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A Grand Day: It’s Just About… Life.

April 6, 2013 By markbrodinsky 2 Comments

chris davis home run in openerIt’s the kind of moment they write books about. Your moment to shine, to do something that will be remembered for all time, because in this game, these moments are recorded, discussed and savored as if chips of a diamond. You’re standing on one now, in the center of a city craving for moments like these, in the midst of a sea of people screaming in unison, chanting your name, while at the same time collectively holding their breath. It’s like nothing you have ever known, you look out at the field and the late afternoon shadows, the crescendo of sound all around, your teammates standing on that diamond, all looking at you, waiting, hoping, wishing for something big. Your nemesis, the man standing sixty-feet away staring in, staring you down, ready to crush this dream and silence the now deafening sounds all around. The time is now, your shot at a miracle, that small white orb now hurling itself toward you at lightning speed, you only have a split-second to get it right, to swing or not to swing…
——————————————————————————————————-
Opening Day, Baltimore. Friday, April 5th, 2013. You couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day. All week long they were calling for rain. Like I told my wife earlier in the week, “they” rarely get it right, besides we are all at the mercy of our mothers, Mother Nature in this case, and on this day, Mom was an Orioles fan.

There was not a cloud overhead. Beautiful blue skies, nice temperatures, certainly warm enough to play ball. And more than 46,000 people were already warmed up, ready to pick up where they left off last season, with the O’s playing wild and wonderful baseball games and reigniting the love affair between Baltimore and Baseball. It was about as close to perfect as you can get. This is how spring begins. This is New Year’s Day. This is baseball.

A community coming together, in a sea of orange, black and white, ready to cheer on a young team yearning to dance with destiny. Last year they almost did, they fell a bit short in the end. Unfinished business. Time to settle the score and begin the journey back to October. It’s why baseball is just like life, it’s a journey every year, and the journey is as frustrating and fulfilling as the ultimate destination, day in and day out… one hundred and sixty-two. One at a time.

My wife Debbie and I were in the midst of it all. We love the game, love the atmosphere. Hard not to. There with old friends, co-workers, new friends and thousands of others, baseball friends, ready to celebrate a new beginning. The O’s were already on a bit of a roll, taking 2-of-3 and winning their first series on the road. But now, they were home.

Oriole Park at Camden Yards is a mecca for baseball, a dream place to watch a game full of dreams. When it’s right, a great sporting event is akin to a rousing, religious celebration, and today the holy temple of baseball was like a slice of heaven. And the game, well, the game was heaven and hell. Just like every other baseball game that’s played. Up and down. Exhilaration, frustration, and the unexpected.

The O’s took an early lead, then lost it, but had now battled back to tie the game in bottom of the 8th. The bases were loaded… everywhere you looked there was an Oriole. The man about to come up to bat had already done the impossible, hitting three home runs in the first three games of the season and piling up the RBI’s as if they were only meant for him. The question, as he strolled to the plate, could he do it again? This young man, 27 years of age, strong as an ox, still making his way in the major leagues, on the cusp of becoming something more. Could the stars align one more time? The 46,000 faithful were wishing on one of those stars. We were ready.
————————————————————————————————————
… the decision is made. Your brain tells your body to move, your arms to extend out and downward, your body twists as your eyes lock in on that baseball, about to go by you, but instead the bat in your hand stops its forward motion and sends that ball screaming in the opposite direction, toward the stands. Thousands and thousands of people watch that same ball take flight, cutting through the late afternoon air with a surge of power most people only dream about. But you are a major league baseball player, the best in the world, and the best moment of your life might just be about to happen. You can barely hear the crowd now, even though the sound is at a decibel uncommon to human ears. Your heart is pumping in your chest, your eyes focused, with everyone else on that ball, now on a rainbow ride toward left field. In seconds that ball and the hopes and dreams of an entire city, land in the stands. A Grand Slam.

