Creativity: Poetry in Motion and Aerosol of Love

Today's blog is inspired by Kristabeth Atwood of Rites of Passage, LLC. She shared Picasso's quote as part of her One Minute Thought for the Day:



and asked "What makes you an artist today? How can you express your creativity today?" It was the nudge I needed to continue working on my poetry.

The cadence and creativity of Dr. Seuss became a great source of healing for me after I contracted paralytic polio at age 5. My beloved physical therapist Miss Holly had me choose a book from the round mahogany table in the waiting room of the office of Dr. Eugene Moskowitz who was a specialist in helping children and adults recover from polio. During the painful physical therapy sessions she would recite one line invariably from The Cat in the Hat and have me recite back in tandem.

As a child and adolescent, writing was my creative outlet but, as often happens when children grow up, they lose sight of their joyful creative side that comes from imagination. And, because I grew up in a household rife with violence, I was doing my best to survive while I honed my intellect and bought time until I could leave. Creative endeavors were put on the back burner.

I had written limericks to celebrate special occasions after my twins were born while I had time at home.

I went back to work when they were 16 months old and I was off and running on a cycle that eventually led to burnout and the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, a progressive neuromuscular disease by Western Medicine standards. "Be prepared to spend the rest of your life in a wheelchair...If you use it you will lose it.." It was a diagnosis of exclusion and after exhaustive testing, it was deemed that my condition or rather deconditioned state I was in was a result of the paralytic polio I contracted at the age of 5.

I got still and asked for Divine Guidance and what happened next was incredible! The poem 'Running the Race' flowed out of me followed by many poems in which I imagined myself healthy, whole and free.

That first poem foreshadowed my 2009 Boston Marathon run. It was truly poetry in motion.


I compiled, "Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life"


and wrote my Trilogy of Transformation


and had taken a pause from writing poetry.

When the global crisis emerged, poetry began to flow out of my heart and soul again and Feel the Heal: An Anthology of Poems to Heal Your Life Volume 2 is now a work in progress.

Here is my latest creation:
The Aerosol of Love

Exhaling love to fill the air dispersing doubt and fear
turning on and tuning in vibration's everywhere.
Ivy tendrils reaching out extending Love Divine
worry darkness cast away essence Spirit shine.

A potent medication satisfaction guaranteed
whatever the condition whatever is the need.
Breathing room room to breathe sweet scent of Love surround
happiness, joy and Oneness well being now abound.

Peace descends to settle soul excitement fills the air
unbounded expectations infinite possibilities everywhere.
Invisible elixir to intoxicate the heart
Source's magic potion blesses every Being from life's start.

Relax renew refresh enjoy let love permeate every cell
know the Truth of all that is and trust that All is Well!

Breathe in that delicious aerosol of love. Unleash your creativity and feel that wonderful energy flow.

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.

From my heart to yours
In health and wellness
With love and peace
Mary

Look at me...look at me...look at me now!

Dr. Seuss was a vital part of my childhood after having contracted paralytic polio at the age of 5.

From "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953":
Miss Holly sat next to me in the waiting room and asked me to choose a Dr. Seuss book from the array of Dr. Seuss books spread out on the round coffee table next to my chair. My legs were outstretched; my left leg bore the hip to ankle metal leg brace inserted into my red polio shoes. My crutches were propped against the wall behind me. She read Dr. Seuss to me in the waiting room, led me into the treatment room and removed my leg brace. She placed heavy hot wool blankets on my legs. To this day I cannot bear to wear anything that is made of wool. As she coaxed my muscles and nerves back to health, she recited the first line from the Dr. Seuss book I had chosen (invariably “The Cat in the Hat”).

“The sun did not shine it was too wet to play…now it’s your turn.”

“So we sat in the house all that cold cold wet day.”

“I sat there with Sally….we sat there we two…your turn.”

“And I said how I wish we had something to do…”

We would recite in tandem throughout the treatment. She was a physical therapist ahead of her time. I often wonder what inspired her to use the rhythm of the poetry to distract me from the painful treatments. She tenderly put my leg brace back on after she finished the treatment. She commended me on my courage as she wrapped her hand around my hand on my crutch, and led me into Dr. Moskowitz’s office. He evaluated my progress, monitored me for scoliosis and gave me exercises to do at home. Picking up marbles with my toes was excruciatingly painful and difficult but even at my tender age, I loved the challenge of it all.

After this morning's strength training workout, Tom said, "I just had this memory while I was cooking breakfast. Do you remember when you used to have those specially adapted utensils?"

