Celebrating Ten Years of Running: I'm Now Off the Sidelines

Excerpt from "Running the Race", the first poem I penned after being diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome:
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.

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.

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 wrote that poem while I was using a wheelchair at times for mobility having been told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair, using a leg brace and a cane to support mobility in the wake of childhood paralytic polio and violence at the hands of family members. Why then would I be writing a poem about running a race?

As Carl Jung said, "The unconscious prepares the way for the future," and my unconscious mind was expressing itself through my pen, my divining rod for healing. This poem foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon and so many wonderful running adventures during these past 10 years.

After crossing the finish line of the 2018 Bermuda Half Marathon, I experienced a sense of completion and fullness in my running adventures for distance running. My body felt as though I needed to take a break after my 2nd consecutive Bermuda Half but I pushed the envelope after receiving an invitational entry from Race Director Anthony Raynor.

I am recovering well but know I need to take time off from racing given that I experienced hip, groin, and back issues as a result of the grueling training and pushing myself beyond my limits. It was worth it!

I get to be a spectator for awhile but unlike other times when I've been recovering on this amazing healing odyssey, I don't felt an itch and a drive to get back in the game. I no longer feel left out or feel that I am sidelined. I'm really excited to cheer on Tom and my friends as they run their races at their own paces which, at the moment, are much faster than mine.

I'm back to two runs a week and once the hip/groin pain completely resolve (the back issues are completely resolved) I'll begin to work on speed again.

Even though I will be a spectator at several upcoming races, I am off the sidelines - so filled with gratitude for all I have achieved and experienced and all I am yet to achieve and experience while relishing this time of recovery and healing.

I'm celebrating ten years of running and excited for what the next ten years will bring!

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

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


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Celebrating 10 Years of Running and National Poetry Month

Ten years ago I began my illustrious running career by training for the 2009 Boston Marathon. I'd never run a day in my life. I'd been diagnosed with Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. After getting still and asking for Divine Guidance, the answer to my prayers came in the form of a poem .... and then many poems poured out of me in which I imagined myself as healthy, whole, free, running unencumbered and transformed from a survivor of paralytic polio and trauma to an empowered woman who goes the distance on the roads and in my life.

Marathon Metamorphosis

Pounding pavement, feeling strength the journey now begun
training for the race of my life a 26.2 mile run.
Feeling God in every step in every beat of my heart
I undertake this challenge as a new chapter of my life I start.

I ran around in circles carrying baggage by the ton,
destination was survival hardened shell let in no one.
Fear and worry doubts prevailed, adrenaline in my veins
a headless horseman running wild no one to take the reins.

Stopping in my tracks I froze no longer could I move -
clawing, fighting had to cease there was nothing more to prove.
God's grace touched like a magic wand, a softness and a glow
emerging from a troubled past my blood began to flow.

Loving teachers lit the way their love a healing balm -
focusing on who I am now brings a sense of calm.
Stretching every muscle feeling God in every cell
wholeness now a blessing out of prison - no more hell.

The race is still a year away each day my dream I see
mind, body, spirit tuning turning toward the Voice of Thee.
Flexing what had once been stiff to brace against the pain
old habits die and I'm reborn to write a new refrain.

And when the starting gun goes off poised with strength and grace
the thunder of the running feet will help me set my pace.
But the starting line's the finish my race already won
achieving the impossible preparing for this run.

The healing power of self-love and faith to spark the flame
transformed me from a victim once filled with so much shame.
Unearth my buried treasures my inheritance I find
connected to my Loving God in my heart and mind.

And when I cross the finish line the greatest cheer of all
has been this magnificent journey of answering God's call.


Between the weather and my recovery from my 3rd consecutive Bermuda Half Marathon, Tom and I had not been out on an early morning run together since late last year. I'd been doing only one run a week and used the stationary bike at the gym for a cardio workout. But with the sun shining and Spring poised and ready to make its appearance in Boston, I could not bear to go to the gym for my workout.

Tom and I set the alarm for 6:00am. We meditated, did our core work, had a piece of toast and water and went out the door to our beautiful and beloved reservoir on Route 9.

We listened to the birds singing and noticed the beautiful yellow daffodils. The purple wildflowers lined the path poking their heads out from the grass bed.