You round the bases, head down, like the great ones, basking respectfully in a moment of pure joy. Now you can hear the noise, and it is sweet music to your ears. In this moment, in this time, on Opening Day, you have broken the game wide open, you alone have given your team the lead. Your brothers, just seconds ago, were standing on the bases, watching and hoping, now they are waiting to greet you at home plate, ecstatic. High fives. A curtain call from the thousands who came to cheer and who are now in near hysteria because you are their hero. They will be talking about this day for years to come.

For you, for them, for an entire city, it is a grand day indeed.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

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Comments

  1. Stuart says

    April 6, 2013 at 9:25 am

    Thanks to a tweet from Wendy Brown I found your blog. Highly Enjoyable!

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      April 6, 2013 at 9:28 am

      Thanks Stuart. Thanks for choosing to pay attention. I am honored.

      Mark

      Reply

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Love seeing new blogs hit the ground running like this one (by a dad no less), but I also urge anyone vaguely interested in blogging to stay tuned, I am. Good luck on your journey – glad that I am along for the ride.

Rachel Blaufeld

Great blog Mark! I always appreciate reading what you have to say. You are very gifted and talented and hopefully someday you’ll not just blog, but write a book.

 Stephen Koncurat

I’m definitely along for the ride. We’ve all seen how much damage the written word can inflict. More positive writers are needed. And I love how you are using your personal experiences – those with your wife and children – and your gift of writing to open eyes and to inspire others.

Victoria Endicott

Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

Gina Glick Jolson

Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

Leila Galloway

Absolutely beautiful! Are you at all thinking of penning a book? You’ve got a fan base out there that really thinks you should Mark. You write so eloquently. Glad that I got onto this site.

Marilyn Lefkowitz

Mark, You are truly a gifted writer and obviously, a special father and husband . Always a delight to read your words.

I’m speechless…beautiful words flow from your heart just like a gentle waterfall into a tranquil stream… thank you so much for the friend request I was blessed the day I clicked confirm.

Lynne Turner Dorsey

From your first writing in 4th grade entitled “People” which was published in the school newspaper, you have always been able to write. Never more so than when you started “Caringbridge” and now your blog, everyone who reads says what a wonderful writer you are. Our DREAM for you is to become an author and encourage people every day. You are by the far the best and we hope and pray you reach your dream.

Bonnie Brodinsky

I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing.

Stuart Abell

Great piece. You are an inspiration!

Rob Commodari

Mark I just wanted to let you know that you are succeeding in your “ultimate goal”. I have gained so much from your blogs. I look forward to reading them for the special lift that they give me. Thank you.

Amy F.

I love waking up and starting my day with my coffee and your blog! It a great way to start my day with positive uplifting thoughts!! It puts me in a positive frame of mind throughout the day and allows me to reflect on my personal life, make changes, and grow !!!

Gayle Blank

You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

Cynthia

I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

Chuck Connolly

Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

Jackie Hetrick

With my busy schedule, there is (sadly) little time for reading. But I have two must-reads every time I come across them, the sports section and your blogs. Keep inspiring and following your dream!

Ed Nemec

Mark, you are a truly remarkable individual. You do speak from your heart, I can’t wait to read your book. You are an incredible writer.

Debbie Press

Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
Would like to connect. This speaks to me.

Aileen Braverman

I can’t wait to read the book. I have followed all the blogs and feel so good that I know u guys. You make me cry but you make me laugh too. All the very best to you!

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WOW!!! It Takes 2 is a must read for anyone who has known someone diagnosed with cancer or other life threatening disease. This is the real story of a family lead by an incredible woman, Debbie Brodinsky, who took radical steps to beat the breast cancer beast. The story is told by her husband, Mark Brodinsky, through journal entries he kept starting with diagnosis through one year cancer free. This author's unique ability to pour his heart out onto the page draws you in from the beginning and holds you until the very end.

