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The Sunday Series (109), with Mark Brodinsky

May 29, 2016 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

All it takes is a little perspective.

Often we don’t realize the path which we are taking, the road less traveled is exactly that… less traveled. But it means someone did go down that road before and you can be sure that traveler had bold ideas and dreams. That individual stepped away from the crowd, away from the herd and answered the call.

It’s not easy and it’s not without hardship, but it’s worth it. And you can bet that traveler has a story.

After all, everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series (109): Parallel Light

brian and kim

The light under the door.

The light of giving, of sacrifice, of serving.

The light which nearly slipped into infinite darkness.

Lessons learned, life experiences which built a life, helped shine a light and in the end has taught one man to be humble and kind.

For Brian Clark, there have been many lights, but perhaps none as strong as the one shining across the hall from his bedroom as a little boy.

“I always knew how hard my dad was working”, says Brian. “We lived in a small house and my dad converted one of the rooms into an office. So often, late at night, he would be in there doing his computer stuff. That light across from my bedroom was always on.”

The light that was on so often was illuminating his father’s dreams. Brian’s dad was a computer programmer, but at a time before there was a big need, before there was an internet boom, before most of us knew it was the second-coming of a revolution which would change all of our lives.

“I learned a lot watching my dad,” Brian says. My mom was mostly a stay-at-home mom, she worked a little bit and my dad initially had his own business. I remember not having much at all, we struggled financially. I remember as a kid starting school and we couldn’t even afford new clothes for the first day. But despite the financial struggles my parents never let it show and they always put a huge emphasis on school above everything else. My parents were just amazing.”

He continues, “It was fun to watch my dad and this incredible run where he just worked his tail off. Eventually he got this amazing offer to work at Compaq Computers in Houston, one of the first people to ever work at Compaq.  The company had this huge dream of being big – and I got to watch my dad join in the start-up and be successful. I see a lot of parallels between his story and my story and being a part of something special, a start-up company which does everything for the right reason and is really grounded in family values. I think for me it all comes back to family.”

brian grad family

Being and staying grounded is exactly what Brian says his parents taught him and they also taught him about sacrifice and giving. As his dad’s career expanded, so did Brian’s family, because they chose to help someone in need.

Another light was about to shine.

“I have two brothers”, says Brian. “Jason who is 2-years younger than me and Shawn. But Shawn was actually my cousin. He was growing up in a really tough situation with my aunt who was a troubled single mom and so my grandparents, my dad’s parents, eventually adopted Shawn.  But my parents soon realized they wanted to give Shawn a better life, that it might not be the right situation for him to be raised by his grandparents who were already in their 60’s. So my parents made the sacrifice and adopted Shawn who was about 4-years-old at the time. I was already in high school.

“It was not easy for Shawn emotionally, but he ended up doing really well. Shawn and my younger brother Jason got really close. Although we are ten years apart, Shawn and I got closer as we got older. My brothers have had a huge impact on me.”

Jason, Shawn & Brian

Jason, Shawn & Brian

The light of brotherly love can create a lifetime bond. But a bond which in this case, was nearly severed by circumstance and fate.

During the summer between his junior and senior year of college Brian went to visit a friend in Florida, while he was there, he received a phone call. “I got this crazy call from my Mom,” says Brian, “she was telling me my little brother Jason was in the hospital, he had been in a car accident. I asked her if he was going to be alright.

She just said, ‘you need to come home’.”

“My Dad picked me up at the airport, he said, ‘it’s not good, Jason is in bad shape, he’s not going to make it.’ It was the worst moment I ever had in my life. It was a bomb. I told my Dad I wanted to go to the hospital, but he said there was nothing we could do that night, they won’t even let us in there (intensive care). I’ll never forget it.”

Love is life’s brightest light, but for Brian it seemed as if that light was descending into total and infinite darkness.

Jason had been involved in a head-on collision, not his fault, but he had suffered the full consequences of the crash. Brian says he was “simply mangled”. The doctors told the family they thought Jason could keep the top half of his legs, but they would have to amputate from the knees down and they were very worried about infection.

“Jason was in ICU for two months,” says Brian. He kept fighting and over time we were told he could keep his legs, but they weren’t sure about his ankles. But Jason kept healing and we got to a point where he finally made it. He fought his ass off for two years, suffering through the most crazy physical therapy you could ever imagine.”

Brian continues, “The most incredible person was my Mom. Jason was only 18, my Mom took such good care of him. She basically put her life on hold for two years to get him through hell so he could function. Jason can now walk. He has aches and pains and tons of scars, but the fact he is even alive is a miracle. My mom is miracle number two.”

brian and bros

There are miracles and then there are things we believe to be miracles, but are simply the abundance of light emanating from the heart and soul. Brian believes his mom and dad are shining examples of what is possible, paving the way and providing the opportunity for his own light to shine.  Now the abundance of this light is the family Brian has been able to help create with his wife Kim, their daughter Kylie, and the twin boys, Michael and Landon.

brian boys brian wife and kids

Just as important for Brian is the incredible, life-affirming extended family, called USHEALTH Advisors. Brian serves as Senior Vice-President, Chief of Marketing for USHA and the symbolism, the synergy and the congruency of this company and the one his dad was a part of are impossible to ignore.

“I couldn’t be more excited, I’m totally stoked”, says Brian. “The parallels with my dad’s career and what is happening with USHEALTH Advisors are crazy. Who knew Compaq could be the company it became?  This company is even a better opportunity than Compaq, because no one knew where Compaq was going. We know where this is going, it’s fun to work here. Who every thought insurance could be fun? The sky is totally the limit. It’s kind of the perfect storm and we are in the middle of the perfect storm. The only question is how high can we go?”

Brian-Clark brian selfie

The height of success can be unlimited and inspiring as long as the foundation is strong. “Family is the foundation”, says Brian. “It’s the basis of everything and who I am and what I have been able to accomplish and learn from two generations of goodness.”

And Brian is carrying that foundation into the work he does everyday for his family, for his parents, his brothers and their families, and for the extended family he has built through USHEALTH Advisors. Much has been learned through the lights of his life – and whatever success Brian has experienced he reminds himself and others to stay humble and kind.

brian and kim hug brian and kim smiling big

“At the end of the day I think it’s about being a great cog in the wheel. I always view myself as a leader and I think I   am a leader, a great leader of people, but humble enough to know that I’m just a part of the team and that there is a greater cause for what we are trying to accomplish as a group. I think that over time I hope others look back on me and say Brian was a huge part of our success. He was a huge part of the team and he was a leader. When you say the name Brian Clark, you will know that he was somebody that led us to our success, but in a very humble way.”

When the dreams you’re dreamin’ come to you,
when the work you put in is realized.
Let yourself feel the pride,
but always stay humble and kind.
-Lyrics from Tim McGraw, Humble and Kind

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark

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Author: The #1 Amazon Best Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Brodinsky/e/B00FI6R3U6)

Huffington Post: (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-brodinsky/)

The Profile: (http://www.talkinggood.com/profiles/MarkBrodinsky)

The Podcast: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-series-courage-inspiration/id1028611459)

USHEALTH Advisors: (http://www.prweb.com/releases/markbrodinsky/072015/prweb12862708.htm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mark Brodinsky
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Blog Reviews

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

ittakes2_reviews_2

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

 

ittakes2_reviews_2

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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