I have to be very mindful of my pace these days as my hip and groin continue to recover from the rigors of training and running 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in as many years. Tom is great at reeling me in. I could see and feel in my mind's eye that 12 minute/mile pace that is my ultimate goal for short distances.

I am deeply grateful and blessed for the joy of movement at any pace especially on a glorious Spring morning.



I'm celebrating ten years of running and going strong ... and to think it all started with a poem.

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

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


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Reflections on Boston Marathon 2018 - I LOVE THIS SPORT! - Part II

On Sunday evening, when I saw that the weather forecast called for less than optimal conditions on Monday, I posted this to Facebook:
#bostonmarathon #bostonstrong #werunasone #nationalpoetrymonth #runnerschristmas It's almost go time - On a personal note I want to thank EVERYONE for stopping by Booth #758 at the Expo this weekend. Thank you for your support of my journey and for Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, INC.. There are too many to tag .. my heart is overflowing with love and gratitude.
In honor of tomorrow's Boston, and since April is National Poetry Month, given the weather forecast, I have composed a poem to get you through:

Twas the eve before the marathon
the forecast was bleak
the clothing and race plan
the runners would tweak.
Nerves they were frazzled
but we’re Boston Strong
their Spirit and causes they run for
will carry them along.
Carbo load and remember
we all run as one
can’t wait to see all the photos and bling
once the 26.2 miles are done.
Be brave have courage
run with all your heart
Team McManus will be cheering for you
tracking you right from the start.
May angels surround you
may the wind be at your back
trust all your training there is no lack.
The 2018 Marathon is now almost here
runners gather from around the world
from afar and from near
take it mile by mile
don’t worry don’t fret
make Boston Marathon 2018 your best day yet.

On Monday morning, we debated back and forth about whether or not to watch the race live. Our friends told us at the Expo to stay safe and warm and they all knew we'd be cheering for them. After all, energy is non-local and we could certainly cheer them on by tracking them and sending out positive energy.

I got very emotional watching the mobility impaired start remembering our early start in 2009.

I was blessed to know Ernst Van Dyk as our Team Captain for Spaulding Rehab. He told us at our pre-race pasta dinner that a life does not end with a disability...it's just a new beginning. I heard him speak at an event during the 2013 pre-marathon weekend festivities:


We cheered him on hoping he'd win that ever elusive #11 win in Boston. It was not meant to be. The weather conditions took a toll and he couldn't feel his hands and fingers at the end of the race. He came in a most respectable 2nd!

The text alerts that our friends were at the start started coming in and we sent God speed and prayers to all of our running friends toeing the starting line and checking in on Facebook.

Tatyana McFadden had a stunning race!


From teamusa.org:
The victory gave McFadden a record-setting 22nd victory in the world major marathon series. She won Boston four years in a row from 2013 to 2016, but while battling blood clots during a difficult 2017 racing season, she finished last year’s Boston Marathon in fourth place, 10 days after being released from the hospital.

Seeing Shalene Flanagan peel off to go to the bathroom stunned everyone including Katherine Switzer who was doing the commentary for WBZ. We would later find out that Desiree Linden waited with her!


Katherine pointed out that given the pace with the weather conditions Shalane could easily make up the time.

The lead pack stayed together with Mamitu Daska being far out in the lead.

At mile 22 Desi made her move. I was at the finish line in 2011 waiting for Tom and was part of the crowd screaming and I mean screaming for Desi who came in 2nd place by two seconds that year. As we watched Desi take the lead, Katherine Switzer commented that she had to remain focused knowing how she once lost the race on Boylston St. The whole running community was cheering for her and people began lining the Marathon course from Brookline to the finish line after they saw what happened despite the miserable weather.

Desi broke the tape:


and the drought of 33 years for an American woman to win the Boston Marathon.

In the post-race interview we learned that she wasn't feeling well and told Shalane that if she needed anything she'd support her to the finish. She didn't believe that she was going to even finish! Desi had what was described as understated grit. This sport is all about grit and heart and hanging in there because you never know when a day could turn around. Running is a magnificent metaphor for life.

Five unknown women finished 2nd through 6th place! It was a day full of surprises!