Thanks to Mark and Debbie Brodinsky for this gift...I have a new perspective on what it means to be a breast cancer survivor. You are a hero, Debbie Brodinsky!

TeeBThree
September 25, 2013

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This book gives a heartfelt, in depth description of what it is like to go through breast cancer with the one you love. It is beautifully written and I felt as though I was living it with them! I highly recommend this book!

Jgs17
September 24, 2013

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In It Takes 2, Mark Brodinsky windows us into his world where his wife, the cancer patient, is not the only victim. Part journal, part roadmap, It Takes 2 goes to the real humanity of facing the mortality of one's better half. Mark's candid perspective, love, and fierce intention resonate with hope in a story which is about much more than cancer. Mark himself is perhaps the most heroic character for the way he appreciates this life and so many of us in it...as he says, "thanks for caring."

Réné Pallace
September 24, 2013

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It Takes Two: A Spouse's Story by Mark Brodinsky should be read by every person who is experiencing serious illness or injury or by a loved one of someone who is experiencing either of those situations. The book is an eloquent testament to the power of love and the healing energy derived from the belief that things will get better. There is not one word of "poor me" from the author or his wife who suffered breast cancer and the radical surgery she elected to have to beat the cancer. Rather, the book is a celebration of the courage displayed by them both in seeing it through.

The book also encourages readers to speak and write down their true feelings and be validated in them. John Mackovic writing in the Palm Springs, CA Desert Sun on November 2, 2013 quoted author and artist Doe Zantamata who said, " To be happy, you don't have to do anything new. You just have to remember how to believe again...Believe everything good is possible. Believe in your dreams. Believe in people. Believe in love. But most of all...believe in yourself." The author, his wife, their family and extended family and friends never stopped believing in his wife's recovery, and I think, in themselves. Read this book and believe.

Paul A. Riecks
November 4, 2013

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This book is a must read for anyone with a family member with breast cancer. It takes you through the spouse's perspective from diagnosis to recovery. Mark journaled his wife's journey and put all of his emotions out there. It is beautifully written and inspiring to anyone going through breast cancer. Thank you, Mark for sharing Debbie's story.

Jmu1109
October 23, 2013

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A friend recommended this book. This was a great perspective of a man standing beside his partner and passing along to the reader fear, hope, useful information and a broader story than his own. I loved Vinnie the tattoo artist. This is a great book. Thanks for sharing, Mark and "thanks for caring"

Blahsan

ittakes2_reviews_2

This book is a must read. What sets this book apart from other books about surviving breast cancer is that it is told by the husband and his point of view, not from the survivor. At times sad, at times poignant but even through the worst of it you can always feel the love he has for his wife, her strength and the strength of their extended family and friends. The posts that are included from their friends and family lets you really into the heart and strength of the family. I would recommend this book to anyone who is currently going through this, whether you are the person or the caregiver. I also recommend this book to anyone who has a friend that has been or is currently going through their fight now. It was an eye opener for me.

L. Bogash
Seven Valleys, PA

ittakes2_reviews_2

There isn't a shortage of books about breast cancer, but most are written from the perspective of the person who has battled cancer or a physician or other expert. What an enlightening experience to read about breast cancer from a husband and caregiver's perspective! Not only does the author give us insight into his wife's experience and emotions, but he openly shares and reveals his love, compassion, support, and, yes, sometimes anger at the disease as he stands by his wife's side during their journey to beat the beast. Your story may not be the same, but I guarantee if you have a loved one battling cancer, you won't go wrong reading It Takes 2.

 PattiM
September 25, 2013

 

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From the moment I opened this book I never stopped reading. Mark invites the reader to come along on this journey that his family went through. I cried, laughed and learned so much. This book will give comfort and knowledge to those going through similar situations. Most importantly, Mark and his family never give up. They get knocked down and get right back up. They fought cancer together and with their strength, determination and will to prevail... They do!

 Jenny Schloss 

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