Reflections on Strength

 

 

                             
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.

                                                                               As I am editing my 8th book, "Running the Race: From Atrophy to Astonishing," I am in awe of my strength, resilience and determination to draw strength from all that I have experienced; to make every day a celebration of life and to age strong and well.

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.

 

 

It's Gonna Be Alright....

 

As my head swirled with negative thoughts of "What if's" I told myself to stop and shift the "What if's" to positive outcomes. On August 5, Tom was given a Performance Improvement Plan at work. He had been working day and night after having had an adverse reaction to the COVID vaccine. He planned to get the vaccine on his vacation but they told him he had to postpone his vacation. He couldn't postpone his 2nd shot and worked when he should have taken time to rest. He was also called back early from his vacation to work the evening before he was to return to work. 

He made errors that were uncharacteristic for him and exaggerated because of the extraordinary stress everyone experienced. Management didn't check in with him to see what was going on. Instead they "wrote him up" and gave him a warning that if he did not follow the PIP and immediately improve, he would be fired!

Fortunately his vacation started the next week.  As Divine Timing would have it, our son Autumn and his partner Michelle were coming to town on August 11th to celebrate the twins' birthday. Team McManus had a meeting and unanimously decided it was time for Tom to retire.We had savings and were totally confident that he could get a low key job somewhere to supplement retirement and social security. The "Big Quit" can be as infectious as COVID and we decided that life is too short to suffer in a work environment. Autumn and Tom got very excited about a dream they've had for several years to have their own technology consulting company.

Last week, there was a meeting scheduled with a top manager on his calendar. "What if they are going to ask you to stay?" {Note how this was quite a shift from what if they tell you to leave early without pay?} "I'm not going to do it," Tom said. We ignored the 'dreadlines' about an uncertain economy trusting that the technology sector is in dire need of talent.

I thought of the Helen Keller quote about security, "Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it. Avoiding danger is no safer in the long run than outright exposure."

The meeting was rescheduled and then canceled. He received a call at 8:30am on Friday morning informing him that his access had been terminated.  We were very confused and tried to discern what he was being told. Because he had a high security clearance, they could not let him finish out his last week. The manager reassured us that as far as HR was concerned, nothing about his September 17th end date had changed.

My heart raced for a bit until we were able to process that this was standard operating procedure and had been done with another employee when he left several months ago. He would get his pay for the week but did not have to work! Wow!  It felt like the total grace for all the extra hours he worked and stress he endured. It was a bit unsettling that he no longer had access to his email but texts from his co-workers let him know what they had been told by management; that Tom was leaving on good terms and they had to do this for the sake of computer security.

I am in awe of how we mobilized since we made the decision that it was time for Tom to retire from his current position and the magic of the Universe creating miracles at every turn.  

Health insurance, dental insurance and a new laptop came together with ease. Once he posted his resume, his phone rang off the hook. We prepared both a tech and a non-tech resume. We thought he would do contract work if he stayed in technology or get a job where he could use his incredible interpersonal, customer service and administrative skills.

Plot twist! He has one job offer and is close to getting another offer. He planned on taking the first offer when he had a 2nd interview for a job at another company. He wasn't going to take the interview but it was with a former co-worker from years ago and he was planning to just catch up. The Universe is full of surprises. It was as though no time had passed and the person with whom he interviewed who would be his co-worker said that he would LOVE to work with Tom again. They are expediting the interview process and Tom will have his choice of where he wants to work. Even though he is almost 70 years old, he loves technology, innovation and being part of a collaborative team. Unfortunately, he got burned out and temporarily lost his passion.

What we thought was the worst thing that could have happened to an almost 70 year old man transformed into the best thing that could have happened for spiritual growth for all of us as well as feeling the power of being able to stand up for what is right and true.

We knew it was time for Tom to leave his old job given the physical symptoms he was experiencing from the stress and the reaction to the vaccine but we thought he could just 'hang in there' for several more months while retirement continued to build and COVID subsided. We couldn't have imagined that he would secure another job with benefits for however long he wants to work and to be able to work remote even after the pandemic is under better control.

His health issues have all resolved and the severe back pain he experienced has healed. He feels more vibrant and better than he has in a few years.

We rode a lot of wild waves of emotions these past several weeks intensified by the continued rise in COVID cases. There is continued divisiveness around vaccines and mask mandates. I harness the power of my faith holding a vision of health, healing and well-being for my family, my community, my country and the global community that it's gonna be alright!

 

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness,
Mary

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

Visit my website to learn more about my journey of transformation in the wake of paralytic polio and trauma to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond.

Be sure to visit my News and Events tab on my website to hear interviews that will open your heart and mind to a powerful message of healing, hope and possibilities.

The Magnificence of May: An Awakening

As I watched my tulips poke through the once frozen barren ground and bloom, I thought to myself, "What if I had the same hope and faith I had when I planted those bulbs last October trusting they would blossom, and harnessed it in all areas of my life." 

 So often we want control rather than letting go; to trust in the unseen, to enjoy the mystery and wonder of life, to trust in the most beautiful and positive outcomes and to allow Divine Intelligence to guide. Just as the flowers need to go through the dirt, life can sure get messy at times as we have seen during the harsh winter of the pandemic. 

Spring always returns. Last year it was challenging at times to appreciate the glory and splendor of the season.  There was a pall that hung over the world as the pandemic claimed lives and we all faced uncertainty and fear trying to get our bearings with a 'new normal.' Initially we were confined to our homes except to go out and exercise. We saw businesses shuttered and restaurants struggled to survive. We had to wear masks everywhere we went and needed to stay socially distant from others. The colors of the season paled as we navigated an unprecedented time in our history.

Yet I always held onto hope and practiced an attitude of gratitude. This year, with vaccines, and signs of hope with metrics shifting to positive trends, May seems even more magnificent than I can remember.

During yesterday's 5K run, we paused to appreciate the bursting colors of Spring and to make note and appreciate nature's splendor. We breathed deeply enjoying the relaxation of the mask mandate for vaccinated persons.

Even the swans seem to be embodying the magnificence of May 2021:

 

There is an awakening and emergence from the darkness of the pandemic. On Friday, I had my first visit to a hair salon in 14 months. What a treat to have to transform long unruly locks into a beautiful new style for Spring.

 

 

Yesterday was seedling pick up day at Ruth Anne's ReVision Urban Farm. After our run and before we headed to the Farm, we ordered take out from Brothers and Sisters Cafe in Brookline Village. For the first time in 14 months we ate outside at a picnic bench among other people (socially distant with masks up when we weren't eating). There was a street festival and the energy was electric!

The last time Ruth Anne volunteered at the Farm was in January when the Farm Manager and Senior Grower were plodding through the cold, harsh winter. We returned to a vibrant, bustling community of staff and volunteers lovingly distributing the seedlings for customers to have their own gardens!

We booked a trip to Cape Cod for Cape Cod Marathon weekend in October; our first vacation since January of 2020. We are messaging friends who are fully vaccinated to plan lunch and dinner dates.

This week I receive my second "wellness shot" and get to see my chiropractor after 14 months of no treatments! There is a spiritual awakening of so many emotions experiencing "firsts" after so many months of adapting to "nots," My heart overflows with gratitude and relief, anticipatory joy for reunions and experiences we once took for granted.

It's already a magnificent May as the earth and its Beings awaken to hope, possibilities and a return to activities that bring so much joy to life.

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.