Celebrating Ten Years of Running: Life is a Marathon!

I could never play sports as a child after contracting paralytic polio at the age of 5 but I ran the 2009 Boston Marathon at the age of 55! I remember the day my personal trainer took me outside to learn how to run in April of 2008. We did a lot of work indoors from February (when I declared that I wanted to run the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab) to get me ready to run for the first time in my life. My heart rate went up to over 170 and I thought my heart would jump out of my chest on that very short first run/walk. But it didn't! While my mettle had been tested in life from a very early age; contracting paralytic polio at the age of 5 and enduring years of abuse at the hands of family members until my father died by suicide when I was 17, I lived in a survival mode fighting my way through and dissociated from my body in order to survive. When I took on training for the 2009 Boston Marathon, I learned how to live in my body. I learned how to live through discomfort and come out on the other side by transcending the pain rather than abandoning my body to get there.

I went from running for 1 minute and walking for 4 minutes to running 30 minutes at a time to running my first 5K in June. In July I ran the Marathon Sports 5 Miler and wanted to quit as the pack of runners took off in front of us leaving us far behind. Tom would not let me quit knowing that if I did not finish that race, I would not have discovered that I did have what it would take to run the Boston Marathon! I discovered that I was capable of so much more than I realized. I was celebrated for my courage and determination as everyone cheered me onto the finish line on a hot steamy July evening. I could not tell where tears ended and sweat began as, for the first time in my life, I was cheered rather than jeered in an athletic endeavor. I ran the Tufts 10K in October while building miles on the weekends with long runs. We ran the 2009 Hyannis Half Marathon which introduced me to running greats Frank Shorter and Bill Rodgers and runner friends to last a lifetime.

I transformed from "Easy Out Alper" (the name I was given in gym class using my maiden name) to Runnergirl1953 as I crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon:


After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, I had to regroup on my healing journey after running 9 races in 9 months with several PR's and no cross training. After being told I shouldn't run but if I did to cap my distance by the Western Medicine practitioners, I doubled down my healing efforts growing a new gastroc muscle, cartilage in my knee, dissolving bone spurs and reversing degenerative changes. I incorporated cross training. I went on to run 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons.

We've faced a very tough challenge during these past 4 years. Our daughter suffers from severe psychiatric impairment. Despite our best intentions and working hard to try to help her recover, she continues to go down a path of self-destructive behaviors, refusing treatment and insisting on living life on her own terms consequences be damned. There are days when I feel as though I can't possibly endure another minute but ah that's where my experience as a marathoner kicks in. I know that I can go one mile at a time. I harness the power of my mind, my power of Faith and the power of the Love in my village to carry me through. I've learned that I can only run my own race with all of my strength and determination to be MY best self. It's hard to let go and yet I've come too far to allow any circumstances in my life to bring me down.

This quote came up in my Facebook memory this morning:
"Every time you meet a situation, though you think at the time it is an impossibility and you go through the tortures of the damned,once you have met it and lived through it you find that forever after you are freer than you were before."
~Eleanor Roosevelt

While I'm not signed up for any races in the near future, I am working on my speed at the 5K distance. I am also running an ultramarathon off of the roads in my life with the challenge of our daughter's condition.

I'm running my life like I own it - because I do! Running taught me to know that no matter how tough a challenge I may face, I am tougher than any challenge. I was capable of so much more than I imagined after first receiving the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome 12 years ago and was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I have brought forth the treasure of who I was always meant to be out of the rubble of my past and I use that strength and soul power to manage whatever challenge life presents to me.

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

My healing journey using the power of visualization is featured in David R. Hamilton's book, "How Your Mind Can Heal Your Body-Anniversary Edition." It's available on Amazon.


