Adventures in NYC - Part 2 - What Are The Odds?

                                                                                                 When I woke up last Saturday morning I felt like a kid at Christmas. I was going to see "Hamilton" for the 2nd time from Row B, Center Orchestra. When I bought the tickets, I had no idea that Christopher Jackson was going to reprise his role as General George Washington. I'd been listening to different episodes of The Hamilcast in the weeks leading up to our trip. I connected with Lexi Garcia Toye on Instagram after hearing her incredible Hamilton journey. She is on tour. I was planning to send her a photo of Tom and me in front of the marquee. A joy shared is a joy multiplied. Little did I know how much joy we would be sharing Saturday night. Tom and I debated about how we should organize our day. Go to Junior's for a pre-theater lunch and then take our photos at the Rodgers OR go to the Rodgers first and then grab a bite to eat. We decided to take our photos first since I was so excited and eager to get to the theater. 

I read "Life at Hamilton" by Mike Anthony in May of 2022 and connected with Mike on social media. I listened to his episodes on The Hamilcast. After getting our tickets in May, I sent him a FB message since he was posting about Hamilton happenings. I reminded him of the book review I wrote for his book, "Love, Dad..How my father died and told me he didn't," and shared with him the life changing experience I had at Hamilton in April. I let him know we were planning to return in September. He responded with: "Hello, Mary!!! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!!!🥰🥰🥰
I’m so glad you made it to the show, and that it had the impact it did. If you do come back in September, I hope to see you there!" A week before the show, Mike had posted about a 9 year old girl who was sobbing at the show saying how much she loves the show and how important it is to hold onto those kinds of moments. I commented on his post and asked if he'd be at the 9/19 matinee. We all know how quickly social media can move and how easy it is to miss a comment. He didn't respond. 

With "Life at Hamilton" in hand and a bottle of water to keep us hydrated as we walked to the theater, Tom and I headed to the Rodgers. Before we left, I'd asked Tom if he should bring a sweater. Once we got to the street, he realized it was cooler than he thought so he went back to the room to get one. I patiently waited downstairs. I felt as though I could have skipped to the theater.

We took our photos:

 

                            

Tom was inspired to place the "Life at Hamilton" book and our water at the stage door. Just as I was about to take the photo, we heard, "You better hope nobody comes out of that door." I got flustered and said, "Oh I'll hurry up." (See photo above that's a bit blurry because I took it so quickly.) He laughed. "No don't worry about it," he said. "You here to see the show?" "Yes we are and we are so excited." "How many times have you seen it?" "2," I replied. "You here for the matinee?" "Yes," I answered and we are planning to get a bite at Junior's. In one swift movement, he took out his key card, unlocked the stage door and said, "Follow me."

The next thing we knew we were going backstage! 

                                                                                          Jimmy Russell, aka Stage Door Jimmy, called out from his office, "Hey why is she shaking?" Our escort said, "Don't worry about it Jimmy. They are with me. They are my cousins from Boston." {Tom was wearing his Red Sox hat.} Our escort told me to watch myself on the stairs. He said that he was going to take us on a backstage tour and take photos of us on the stage. We learned that his name is Bobby and he operates the turntables from his perch "way up there," as he explained it. Through a google search, I found out that his full name is  Bobby Hentze. He serves as the Automation Operator for the production at the Richard Rodgers Theatre. From his console located up on the fly floor, he precisely controls the show's complex dual-revolving stage system, managing the speed and directions of the concentric rings that bring the musical's choreography to life. He said we could take whatever photos and videos we would like and share them. "We love doing this," he said and talked about how they will spot different people at the stage door, usually children and invite them to come backstage.

He didn't ask me about my tremors which had gotten noticeably intense given the emotions I was feeling but I shared with him my journey with polio and Post-Polio Syndrome. "You are quite remarkable," he said. He took us to the wardrobe and prop room. We were so in awe of what we were seeing that we didn't take photos of the wardrobe and prop room but here are the photos Bobby and Tom took:

 

We talked as though we had been lifelong friends about all things Hamilton and our lives. He showed us the wardrobe and prop room as our jaws were wide open in awe of seeing this glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes.

 "Well," Bobby said. "We better get you over to Junior's." As I navigated the steep and narrow stairs, Bobby would make suggestions of where I could hold on and kept reminding me to be careful. "Let me walk out with you. I'll show you the alley to get to Junior's." We kept expressing our deepest heartfelt gratitude as we walked. "We love doing this," he said. "This is what Hamilton is all about!" 

