire based on time in service and my age when I started thinking about what I'd do next. I was going to work at Bloomingdale's or some other high end retail store which would be quite a contrast from the gray interior with fluorescent lights of the VA Outpatient Clinic. I fancied myself as getting dressed up and enjoying helping shoppers choose accessories to complement their outfits. It was the exact opposite of my career as a social worker where we provided emotional and financial support to those who served. We addressed the biopsychosocial needs of veterans and their families whose suffering was palpable.  I fancied a part-time job with ease and meeting friends for lunch at lovely restaurants.

File those plans under what was I thinking???

In December of 2006 as I was planning the rest of my life, my mind, body and soul were crying out for healing. The Universe clearly had other plans. I was diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and quit my job if there was any hope of stabilizing the debilitating symptoms where they were. The limp from polio returned, I had difficulty swallowing, breathing, walking and felt depressed and anxious. The initial rehab specialists were tremendously helpful in providing relief with a cane, leg brace, wrist splints, a wheelchair, speech and swallow interventions and energy conservation techniques.

I was blessed to meet a physical therapist, Allison Lamarre-Poole at Spaulding Rehab in Downtown Boston which was near the VA. Dr. ElAbd, a pain management specialist referred me to her after my 2nd cervical spine injection. She did not subscribe to the "use it and you'll lose it" theory for polio survivors and held enough faith for both of us that I was not destined to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.

In February of 2007, after a month of sessions with Allison, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance about my future. On a dark, cold February evening, the poem, "Running the Race" poured out of me as if a spigot was turned on in my soul. When Tom came home from an outing with our 20 year old twins, I told him there is life after the VA! I did not know the how's or any of the details but knew poetry and writing were going to be involved.

I smile now as I came up with the idea of "New World Greeting Cards" original poetry for every occasion and started writing a poetry book. I continued to provide the best care I could to my veterans and their families given my own physical limitations while planning my exit from the VA. I took time for self care and went for 3X/week physical therapy sessions with my earth angel Allison.

Allison set me on my healing path mind, body and soul and soon I realized I had a Date with Destiny.

From Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life:

A Date With Destiny

 

Don’t wait til you die to let your soul fly free

please listen and hear what happened to me.

My body was broken every imaginable place

yet to the world always a smile on my face.

My soul trapped inside feeling it was broken too

God brought me out of darkness my light I shine on you.

She showed me the way through people I met

it took awhile a message hard to get.

 

The kingdom of heaven is right inside me

take the leap of faith fulfill destiny.

While I did my soul work and let my soul fly free

my body transformed changes did I see.

My head now aligned the tremor no more

my body aligned such strength in my core.

When once head detached from my heart and my soul

they all work together amazingly whole.

The rules that I live by are my rules alone

I found strength and courage the past now has flown.

 

I gave 6 weeks notice and on May 25th, 2007, left behind my award winning career as a VA social worker to heal my life. At the time I didn't understand the totality of what that meant or how it would manifest in my life. 

 

I went on to run the 2009 Boston Marathon, publish my book of poems and a Trilogy of Transformation.

 

This past year we were all challenged to shift from the plans we made to embrace a date with destiny. Having opportunities to be an in person motivational speaker were put on hold but I participated in Zoom events and had my story shared on different outlets. 

 

I wrote my book, "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" and have been deeply moved by the reception it has received. 

 

There often comes a time in life when we have to let go of the life we have planned so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.

 

Be sure to tune into Dreamvisions 7 Radio to hear my conversation with Bernie Siegel, MD on his show Mind Health Matters, tomorrow and Friday, and May 27th and 28th at 12:00am and 12:00pm ET. We talk about my newest book, my journey as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma, healing, hope and possibilities and how my relationship with Bernie helped me on my journey of transformation since the 1980's.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.

 

"Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" along with all of my books to inspire and uplift you is available on Amazon.

 

 

 

 

An Unexpected Anniversary Celebration

 

Fourteen years ago I sat in my sparsely decorated office, saying farewell to patients and families and staff that I worked with for almost twenty years as a VA social worker. In December of 2006 I was diagnosed with the progressive neuromuscular disease, Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair.

It was my wake up call to heal my life from the once devastating effects of paralytic polio and severe childhood trauma. I gave 6 weeks notice and chose the date of May 25, 2007. Coincidentally, May 25th was my father's birthday. He died by suicide at the age of 50 on 8/1/71.

I spent those final days of my VA social work career being celebrated for my efforts on behalf of veterans and their families and imagining a future very different from my past and very different from the ones the medical profession predicted for me. I reconnected with Bernie Siegel, MD who was the pioneer of mind/body medicine in the US in the 70's. I came to know his work through a nurse who told me I needed to heal my life during a hospitalization for a staph infection in my shoulder in the 1980's. We became friends through the years and Bernie helped me to 'rebirth' myself after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.

