Transformation Tuesday

At this time of year, as Boston would prepare for the running of the Boston Marathon and as I approach the 5/25th anniversary of when I took a leap of faith to leave my award winning career at the VA to heal my life, I take a look at back at my journey of transformation.

What fascinates me about this remarkable journey is I had no idea where I was going or how I was going to arrive in my life after an almost 25 year career as a social worker dedicating my life to helping others.



In February of 2007, shortly after the life giving diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, I realized I was at a crossroads in my life.

I got still and as I had done throughout all of the challenges in my life I asked for Divine Guidance.

This was my answer from Coming Home: A Memoir of Healing, Hope and Possibility:


And then I felt a stirring in my second chakra (only then I didn’t know it was my second chakra – I thought it might have been something I ate). I went over to my laptop in the corner of the living room and I wrote this poem:

Running the Race
Early summer 1959 my kindergarten year
Everyone around me filled with nervous fear
Despite the Salk vaccine hope polio would disappear
The polio virus crept right up and knocked me in the rear.
Dancing all around the gym feeling free just like a bird
I dropped to the ground just like a stone
and no one said a word.
The pain it was so searing-the diagnosis even worse
"It's polio" the doctor said...he was abrupt and terse.
Called one of the 'lucky ones' I had a 'mild case'
But with the other athletes I could never keep their pace.
Miss Holly physical therapist,
curly hair and a warm, broad smile
It tempered the pain of being apart - to walk I'd take awhile.

I always wore those 'special' shoes
the kids they poked and teased
With no support and much abuse
with childhood I wasn't pleased.
But put nose to the grindstone and learned all that I could
I couldn't kick a ball but my grades were always good.
Years went by and no more thought to polio did I give
I accepted the limp and everything else
and decided my life I would live.
But symptoms of weakness and muscle pain did grow
I kept a stoic face hoping no one else would know.

Life no longer was my own I struggled through each day
Suffered in silence, isolated from friends-
trying to keep depression at bay.
And with the grace of glorious God my world it opened wide
I discovered there was a Post Polio team
and they were on my side.

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 sobbed to write those words. I had never spoken about polio or the abuse I endured. I became curious. Why am I writing about winning a 10K race?

Here is a photo of me from Christmas 2007 and my toe up leg brace:


And then after my first 5K road race, The Corrib Pub run:


I wanted to quit my first 5 Mile Road race but Tom wouldn't let me and I'm so glad he helped me to make it to the finish line!


I earned my first medal at my first Half Marathon in Hyannis and also met running greats Bill Rodgers and Frank Shorter:


After Hyannis, the focus was solely on getting to the starting line of the Boston Marathon healthy and to the finish line with a smile:


After I crossed the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon I was a woman transformed from a survivor of paralytic polio and severe childhood trauma to an endurance runnner and a woman on the road to becoming healthy, happy, whole and free!

I am, as we all are, a work in progress but I am so blessed and grateful I am able to share this phenomenal journey of transformation and the wisdom I have learned during these past 13 years.

This past February, I shared my journey at the Hyannis Marathon Weekend Expo and Pre-Race Pasta Dinner sharing the stage with Bill Rodgers:


I continue to participate in 5K's and relish being a part of the running community that continues to fuel my journey of transformation and infuses my life with so much love and light.

Next September I will be a part of the Runner's Seminar Series at the Boston Marathon Expo on a panel moderated by Roger Robinson, 'Late Life Running and Whole Life Running' with Ben Beach who holds the record for the most consecutive Boston Marathons, and authors Gail Kislevitz and Jonathan Beverly.

May 25th will mark the 13th year anniversary of when I embarked on this journey of transformation having my faith and hope to guide me.

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website to learn more about my inspirational journey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the Boston Marathon and beyond!

My books are available on Amazon.