"Now. There is going to be a long line when you get back to the theater around noon. I don't want you to have to stand in line. So just go up to whoever is at the front of the line and explain your condition. If there's any problem, just tell them Bobby told you to let them know you shouldn't have to wait in line." We hugged as we said a tear filled goodbye and grabbed a quick bite at Junior's.

Just as Bobby predicted, there was a long queue of theater goers eager to get into the theater. We approached security and told them that Bobby suggested we let them know that I have a neurological condition and should not have to stand in line. "Oh we know Bobby. He's been here awhile. Well it's too early to go in but ..." he swung open the theater doors and opened up a folding chair for me to sit in while we waited for the doors to open! 

Since we were among the first to enter the lobby, I was able to ask one of the people selling merch if Mike Anthony was working. "Gee I don't know. Where does he work?" "He's the bar manager," I replied. "Well the bar is over there." My heart skipped a beat when I saw Mike Anthony in 3D.

I introduced myself. "I'm so sorry I didn't answer you on Facebook," Mike said. "Oh don't worry about it," I replied. This just adds to the magic of it all. I told him that because we took the photo with his book we met Bobby and got to go back stage! He was so happy for me. I asked him if he would sign my book. He took out a sharpie from his drawer, stepped to the side, signed it. "Come see me at intermission," he said as he handed it back to me. I was seeing "Life at Hamilton" in action!

                                                                                         Yo Yo Yo what time is it? Showtime! IYKYK

To be continued....

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. 

What if the key to overcoming life's greatest challenges lies in the melodies that resonate with our souls? Join us in this heartfelt episode of the Music Saved Me Podcast, where hosts Lynn Hoffman and Buzz Knight dive deep into the transformative power of music with our inaugural contest winner, Mary McManus. Mary’s journey is a testament to the healing power of music, as she shares her inspiring story of resilience after contracting paralytic polio at a young age and navigating a tumultuous family environment. Listen to the episode by following this link.

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.

                                                                                  

 

Resulted In Joy to Realize I Could Live Life Anew

  

A 'chance' encounter on our training run in South Boston last Saturday set the tone and theme as Joy for this week in our training cycle on the Road to the Hyannis 10K. 

Everyone was out and about enjoying the waning days of summer. We spotted the back of a white t-shirt from the Colin's Joy Project 5K. "Live each day with pure joy in your heart." We paused before we passed the elderly couple. Tom made eye contact with the gentleman and said, "Mayor Flynn." Despite being 86 years old and walking gingerly with a cane while holding on to his wife's arm, Ray Flynn's young, spry political self sprung to life. He shook our hands as we introduced ourselves and shared that we are members of L Street which is how we knew about Colin's Joy Project. Mayor Flynn's wife is friends with Colin's mom, Kerri. Colin died just before his 3rd birthday in a tragic accident. His parentsrs  are members of our running club. They turned pain into purpose and passion keeping Colin's legacy alive by bringing joy to children and families. Visit their website to learn more about this incredible organization.

 

Swim Across America was having a fundraiser. With music blaring as swimmers gathered for a cause, the joy was palpable. Families had wagons in tow for family celebrations. We passed a gathering of people holding hands in a circle. One of the women held a baby. We paused our run to ask what the occasion was. "We're getting ready for a baptism!" I asked the gentleman with joy in his eyes if he was officiating. "Yes ma'am!" He introduced himself as Pastor John letting us know that it was a glorious day to celebrate the love that God puts in each of our hearts. The baptism would take place in the Bay. 

 

The sound of the surf filled my heart with joy. It was as though the Universe was in sync celebrating all there is to be joyful for especially at the peak of summer in New England. 

 

What was there to be joyful for as I sat in a leg brace, using a cane and a wheelchair at times for mobility having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and expect an accelerated decline in functioning as I aged? In February of 2007, I got still and asked for Divine Guidance. The first poem I wrote, "Running the Race", answered that question:

 4.5 miles done and dusted! To celebrate, Tom and I went to the Seaport to walk around and find a place to enjoy post-run fueling. We were fortunate to get a table outdoors at Legal Sea Foods watching boats come and go, listening to the sound of the surf and experiencing the joy of fellow diners.

It was 79 degrees at 6:30am when we got our Monday morning run on. We kept the pace slow and steady. While many complain about the heat and humidity, I know what a gift it is to be getting in early morning miles with my bestie for SOOO many reasons. The reasons at the top of my list are that I have the energy to get up early and go, time unplugged with Tom and being able to get out the door wearing only a tank top and shorts. 

 

I could not resist belting out the joy filled song, "I've got the sun in the morning and the moon at night."

