Young at Heart

Fairy tales can come true, it can happen to you
If you're young at heart
For its hard, you will find, to be narrow of mind
If you're young at heart
Rodgers & Hammerstein

Young at Heart is the title of Johnny Kelley's autobiography and the song that was played when they dedicated his statue on Heartbreak Hill in Newton. Ever since my daughter sat next to Johnny Kelley's nephew on the plane ride back from Puerto Rico, we have been learning a lot about Johnny Kelley and feeling that his spirit is blessing our Marathon journey. But Young at Heart has special meaning for me today. During today's training run with Janine, my trainer, she told me about her 70+ year old client who celebrated the fact it was getting easier to get off the toilet seat and stand. When Janine first did my assessment, and I told her what functional areas I was struggling with, she said to me that those struggles are for somebody in their 70's - not for a 53 year old. The other day as I was cleaning out my attic, I saw the tub chair that I used to use because I did not have the strength or energy to stand in the shower, and I kept my black polio shoes, toe up brace, wrist brace to ease the painful symptoms of carpel tunnel syndrome and of course my swanky blue cane with its ice gripper. I am a walking miracle and I give thanks to God for every moment, for every breath I take and for the strength and courage to reach out first to Spaulding Rehab and then to Janine for help. It is a journey of physical, spiritual and psychological transformation.

Fairy tales can come true and it's happening to me. In just a few short weeks, I will be at the starting line of the 113th running of the Boston Marathon. I am clearing out the blockages - physical, spiritual and psychological as they come up to have a wonderful path to the starting line. I am learning to temper fears by allowing the love of God to wash over my soul. I am discovering the beautiful child of God who I am - fearless, determined, courageous, giving, loving, compassionate, faithful and overcoming all of the obstacles which have been placed in my path. I have my eye on the prize - raising over $9,000 for Spaulding Rehab Hospital, inspiring so many with my story, and getting my medal and jacket after Team McManus crosses the finish line. I am also drinking in every experience along this journey and finding the lessons and the blessings in the triumphs and tribulations along the way.

I know you are inspired to donate and it's so easy - just go to www.firstgiving.com/teammcmanus
If you are in the Boston area, go to www.firstgiving.com/ballinthehouse to purchase your tickets for our fabulous fundraiser on 3/14.
Remember to order your Valentine's Day poems and gift at www.newworldgreetings.com