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When life changed in an instant, Hawkesbury mother Mary Anne Allen faced a future she never imagined sudden paralysis that stripped her of independence, identity, and certainty. Yet through hardship, grief, and loss, she found a voice not just for herself but for many others, culminating in her deeply moving memoir, An Absolutely Ordinary Monday.
For over a decade, Mary Anne carried the weight of her experience, reluctant at first to revisit the painful memories. “Writing the book took 12 years,” she says, “because every sentence was a clear memory, reliving moments that weren’t easy to face.”
Her journey began in Ward 7F, a hospital ward where she was surrounded by patients battling severe disabilities. It was here she realized she had a unique responsibility: “I was the only one who could tell our story. I had a voice, and I needed to use it.”
The paralysis abruptly altered everything. “I went from playing with my two-year-old twins, running in the park and wrestling on the trampoline, to someone who needed help with the most basic functions,” she reflects. The role reversal from caregiver to needing care was jarring, especially as a mother determined to be there for her children.
Despite the challenges, Mary Anne emphasizes hope and perseverance. “Never give up,” she advises, recalling her mother’s wise words: “Just imagine you can feel yourself moving. Picture it in your head.” She highlights the importance of mental strength alongside physical therapy and the support of trusted family and friends.
Her memoir not only chronicles her personal battle but also gives voice to those often overlooked her fellow patients in Ward 7F, many unable to speak for themselves. “Our voice is such a gift. We need to use it to tell people we love them,” she says.
For others facing sudden life changes, her advice is clear: “Surround yourself with positive people, listen to your doctors and therapists, and celebrate every small victory.” She shares a lighter moment about one such victory learning how to handle a mishap when she accidentally lost some teeth in a fall.
Through her story, Mary Anne hopes to inspire readers to recognize the power of resilience and compassion.
An Absolutely Ordinary Monday is now available on Amazon offering a candid look at confronting disability, loss, and ultimately, hope.