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:


Going the Distance: The Power of Endurance (With a Foreword by Jacqueline Hansen):


***Coming Soon - The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953***

Celebrating Ten Years of Running: That Felt Soooo Good

It's been a very stressful 3 months as our daughter continues her struggle with her mental health. This past week was extremely challenging for her and hence for us as a family. My training schedule got shifted around. I usually run with Tom on Saturday, we swim on Sunday, run early morning Monday, I swim on Tuesday and we strength train on Wednesday. Between what was happening with our daughter and Tom's work and a chiropractic appointment early on Wednesday, I decided to strength train on Tuesday, take Wednesday and Thursday off and go to the pool on Friday.

When the weather looked great for a run on Friday, I decided to get out and do a solo run.

It was chilly with a strong wind. There was something invigorating about running in the chilly wind. The baby goose was grazing with its family and the colors of Spring seemed especially vibrant as the sun shined on the leaves on the trees. It was quite a contrast to what I was feeling when I first set out on my run. My heart felt heavy and my breathing was labored but with each foot strike, I released my burdens and worries to the Divine.

The presence of the Divine surrounded me with bird calls, gentle laps of the waves of the Reservoir on the shore and the songs that came up from the mix on my playlist. I felt a sense of being alone that transformed into a sense of solitude that became a sense of One with all that is.

There were moments of struggle, of ease, of freedom and feeling the need to turn everything over to the Divine. I felt powerless to be able to do anything to help my daughter - that it's her journey and yet I felt empowered to be able to get out and run and be with the Divine sharing my deepest most thoughts, fears and hope.

It was, for the most part, a hard run but those are the runs where we are blessed to meet ourselves on the road.



I don't know what I did before the gift of running came into my life 10 years ago. Eleven years ago the effects of childhood paralytic polio and severe childhood trauma reared its head in the guise of the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease. The medical community said if you use it you will lose it. My Spirit said, through the power of my pen, my divining rod for healing in the form of inspirational poetry - get moving and run the race set before you with endurance. Running is my medicine, my therapy and a vital part of my life whatever the distance and whatever the pace. I am so grateful that I can get out on a run and leave my troubles on the road.

While I kicked off my kicks, hydrated and had a banana, I sat back and took a deep breath saying to myself, "That felt soooo good."


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):

The Book Launch of "Dream Big"

I am so blessed and grateful to be part of a village that believes in doing good and making this world a better place--who create light out of the darkness of tragedy and who live their lives with Truth, integrity and Love. I'm still feeling the glow of last night's book launch for "Dream Big" a true story of courage and determination written by Dave McGillivray and Nancy Feehrer.

Tom and I walked into Tresca's Restaurant in the North End and were greeted by Scott Middlemiss, founder of The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation, Inc. We've been Facebook friends connected through the Gilbreths who we "just happened" to be standing next to at the starting line of the Bermuda Half Marathon. They were wearing their Big Heart Foundation t-shirts. I knew about the Middlemiss family through my friendship with Dave McGillivray. Tom offered to take their photos:


Scott remembered the connection as well as our Facebook connection. We agreed it was great to meet in person. Scott commented with humility and warmth, that there were all sorts of famous people gathered - such as Ray Bourque who was standing just over his shoulder. Tom commented, "I thought that was him but he was wearing a Tresca shirt so I was a little confused." They pulled out all the stops to make this a memorable occasion for all in attendance.

Gift bags lined the table at the entrance with a signed copy of "Dream Big", the medal that children will receive when they complete their "Big Dream" Marathon, instructions for the evening, a brochure for the Foundation, 2 promotional cards to Tresca's and cookies from Mike's Pastry:



The cookies from Mike's were consumed prior to the writing of this blog.

The spread of Italian food "appetizers" filled tables on the first and second floors of Tresca's. There were small water bottles, a cash bar for beer and wine and a full cash bar. A student jazz band from Westford Academy played in the background.

After we got our food, Tom suggested we go upstairs to sit down but we couldn't find a table. There was a table in the corner in the back that looked like we could squeeze in.

"Hey I remember you from Bermuda. We rode the shuttle together from the Airport."