We weren't paying much attention to the men's race once Galen Rupp had dropped behind. Another humble hero, Yuki Kawauchi from Japan went on to surge to the finish!


We turned our focus to our friends who were out there toughing it out in the worst race conditions in 30 years.

We were able to cheer on many of our friends as we got the "Finish" text alert and congratulated each and every one of them on Facebook.

Team Big Heart finished big and strong.

One of my favorite stories of the day was for Team Big Heart finisher Jennifer Sprague:
I just want to take a moment & reflect on everything that unfolded yesterday. (Warning: very long post)

Let me start off by making you aware, if you weren't already, I've wanted to run the Boston Marathon since I was 13 years old. When I was diagnosed with MS I was advised running isn't going to be a big part of my life anymore and that I should "take it easy".

The Boston Marathon has always been a dream of mine. That dream came true yesterday. I DID IT. I ran the 122nd Boston Marathon. Still seems a little unreal. It went by so quickly but I did what I set out to do, and that was to remember every stride. I remember the tearfull start to the sobbing like a baby finish. I remember seeing the spectators who made me feel like the only reason they were out there was to let me know "I've got this", "I'm doing great", and that I was "almost there" (even at mile 3). I remember that right on Hereford, left on Boylston... I knew I wanted to remember that so I stopped & took a picture of the crowd.

I could not have done this without many people. This wouldn't be possible without the Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation. Thank you for allowing me to live my dream in the name of Joseph (I had many conversations with him yesterday)

This also wouldn't have been possible without my husband. He put up with me going out for hour long runs, taking care of Robbie (who swore that every girl he saw running was "momma"). He was/is my rock during this journey and the look on his face once I crossed the finish line yesterday really let me know how deeply he loves me and proud he is of me (plus saying that I'm such a bad ass for busting out 26.2 miles in those conditions).

Finally, they're are no words to Express how grateful I am for my mother Carroll Burns. She has been there for me through anything & everything. Not only with my journey to the Boston Marathon but through my journey in life. Thank you for sharing tears with me at the finish line.
— feeling blessed.


We didn't know that the timing mats were taken up given the elements and worried when we couldn't track Jane Marshall or Annette Emerson. We heard from several friends who opted to not finish (DNF = do nothing foolish) and provided words of comfort and support. We were hoping and praying that no one would end up in the hospital. We watched the news feed of our friends who were volunteering in the medical tents.

From Boston Magazine:
A total of 2,785 runners received medical attention during the 122nd Boston Marathon, according to updated statistics released by the Boston Athletic Association. Ten of the 91 athletes transported to the hospital on Patriots Day were still there as of Tuesday at 9 a.m. Despite the brutal weather conditions and busy day for the marathon’s 1,700 medical volunteers, 95.5 percent of the 27,042 athletes who started the race finished it, according to the BAA.

One of the many many highlights of the day was seeing Amby Burfoot's interview shortly after he crossed the finish line. I was blessed to meet him several years ago at the Runners World Heartbreak Hill Half Marathon weekend. Whenever we meet each other, it's as though we are old friends as only happens when you are part of the sport of running. He wrote a wonderful recap of the day in his blog post, "Flood, Sweat and Tears."

We finally turned off the TV at about 4:30 in the afternoon.

Tony Rich completed his 16th Boston Marathon:


The next morning I saw this post from my friend Jane Marshall:
So long post, but just want to remember what I can from yesterday! I still cannot believe I took part in the Boston Marathon, and although yesterday, it already seems like so long ago.