"Yeah," I answered. "I hadn't thought about that in a very long time."

My hand tremors made it very difficult for me to eat and the OT recommended weighted utensils with a hand grip.

I required a tub chair in the shower because I did not have the "endurance" to stand through an entire shower and my balance was not good so I was at risk for a fall.

I could barely walk up the stairs to our house, wore a toe up leg brace


and used a cane. We used Pea Pod grocery delivery service because I couldn't walk through the grocery aisles and often times there was not a scooter available. When we traveled or if I needed to walk for any distance, I used a wheelchair. I was told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair and either adapt our Cape house or move to a Ranch. I had to drink liquids through a straw because I was at risk for choking and had to do a chin tuck and dry swallow when I ate to avoid aspiration of food into my lungs.

But look at me...look at me...look at me now!

I am a runner. I ran the 2009 Boston Marathon and many 5 and 10K races through the years. I ran the Hyannis Half Marathon in 2009.



Here's one of my favorite running adventure moments in August of 2014:


After a serious knee injury in December of 2014, I was told that I would not and should not run again and to prepare for a total knee replacement in a few years.

But look at me now....I ran 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons in 2016, 2017 and 2018.


I had to take time off from racing after 3 consecutive Bermuda Half Marathons to heal and to get my mojo back. For someone who was supposed to be in a wheelchair, I was, however doing remarkably well.

On July 3, I had an epic comeback race, "The Harvard Pilgrim Finish at the 50 5K"





While there are residual hand tremors, they are mild and I do need to be mindful as I eat, especially if I am feeling stressed, but I am able to walk up and down the stairs in my house with ease. I run at least twice a week, strength train twice a week and swim once a week. My body is resilient thanks in large part to regular chiropractic treatments with Dr. Lizzie Sobel and to a regular meditation practice during which I harness the power of the mind/body connection to maintain the momentum of my healing.

When once I experienced chronic pain and fatigue, I now experience vitality.

My quality of life has dramatically improved since that dark night of my mind, body and soul before, during and for a brief period of time after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome, deemed by Western Medicine to be a progressive neuromuscular disease!

My purpose and passion in life is to share this miraculous journey of healing and to say look at me now...

that is not all oh no that is not all!

From my heart to yours
In Health and Wellness,
Mary

Be sure to visit my website at www.marymcmanus.com

Hear my interview with Kendra Petrone on Magic 106.7's Exceptional Women Show by following this link

My books are available on Amazon and "Feel the Heal" and "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953" are available in Natick Center Cultural District at Paula Romero Dunbar's Celebration Boutique Paper Fiesta coincidentally located on Mile 10 of the Boston Marathon Route. Proceeds from the sale of books for July are being donated to The Joseph Middlemiss Big Heart Foundation to support Tom's Falmouth Road Race. You can also donate directly by following this link.

It's Read Across America Day! Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

It's Read Across America Day, held annually on the school day closest to March 2, which is Dr. Seuss' birthday.

What pray tell you might ask does that have to do with Adventures of Runnergirl 1953?

Everything!



On June 3, 1959 I collapsed without warning in kindergarten gym class. After a spinal tap done at my house, I was diagnosed with paralytic polio. After a few months, I was able to leave my house to see one of the nation's top rehab medicine doctors who specialized in polio. I was blessed that he was not far from our house in Westchester, New York.

From "The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953":
Miss Holly sat next to me in the waiting room and asked me to choose a Dr. Seuss book from the array of Dr. Seuss books spread out on the round coffee table next to my chair. My legs were outstretched; my left leg bore the hip to ankle metal leg brace inserted into my red polio shoes. My crutches were propped against the wall behind me. She read Dr. Seuss to me in the waiting room, led me into the treatment room and removed my leg brace. She placed heavy hot wool blankets on my legs. To this day I cannot bear to wear anything that is made of wool. As she coaxed my muscles and nerves back to health, she recited the first line from the Dr. Seuss book I had chosen (invariably “The Cat in the Hat”).

“The sun did not shine it was too wet to play…now it’s your turn.”

“So we sat in the house all that cold cold wet day.”

“I sat there with Sally….we sat there we two…your turn.”

“And I said how I wish we had something to do…”

We would recite in tandem throughout the treatment. She was a physical therapist ahead of her time. I often wonder what inspired her to use the rhythm of the poetry to distract me from the painful treatments. She tenderly put my leg brace back on after she finished the treatment. She commended me on my courage as she wrapped her hand around my hand on my crutch, and led me into Dr. Moskowitz’s office.