On April 20, 2009, I crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon. I published poetry books and wrote my memoir "Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility." I appeared on radio shows and podcasts sharing my journey of transformation and went on to have many adventures as runnergirl1953 writing a Trilogy of Transformation.

As I have with each of my books, I sent a copy of my latest book, "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" to Bernie as he loves to be called. He sent me an email thanking me for the book and asking me if I had been on his radio show yet to discuss it.

We went back and forth with emails and there was some confusion about which of his shows I would be on and settling on a date and time.

We recorded the interview for his show Mind Health Matters last Tuesday. The air dates are going to be May 20 and May 21 and May 27 and May 28 at 12:00am and 12:00pm. Usually the guest for the 'live' show is for one week but Deborah is going to have the show air for the two weeks. Unbeknownst to her, this is the time when I celebrate the anniversary of my leap of faith.

What an unexpected and wondrous way to celebrate the 14 year anniversary but as Bernie would say there are no coincidences. 

Here's the link to listen to be uplifted and inspired by my conversation with Bernie and Deborah Beauvais who is the visionary and owner of Dreamvisions 7 Radio Network.  

Deborah has selected "Hope" to be part of her "Books We Adore." In July, "Hope" will be the Book of the Month and one lucky subscriber to Dreamvisions 7 newsletter will receive an autographed copy from me.

I love how the Universe surprises and blesses me. I know that our conversation is going to bless all who listen to the powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities and how we have within each of us the strength and resilience to overcome whatever challenges may come our way.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.

 

"Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" along with all of my books to inspire and uplift you is available on Amazon.

 

Be sure to tune into Dreamvisions 7 Radio to hear my conversation with Bernie Siegel, MD on his show Mind Health Matters May 20 and 21st, May 27th and 28th at 12:00am and 12:00pm ET. We talk about my newest book, my journey as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma, healing, hope and possibilities and how my relationship with Bernie helped me on my journey of transformation since the 1980's.

 

Gratitude: 14 Months Later

 

The above photo and this post appeared in my Facebook memory feed:

Do you have little things that you are grateful for and make you smile? 

Here are a few of mine:
Bananas and potatoes that were in short supply
My favorite floss threaders from CVS that had been out of stock for weeks
Toilet paper - duh
Grated carrots from Trader Joe's
Our favorite brand of orange juice at Star Market
Finding puzzle pieces that fit

What a difference a year makes!

I am deeply grateful and blessed that we can now run without masks although we do have one with us at all times. 

This Spring seems to be more magnificent than any Spring I can remember. Here are scenes from yesterday's morning run that felt so free and easy compared to a year ago:

The morning sun's reflection on the Reservoir reflected the joy and gratitude we feel in our hearts. Our immediate family have all received 2 doses of vaccine. My son and his girlfriend are going to be eating outside at a restaurant for the first time in 14 months. We ate outside at a restaurant on Sunday after our daughter's 2nd vaccine. 

 

 

For the first time in 14 months we have plans on the calendar. In October we are going to New York to see Jagged Little Pill. The Cape Cod Marathon will be live and in person this year. Tom and Ruth Anne deferred from last year. We have hotel reservations in New York and Cape Cod.

Little by little businesses are easing screening restrictions but remain in compliance with safety guidelines from the CDC. I look forward to when we will no longer need to have our temperatures taken or fill out health surveys before appointments at our dentist, chiropractor or hair salon, but am so grateful we have access to these services. It wasn't that long ago that everything was in lockdown and we had no idea when we would be able to access them again.

I am grateful for how deeply appreciation runs in my heart and soul for sunshine, Springtime, taking deep breaths knowing we are on a positive trajectory out of the epidemic and to be able to share my pandemic perspectives and poetry in "Hope is a Garden: Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic."

14 months later I am grateful for my book, the gift of poetry in my soul and how I can bless the lives of others with the wisdom I have learned living through two epidemics.

Dawn

 

As dawn breaks my heart opens in gratitude

an inventory of the blessings in my life

strife only created from memories

gratitude the bridge over troubled waters

path to peace and joy.

 

Rubbing eyes awake from a starry night

pixie dust sprinkled while sleeping

cells sparkling with possibilities

twinkling eyes view the world.

 

It dawns on me

I am beloved

Love heals and bathes

uplifted to greet the dawn of a new day

sunbeams meet heart beams.

 

Writing headlines

a virus vanished

soul lessons learned

heaven on earth is here.

 

And so it is!

 

Be sure to tune into Dreamvisions 7 Radio to hear my conversation with Bernie Siegel, MD on his show Mind Health Matters May 20 and 21st, May 27th and 28th at 12:00am and 12:00pm ET. We talk about my newest book, my journey as a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma, healing, hope and possibilities and how my relationship with Bernie helped me on my journey of transformation since the 1980's.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
Mary

For more information about my journey from childhood polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond, visit my website.

 

"Hope is a Garden:Poems and Essays From the 2020 Pandemic" along with all of my books to inspire and uplift you is available on Amazon.