Rewriting The Story

On Wednesday, I returned to Marathon Sports Brookline where, five years ago just around this time, Spencer Aston fitted me for my first pair of running shoes - I mean my first pair of running shoes - ever - in my lifetime. Spencer just happened to be working at the store on Wednesday. He is a wonderful musician so only works part time at Marathon Sports. What were the chances he'd be working on the day I decided to get fitted for my first pair of Vibrams.




As soon as I put on the Vibrams, I knew they were right for me. It's like having a glove on your foot. What a contrast to big, bulky shoes with braces and orthotics that I wore for years after contracting paralytic polio. What a contrast to what I was wearing five years ago



until I was fitted with my first pair of running shoes.



The Vibrams are a symbol of my transformation. Being able to wear them a manifestation of my healing journey.

This journey is not just about me though. I ran the 2009 Boston Marathon for several reasons which are now clear to me four years later. I felt a call - a stirring in my Spirit in every fiber of my being that I was meant to run Boston not just for me but for people who were given a diagnosis and told they can't or shouldn't with the subliminal message to not live life to the full for fear of the body's deterioration. I ran Boston to raise awareness of "post polio syndrome," which I now know is multi factorial in its nature, can be healed, and my quality of life dramatically improved with nutrition, body work, meditation and reconnecting with my sacred earthly home. As painful as the journey may be - it is incredibly joyous, liberating and life giving. And last but certainly not least, I wanted to say thank you to Spaulding Rehab Hospital for helping me to "find my strength" and take the first steps on my healing journey. We raised $10,535 for Spaulding Rehab and I had the experience of a lifetime.



I am rewriting the story of my childhood fraught with chronic illness and violence ..... And I know that in so many ways, this story has a happy ending ....

Marathon Metamorphosis - May 7, 2008 from Songs of Freedom:Poems From a Healing Odyssey Volume III:Celebration of Life to be released at the end of 2013. Volume I:Elements of Healing is now available on Amazon.

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 nothing more to prove.
God's grace 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 who was 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.

From my heart to yours
With total love and deepest gratitude,
Mary

MAY ALL BEINGS BE HAPPY AND FREE!