The day started off rainy and muddy. I slipped and fell into mud almost as soon as I got to the Athlete’s Village, thank god for throw away clothes! I got stuck in mud several times trying to get to the potty and out from the tents to get to pavement to change into my running sneakers and dump my muddy throw aways. Off to the start line it was and it was pretty exciting! My friend and I split at mile 11 as she felt she could no longer push to go and urged me to go. I felt terrible moving ahead and argued in my head and knew deep down she would want me to, and I needed to do for me. I was way passed the 6 hours for the pacer at this time and I wanted to catch up to others as the mile markers and aid stations were being closed down. I came upon Kim and Trish, and we went from mile 12-17 together. At that point I felt the need to start pushing ahead and we parted ways. For a long time I was alone, a boy came running down a hill in Newton giving me a bottle of water. A woman named Mary came off her steps in Allston asking for a selfie and told me that seeing me out there inspired her to push through a tough life like me were still out there going in weather conditions like this, she called me her angel as we hugged. Then I just kept plowing ahead stumbling upon more people like me and we kept on giving each other encouragement. A girl was walking with her dad and he said to her, see you are not alone, and we high-fived. I kept pushing and soon took the corner to get onto Boylston Street! Cleaning crews were all over the place, but I stayed on that blue line to Ben g me to the finish. As I can close, a group of friends were standing in the pouring rain cheering my name. I literally got so choked up I had to use my inhaler to breathe! I am not sure what we more emotional them there or finally crossing the finish mine. I waited with my friends to cheer my other friend as she texted and told me when I was at mile 21 that she was not a quitter and was at mile 19. That father and daughter team crossed and he came over and hugged me and thanked me for motivating his daughter and she and I hugged too. Kubryn came across and it was amazing for the celebration with our friends and her family. Then as we were gathering to, Trish yelled hello and I got to hug my new friend, and she thanked me for motivating them when I parted ways with them after mile 17. Now she wants me to join the Lowell Running Club!

This 47 body year old body took me through 26.2 miles of rain, sleet, cold, and head winds. I may not have crossed the finish line traditionally, but I did it regardless! I wanted it so badly in my heart! I did not really train as I put focus on other areas of my life, but learned so much and and have a new mindset and goals. Your body is an amazing thing, but the mind and heart are even more powerful!

Life is amazing and you have to take chances to never have regrets! After all the stories I have heard of people going to medical and eve withdrawing, I realize how strong I was! Today I feel amazing, no pains aside from a few tight muscles. I am even thinking again! I am inspired and although it was not the race I hope for, it was beyond a blessing and it inspired me for other areas of my life! Life is a journey and I am ready for the next!

Thank you for everyone encouraging me, cheering me, donating to my charity, Wediko Children’s Services in the fight against Childhood Mental Illness! I have to date raised almost $7300! Thank you to life for granting me health and strength and opportunity, I will not let you down!

I am now a Boston Marathoner! 💙💛👟


I went to Annette Emerson's page. Follow this link to her finisher's video with her Guide Kristina Rynes Petitjean and someone they met along the way.



It was called the Bitch of Boston, Flood, Sweat and Tears, the Monsoon Marathon, Run for the Shelter (a play on the 1976 Run for the Hoses) the Mudfest Marathon and EPIC!

It was definitely a Boston Marathon unlike any other.

I'll close with this post from Calvin C. Yu a new running friend from Hong Kong:

#BostonMarathon #謙卑自省的體驗

[Cold Rain, Freezing Wind, Low Temperature, Steep Course.]

Running a marathon can be really tough!

The experience of participating in Boston Marathon in 2018-04-16 can be described using the following example:
Install an air-conditioner in washroom and set it to maximum cool, add a number of big fans and turn on them, and wash ice water shower for 6 consecutive hours. (+ body temperature feels like 0 degree celcius + getting all wet inside out)

This is my 10th marathon in 18 months. It is like a test which gather the worst scenarios faced by a runner: Cold Rain, Freezing Wind, Low Temperature, Steep Course.

When I felt tired, I recalled what I learnt from training on how to save energy.
When I felt weak, I remembered my coach saying "Be persistent and the finish line is waiting for you!"
When I felt freezing, I thought about burning sun, fierce fire, boiling hotpot!
When I felt frustrated, I told myself it would soon be 1km, it would soon be 5km, it would soon be finished!

Being able to finish the marathon doesn't make me feel I am strong. On the contrary, it reminds me of my weakness. I get new learning and inspiration in training, equipment and preparation!

Running a marathon is always a humbling experience.

#BostonMarathon #AHumblingExperience

The 2018 Boston Marathon is in the books. What a privilege and blessing to have so many friends visit me at the Expo at Blue Diamond Athletic Displays booth and to make new running friends this weekend. It was the first year that Tom and I watched the marathon on TV and it was thrilling to watch this sport that I have been a part of for almost 10 years.