For Tuesday morning's strength training session, I added in extra joy by infusing dance steps into stretching and cranking up the playlist. Our living room/dining room gets transformed into our home gym!

 

On Thursday morning, we wrapped up another week in the training cycle with a soupy, sultry yet solid run given the weather. It was 74 degrees with high humidity and the air quality wasn't great. We managed to pull out negative splits and were soaked to the skin when we got home.

The water's stillness made for the perfect canvas once more of the trees that line the Reservoir. Soon they will be aflame with the colors of Fall, but for now we will feel the joy of every step in every early morning run.

I have no idea if themes will continue to emerge throughout the training cycle or what each week holds in store. On Saturday we up our mileage to 5 miles for the next few weeks as we experience the joy in the journey, not the distant goal of Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Connecting the Dots: Hyannis Marathon Weekend

                                                

As I train for the 2026 Hyannis Marathon Weekend 10K, I've been reflecting on Hyannis Marathon Weekend through the years and how Hyannis Marathon Weekend has had such an incredibly special place in my running career and heart. There's no way I could connect the dots from February 2009 going forward. It's only by looking back that I see how my decision to reach out to the Race Director at Hyannis to share my story and ask if it would be okay for me to participate in the Half Marathon given my back of the pack status, was one that has changed my life in many ways.

As a newbie runner, I relied on the guidance of my personal trainer and the goodwill of the running community to guide me through this uncharted territory for me. I joined the "Just Finish" Forum. Their motto was "Run.Walk.Crawl" Just Finish. I wore their shirt to the pre-race pasta dinner in 2009 where I met Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers. I smile to myself amused at how little I knew about the sport of running as I walked into the ballroom of the pre-race pasta dinner the evening before my first half marathon race.

 

While I'd gone 17 miles in my training plan and had run the Corrib Road Race 5K, the Marathon Sports 5 Miler, and the Tufts 10K, this was my first big road race. Our Coach for the Spaulding Race for Rehab team suggested that this would be a great warm up to the 2009 Boston Marathon. I met up with one of the members of the Just Finish Forum and met members of the L Street Running Club and the Merrimack Valley Striders running club. We have become running family. Was it my nerves or a deep knowing, that it was my destiny to share my story with members of the running clubs, Bill Rodgers and Frank Shorter. 

 

The sleet started during coming down during the second half of the race. I lost track of hydration, fueling and pacing and just wanted to get to the finish line. Frank Shorter could tell that the run had taken a lot of out of me. I was shivering from the sleet that had started falling during the last several miles of the race. He put both of his hands on either side of my arms, looked at me straight in the eye and told me how much courage and strength I had to do what I had just done. He told me he had no doubt that I was going to cross the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon. 

 

Although I wasn’t feeling well, and should have gone upstairs to take a hot shower, there was a reporter interviewing runners. I told him my story and I was in the next day’s Cape Cod Times: 

Mary McManus, 55, of Brookline completed her first half marathon after making a remarkable recovery from a life-long battle against post-polio syndrome.

She spent time at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and began running just last February. She competed in her first race in June 2008, finishing a 5K.

“It’s like having a new lease on life,” said McManus, who ran yesterday’s half marathon with husband Tom. “I was limping my way through life, but then decided to do something about it.”

It was a phenomenal weekend. I earned my first of many medals for finishing a race but the greatest prize was the friendships forged at the pre-race pasta dinner. 

 

As Frank said I would, I indeed finished the 2009 Boston Marathon. While I was on a running hiatus in February of 2010, we returned for Race Weekend where the Race Director gave me a table at the Expo.

 

 

Frank and Bill were once again the speakers at the pre-race pasta dinner. They signed my bib.

 

Hyannis Marathon Weekend became an annual tradition. In 2011, I coined the phrase, "Camp Hyannis" when I ran the 10K again. Throughout the years, there have been special memories made. 

In 2014, Tom ran the Half Marathon. He was on pace to run a PR. He happened upon two of the Spaulding Race for Rehab runners training for the 2014 Boston Marathon on the side of the road crying at the 5K mark. It was their first half marathon race. They went out too fast and were feeling overwhelmed. Tom adhered to the runner's code and paced them to the finish line. He was regaled as a hero (although he was humble and honored to help them).  We had a mini-reunion of the 2009 Race for Rehab Team and all celebrated at a restaurant in town.