Fast forward to twelve years ago. It was the dark night of my mind, body and soul. I was given the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome and told to prepare to spend the rest of my life in a wheelchair. I was told I should quit my award winning career as a social worker at the VA just 3 years shy of when I was eligible for retirement. I had difficulty swallowing, breathing, walking and experienced chronic pain and fatigue. I used a toe up leg brace and cane and at times, a wheelchair for mobility.



It was a cold, dark evening in February of 2007. I sat at my dining room table and had printed out newsletters and information from healing luminaries. Gratitude was at the center of their teachings. The prompt was to finish the sentence, "I am so happy and grateful now that I can...." bringing the vision of one's future self into the present moment.

An example was provided... "I am so happy and grateful now that I can create."

"Ha" I thought to myself. "Create what? My twins are young adults. My career is over...my life is over..."and then I felt a stirring in my soul.

I put my hands on my laptop.

This poem in the cadence of Dr. Seuss poured out of me:
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, 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, alone and afraid tried 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.

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.

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.

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.


It was as though a spigot was turned on in my heart and soul as poems poured out of me in which I visualized myself as healthy, whole and healed. I imagined myself splashing in a puddle without my leg brace. I saw myself running unencumbered and free and composing poems that sprung forth from my imagination....

Whoa....running?

I'd never run a day in my life. "What's all this about running?" I asked myself.

I did walk away from my career on May 25, 2007 to heal my life although at the time I had no idea what that meant.

I was discharged from outpatient rehab at Spaulding and hired a personal trainer in October of 2007 to see if I could build on the program Spaulding gave me and get a little stronger.

After 6 months of weekly personal training sessions, my trainer asked me what my next goals were.

“Well I want to feel free in my body. I want to dance. I want to be able to walk outside and feel unencumbered when I take a walk.”

Janine feverishly wrote down my goals, and we worked out a plan. She gathered up her belongings and had her hand on the door knob.

“Wait. I have one more goal.”

Janine stopped and turned around.

“I want to run the Boston Marathon for Spaulding Rehab Hospital. I know they have a Race for Rehab team and I want to do it next year.”

Did you ever have one of those moments when words fell out of your mouth after rising up from the depths of your soul without going through any thought process?

Janine was non-plussed. I don’t know what kept her from turning tail and getting as far away from me as she could. She came back into my house, set down her things and without missing a beat said, “Well the first thing you are going to need is a pair of running shoes.”

My pen became my divining rod for healing as I wrote poems throughout the grueling training for the 2009 Boston Marathon all in the cadence of Dr. Seuss!

Oliver Sachs, a renowned neurologist did studies showing how music that adults listened to as children affected their brain. He concluded that those early sensory experiences were stored and when the music was listened to, lit up the brain. Music that had not been listened to as a child did not have the same effect.

The cadence of Dr. Seuss became a part of the very fiber of my being. When I got still and asked for Divine Guidance, the healing and soothing cadence that brought me through the crisis of paralytic polio came forth to help me transform my life after the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome.

On April 20, 2009, I crossed the finish line of the Boston Marathon and went on to have many many more running adventures.


To think it all started with a poem that foreshadowed excavating the runner within me and healing from the effects of paralytic polio and severe childhood trauma. Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss! Hats off to you for all the lives you have touched and blessed and continue to touch and bless with your gift!

To your health and wellness
From my heart to yours
Mary

Be sure to visit my website by following this link.

My books are available on Amazon.



“The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” takes you on Mary McManus’ healing odyssey from a wheelchair to the finish line of the 2009 Boston Marathon and beyond. After the diagnosis of Post-Polio Syndrome in December 2006, Mary got still and asked for Divine Guidance tapping into the powerful connection she experienced to the Divine from an early age. She harnessed the power of her mind to heal her body, feverishly writing poetry in which she imagined herself healthy, whole and free from the shackles of her youth. Mary’s quest to heal her life led her to the sport of running. Her story is one that will leave you cheering for the underdog, discovering the meaning of different ability and experiencing the stunning view from the back of the pack of a race. You will have the privilege of bearing witness to how Mary overcame every challenge that life presented to her. The sport of running provides the backdrop for her journey of transformation from a survivor of childhood paralytic polio and severe trauma at the hands of family members to a woman who embodies faith, grace under fire, courage, determination, endurance and resilience. Running became a way of life for Mary that tested her mettle while forging friendships to last a lifetime. As you’ll discover in “The Adventures of Runnergirl 1953” nothing, not even a serious knee injury in December of 2014 could stop her on the roads or in her life.

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):


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.