I'm inspired by what I witnessed this weekend and the courage and strength of those who finished and those who knew when to say enough; it just wasn't their day.

I LOVE THIS SPORT which is indeed a metaphor for life. As Bill Rodgers once said to me, "Life is hard. That's why we run." In life and in running we can't choose the weather or circumstances, we can only weather the circumstances by being our best selves.

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

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


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Celebrating National Poetry Month and the Boston Marathon: Light Always Wins

Sunday marks 5 years since 4/15/13 when at 2:49 people's lives changed forever. Tom and I were at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel ballroom overlooking Boylston Street across from where the 2nd bomb exploded. We were blessed to have not been looking out the window cheering on the runners and so very fortunate to safely evacuate down Huntington Avenue. I am so grateful for the staff at the Mandarin who remained calm and guided us to the back entrance of the Prudential Center as I'm sure they rehearsed many times during safety drills. We were celebrating our 2009 Boston Marathon run with our Spaulding Rehab Race for Rehab teammates waiting for the runners to fill the ballroom and be regaled as we had been celebrated on April 20, 2009.

Yesterday I was heading to Copley Square for a chiropractic appointment.

I paused in Cleveland Circle to take these photos:


I flashed back to the anticipation I felt the Thursday before our Boston Marathon run as I obsessed over every detail including when do the roads close and would we make our bus from Spaulding to Hopkinton?!

I got on the T and when I arrived in Copley Square I was once again in awe of how the City is transformed for Boston Marathon Weekend.

I took these photos:


and paused for a moment.

I was overcome with emotion remembering our 2009 Boston Marathon run and 4/15/13.

The policeman you see in one of the photos came up to me and asked me if I was okay. I forgot I wasn't wearing my sunglasses as the tears flowed curious at first about why he asked me if I was okay.

I told him I was; that it was emotional to be back here. We had a conversation filled with love as we talked about my 2009 Boston Marathon run and the events of 4/15/13. He and his partner were on duty. They were right in between the two blasts and didn't know which way to go to help but followed their instincts to get as many people into wheelchairs and ambulances as they could as quickly as possible. He said that the volunteers in the medical tent did not get enough credit for how quickly they got the "sea of green" wheelchairs out onto Boylston Street.

We each placed one hand on each other's arm and said almost at the same time, "God bless."

I went on my way in the sunshine as the flags at Old South Church waved in the breeze as if to say, "Boston Stronger 5 years later." I felt blessed.

I wrote this poem 4 years ago as we prepared to commemorate the 1st anniversary of 4/15/13:
Light Always Wins

In their flower beds
awakened by the warm Spring sun
they shiver
unexpected wind chill
mid-April in Boston
we shiver to remember
one year ago
what a difference a year makes
turn over from Winter to Spring
slow
is it always this slow
or a gentle reminder
we are still healing.

Mother Nature has her own rhythm
trust in the Divine
taking time
remember
roots extend deep into earth
we were shaken
we rise

eager to shed our coats
vibrant colors of the soul
radiant
reflecting resilience
invincibility
light always wins.

It does you know ... light always wins!


To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc. Be sure to visit us at Booth 758 during Boston Marathon Weekend.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

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


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Celebrating National Poetry Month: Creating the Masterpiece of My Life

Victor Frankl was a survivor of the Holocaust. Through his experience in the Concentration Camps, he garnered a lot of wisdom about our capacity to survive the most horrific circumstances. He developed an existential approach to psychiatry and his work has greatly influenced my recovery from severe childhood trauma.

While we have no control over the circumstances in our lives, we do have control over how we respond to them.


The diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December of 2006 served as a wake up call to me; that I needed to pay attention to what my body was telling me and how my soul cried out for healing. I was so blessed to discover the gift of poetry in my soul. My pen became my divining rod for healing.

As I wrote poetry releasing me from the bonds and bondage of my past, my body began to heal. As I wrote poems about gratitude and forgiveness my heart healed and as I fired up the power of my imagination, my Spirit soared.

As I wrote poetry I created the masterpiece of my life by being connected to the Master Artist of all.

The Art of Being Present from "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life":

Each moment is a blank canvas
smudges and splotches only in mind's eye
raindrops from the heart
wash away the past.
Each moment is an opportunity
overflowing with possibility.