It clicked in that here were Dan and Kim Ashworth of Ashworth Awards. We rode to the Fairmont Southampton Princess with them when we arrived for Bermuda Marathon Weekend. They create the medals and awards for major events all over the world. We had a delightful time chatting with them while we savored the wonderful array of meatballs, spinach pies, cheese and crackers, chicken marsala skewers, and Mediterranean antipasto. We chatted about Bermuda, Race Director Anthony Raynor and Kim's upcoming Boston Marathon run followed by Ironman Texas. We got acquainted with John Breen, an account executive for Ashworth Awards who designed the medal for the Dream Big Marathon.

Walking over to chat with Dave, I met Rachel Glazer. She ran the inaugural Fenway Park Marathon and we felt as though we knew each other because of our friendship on Facebook. We exchanged Dave McGillivray stories filled with love. She said that she would love to meet the people from the Ashworth Awards since she is an event planner. I brought her over to meet Dan and Kim.

When Dave opened his comments to the crowd assembled for this very special occasion he said it felt like it was a wedding. As we milled around the rooms people would ask how are you connected here? All I could think of was are you on the bride or the groom's side after Dave made that comment. People either knew Dave and were part of the running/Boston Marathon/DMSE community (Dave McGillvray Sports Enterprises), were connected to the Middlemiss Family or were friends and family of Nancy Feehrer.

We gathered around the book signing table to hear remarks from Ray, Scott, Nancy and of course Dave.



Scott shared the origins of his Foundation. His son Joseph was born with cardiomyopathy, an enlarged heart. He died suddenly on September 23, 2013. Out of their grief, he and his wife Kate created the Foundation to keep Joe's memory and legacy alive. Here is their YouTube video explaining the mission and vision of the Foundation:



Their younger son Jack was also born with cardiomyopathy but underwent a heart transplant and is doing well. As Dave mentioned in his remarks, they have a very special relationship. The Foundation is going to be purchasing copies of "Dream Big" for schools. A portion of the proceeds of the sale of the books goes to the Foundation and DMSE Children's Fitness Foundation.

Nancy, a teacher, shared the incredible story of how she was inspired to write the manuscript for the book after Dave came and spoke to children at her school. She has seen, first hand, how kids lives are changed hearing Dave's message.



Everyone wiped away tears as Dave presented Scott with his medals from the World Marathon Challenge for Jack:


"Dream Big" is available on Amazon

Have you ever had a dream? How did you make that dream come true?

Dave McGillivray is a world-renowned athlete, entrepreneur, captivating motivational speaker, and philanthropist. He’s also the director of the Boston Marathon, the world’s oldest and maybe most famous annual race! But he wasn’t always so accomplished. In Dream Big: A True Story of Courage and Determination, his nonfiction picture book for readers ages 6 to 10, Dave shares his unique, true story about reaching deep and showing extreme determination in the face of doubt, disappointment, and loss.

In Dream Big: A True Story of Courage and Determination, Dave is a small kid who wants more than anything to be a professional athlete. But there’s one problem. You have to be tall to play basketball. You have to be big to play football. And Dave? He’s little, but his dreams are BIG. He turns to running, because you don’t have to be big to be a marathon runner! But you do need to train. And Dave doesn’t do much training before he crosses his first starting line of the Boston Marathon. Which is probably why he doesn’t quite cross the finish line on his first attempt at the famous race. But his Grandpa believes in him, and that’s enough to make Dave train hard for the next Boston Marathon. But will his Grandpa be there to see him succeed?

Kids and grownups alike will be inspired by Dave’s story of passion, determination, and grit. Nomad Press’s first foray into the genre of nonfiction picture books, Dream Big delivers on all the promise you’d expect from a vibrant, real-life character paired with an award-winning fine artist. Together, Dave McGillivray and Ron Himler create a story that is heartwarming, inspiring, and beautifully presented.

And for you older kids, you can purchase "The Last Pick." Read my open letter/book review to Dave by following this link.

Please donate to The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation by following this link.

As John Breen said at the end of his Facebook post about the evening, "All you need is love and to Dream Big!"

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):