 

In December of 2014, I sustained a serious knee injury. I was told to prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years and cap my distance at a 5K. By 2015 I was back on the roads having used the mind/body connection and chiropractic care to heal the injury. In January 2016, I ran the Bermuda Half Marathon. We returned to Camp Hyannis in February of 2016 where Tom and I had an amazing 10K. I was also surprised with a table at the Expo where I met runners from the Mystic Valley Running Club. When they saw my Bermuda Half Marathon medal, a group of runners proclaimed, "It's a sign." They had just been talking about having Bermuda Race Weekend on their bucket list!

Camp Hyannis 2020 was a highlight of my journey as a most unlikely runner and motivational speaker. I was invited to speak as a special guest at the pre-race pasta dinner along with Bill Rodgers. I wrote about the experience in my blog, "Embrace the Possibilities". You can also read Parts 1 and 2 that capture the magic of Camp Hyannis; the last event before the pandemic shut everything down.

 

 

 

Hyannis Marathon Weekend came back strong after the pandemic. We are so excited for Camp Hyannis 2026 when I will run the 10K after a 10 year Hyannis Marathon Weekend hiatus. I wonder what other adventures the weekend will bring. One thing I know for sure, I continue to connect the dots in the future from that first Hyannis Marathon Weekend in February 2009.

 

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.

 

 

 

  

A Redemption Race!

 

I wasn't planning on running it and I certainly wasn't planning on racing it. As I reflect on Sunday's Squirrel Run XXVII aka my accidental race, I realized the impact that the DNF at the 2024 Bermuda 10K had on me. I was 'gun shy' of being part of a race again where I'd feel the pressure of a time goal. There is no time limit for my next goal race, the 2026 Hyannis 10K. I will, of course, be training to make it a personal best with a goal of 2:30 or less. I opted for the 2.5 mile fitness walk at the Squirrel Run to take any time pressure off of myself. The Universe had other plans. I am so glad She did! 

As I reflect on that DNF, I realized that while there were physical factors that contributed to my DNF, there were also psychological factors that contributed to my body calling it at 3:06 miles. Somewhere inside of me, I had doubts about being able to go the distance again in Bermuda despite having had 3 successful half marathons there in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and an exhilarating 10K in Hyannis in 2016. I went into the race feeling depleted mentally and physically from having contracted COVID in December of 2023, and family crises that year. I neglected to focus on mind and body self-care during my training cycle. 

Part of what made Saturday's race as spectacular as it was for me was that I took two rest days before the event. I treated it as just another 2.5 miles to do to support ALS research, a cause near and dear to my heart. When there is a breakthrough for treatment and understanding the etiology of any progressive neuromuscular disease, there is hope for all of them. There were no pre-race jitters because well - there was no race. The inner fire was lit when I found myself mid-pack.

 I was on the struggle bus early on at the Bermuda 10K. The weather was warm and muggy. The hills were unrelenting and extremely challenging. I didn't feel the joy of being off the sidelines in Bermuda. There were no crowds and the roads weren't closed. There was an energy and sense of purpose at the Squirrel Run that was missing in Bermuda. The roads were closed. The high school kids who hosted the water stop were genuinely happy to be there. There was camaraderie among the participants and there were some spectators lining the course cheering us on. There was no water stop in Bermuda until after the 5K mark! Ironically, the scene that I mentally rehearsed of coming into the finish with Tom and Ruth Anne, hands held high, receiving a medal,  happened not in Bermuda but at Saturday's accidental 5K. It was a moment of redemption for what did not happen in Bermuda.

 My love of being off the sidelines and seeing what this body can do was rekindled last Saturday. When I crossed that finish line, I stepped into feeling the joy of my next training cycle. I feel focused and a deep stirring in my soul that I am called to do this again. Hyannis Weekend holds incredible memories for me. It's a beautiful course and the weather adds to the magic and mystery of the event. At my first Half in Hyannis in 2009 on the road to the Boston Marathon, it was cold at the start with sleet at the end.  In 2011, it snowed. In 2014 it was a picture perfect end of winter day when Tom ran it. In 2020, it was a cold but sunny day. One year the race was cancelled due to unsafe conditions. I'm manifesting a picture perfect day for my triumphant Hyannis return and my return to the 10K distance at a live event. Even though I was a DNF in Bermuda, I did do a Virtual 10K on May the Fourth last year.

My heart overflows with gratitude and my soul dances with delight for the accidental 5K race. When I did an age-graded calculation for my 1:00:30 time, it came to 41:44. Wow for somebody who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I really do go fast! 

This training cycle is a mile by mile every step is a gift every mile is a blessing adventure. Training beyond the distance of the 10K with my long term goal of doing a half marathon next Spring gives me a bounce in my step and a boost to my mental training. I see it and I feel it happening. Isn't it crazy how the Universe works sometimes?

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.