How shall I paint this moment?

My portrait once a still life
now
in stillness
life force leaps

dancer
lover of life
a geyser of joy
a river of happiness
gratitude flows
fragrant flowers sweetness
strong roots
lit with softness of sun's tender embrace
back from the edge
the ledge between life and death
creating the masterpiece of my life
one breath at a time.

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc. Be sure to visit us at Booth 758 during Boston Marathon Weekend.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

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


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Celebrating National Poetry Month: Sweet Victory

I vowed that if the day came that I could no longer serve my veterans and their families when I worked as a social worker at the VA Outpatient Clinic in Boston with all my heart and soul, I would leave. Eleven years ago I gave my 6 weeks notice that I would be terminating my almost 20 year award winning career at the VA. I knew that I was burned out mind, body and soul in part as a result of the intense work that requires exquisite self-care; a skill I had not yet acquired and in part because it was time for me to heal my life from the effects of childhood paralytic polio and severe emotional, physical and sexual trauma.

It was time for me to heal my life...

At the time I had no idea what it meant.

I had no idea what I was going to do until I discovered the gift of poetry in my soul that opened up a whole new world for me.

I discovered the healing power of running and the healing power of writing poetry as I imagined myself in a new future. As a sculptor chisels or molds out a creation from the medium, I was molding a new way of Being out of the rubble of my past.

It was heart breaking to leave the VA where once I had found my passion to serve those who serve but I knew that if I didn't move forward in my life, I would not have a life after I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine Standards.

What joy I experienced and continue to experience when I write poetry. It's been a long road but now I get to experience:

Sweet Victory - from Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life

On the battlefield of life
when we fight the good fight
with compassion
a heart for a heart
to the victor goes the spoils.

A treasure trove of Truth
scars merely badges of honor
wounds healed
secret weapon of loving kindness
vapors of fear
tears spilled
water bathing the garden of my soul
yielding to joy
as treaty signed with forgiveness
sweet reward of peace.

Lush landscape
fragrant green grass
a winding road leading to everywhere
I run
unencumbered
untethered
strapping and healthy
free to be me
my victory lap.

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc. Be sure to visit us at Booth 758 during Boston Marathon Weekend.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

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


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):

Celebrating National Poetry Month: Home at Last!

The Bridge

Restlessness filled my cells
in the dark quiet of the night
transported to another time and place
to remember
loneliness
coldness
numbness
a black and white photo
a snapshot
knowing even then
I was separate from the walking dead.

Yet I was separate from the living
a wandering stranger
wondering
would I ever find my way
the veil of fog lifted
unveiling the bridge
soft lush green grass
purple wildflowers
vivid colors created by the hand of Divine Love
unbuckled my brace
quietly stepping out of my old shoes
my bare feet tickled
my soul happy and free
the bridge to nowhere
home at last!

Eleven years ago I set out on a quest to heal my life after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome deemed a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards. In the dark night of my body, mind and soul, a light shone through the power of my pen, my divining rod for healing. I was able to make a shift from the pain of having contracted paralytic polio at age 5 and then having to endure years of violence at the hands of family members to a beautiful future. Out of the rubble of my troubled past, I found the treasure of the me I was always meant to be. Infusing myself with self-love I claimed my right to be happy and free.

My homecoming continues and I continue to heal from the effects of paralytic polio and trauma.

Today I had another phenomenal cardio workout at the gym. I have to wait a little longer to kick my running into high gear as I heal from 3 Bermuda Half Marathons in as many years but I sure can let go while I pedal away. Before my workout, I set the intention to see what my body can do without expectation other than to get in a solid cardio workout and sweat!



When I saw that I was well within striking range of last week's workout, I kicked it into high gear:


As I got off the bike pouring sweat filled with a sense of accomplishment, I swelled with a sense of gratitude for all I am able to do; for my health and wellness and state of well-being after all that I've lived through.

It's great to be home at last!

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours,
Mary

Proud to be a part of Friends of Blue Diamond Athletic Displays, Inc. Be sure to visit us at Booth 758 during Boston Marathon Weekend.

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.

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


Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing Hope and Possibility that chronicles the first 7 years of my healing journey:


And my latest and greatest book - Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):