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The Sunday Series (120), with Mark Brodinsky

September 11, 2016 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

If you are old enough to remember, you will never forget.  If everyone has a story, then on this day, everyone lived a story they will share as long as they are alive.

Today we remember and in many respects still search for a way to heal and help others to do the same.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series (120): A Towering Purpose

Dori Chait could see the plane, she had an unobstructed view of the towers as she conducted business for Merrill Lynch on the 53rd floor of the Citigroup building in New York City. “I was in my office doing my work”, says Dori. “I had my news channel going, and remember when the TV changed to the view of the burning building. I looked from the TV screen to my window, and back and forth again in disbelief. We all gathered in my office, and thought there had been a bad accident. Somebody grabbed binoculars, and I saw a plane flying into my view and thought ‘oh my god another plane must be coming to help’… and all of a sudden I saw the plane go through the other building.

plane-coming-in

“I screamed, dropped the binoculars and panic ensued in our office. Everyone grabbed their stuff and ran, it’s a blur. I do remember my friend Susie Goldberg and I got downstairs and stood on the street. Brooke Shields was doing a shoot in our building which was immediately evacuated so she was there too. The three of us all walked uptown to 96th street, shaking and crying and then Susie and I separated from Brooke. The city was a ghost town. You didn’t see a car anywhere and the smoke filled the streets. People were walking uptown, covered in soot. We were just all gathering on the street, and around 9 o’clock that night we were allowed to go downtown. I lived on 33rd street, and I remember our apartment smelled so terrible. So much of the day is a blur. I remember what I was wearing and what the sky looked like, but those are the only clear memories. It was traumatic, very traumatic. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a plane the same way since.”

Alexandra Ade (Alex) was a bit younger, living in northern Virginia near Washington DC. She had a different perspective, being in her early teens and knowing so many parents who worked for the government. Alex says when the plane hit the Pentagon it too was traumatic. “Our lives changed so dramatically”, says Alex. “It changed your perception of the world and in a way we were all directly affected. There was this loss of innocence and despair in the moment. But since then we’ve done such a good job of commemorating it. We are commemorating by doing good work and creating a legacy.”

we-remember

To create a legacy you must live a life of significance and that means finding a way to give back. Enter Dori and Alex. Because the memories are so fresh, as is the desire to help others and themselves to do more the two women have joined forces to champion the cause of Tailgate With a Purpose, part of the Day to Unite program for the Jewish Volunteer Connection. It’s a way to enable anyone to volunteer, for when we give of ourselves we bring peace by our presence and are present in our lives and for those we are helping.

Though the anniversary of 9/11 is the kick-off for the program, it all goes so much deeper than the memories of that day. Alex says there is a need for the community to officially engage people in volunteerism. “We look for ways to incorporate volunteerism into everyone’s life”, says Alex. It’s one of the reasons the JVC was created 15 years ago and why this year, on the 15th anniversary for not only the organization, but of that fateful day in 2001, the program is kicking-off with Tailgate With a Purpose.

tailgate-for-a-purpose-young-people

Dori explains: “Since September 11th has such significance in our lives, Alex and I wanted to create something which is significant. But as we planned this event we knew there were obstacles to this day, (as there are to any day), with simply asking people to volunteer. One of the biggest is that there is a Ravens game today. Baltimore is obsessed with the Ravens and people plan everything around the game. We want people to be service oriented but not take them away from what they want to do. So we came up with an idea to incorporate giving back while watching the Ravens. We turned this into an event for today, but which will continue the entire football season, even during away games, where people even watching the game in their home can participate.”

On the website, (http://jvcbaltimore.org/volunteer-offerings/daytounite/), you can register for tailgate bags, and if not today, can still do this all season long. There you can also see the other volunteer opportunities happening throughout the month. Alex says one of the biggest challenges of  volunteering for people is knowing where to give, this is how Tailgate With a Purpose can help, giving guidance and specific instructions on where and how to make a difference – and that makes all the difference in the world.

tailgate-how-to-page-001

It doesn’t simply have to be hosting a Ravens party to find a way to volunteer today, or any Sunday for that matter, to find a way to give back. For example right before today’s game you could head down to Flight One Carriers in Baltimore, (right near the Ravens Stadium), and join the Repair the World team, where volunteers can eat tailgate food, watch the game, and pack crisis/disaster relief boxes for community emergencies and needs. The more the merrier to help others in need.  All the information is on the Day to Unite website (http://jvcbaltimore.org/volunteer-offerings/daytounite/).

You can also get creative about creating a Tailgate party to give. Dori’s son has a baseball game today so instead of a Ravens tailgate, the parents and players are doing a tailgate before the baseball game right there in the Fort Garrison parking lot. Dori says by getting creative with giving you provide the children the exposure to what it means to give back. Many of the donations on this day, whether it be food, supplies or money will be given to the First Responders in the community, to recognize those who are on the front lines every day, including the heroes of 9/11.

“I think people are looking for things to do to commemorate September 11th in a way that feels good and give back and embrace diversity”, says Dori. “I think about the kind of people who were affected by that day and it is every race, every religion, economic status, from First Responders to financial executives. People from all walks of life connected with one another, it didn’t matter who you were, people were kinder and nicer and more giving… that’s the spirit of this day.”

dori-and-kids

Yet it is really the spirit of any day you decide to give back. It’s why Alex is so passionate about mission of the Jewish Volunteer Connection and in giving as a larger purpose: “I think for me it’s exposing people to, or encouraging them to understand they can do service anywhere. I think that’s the spirit of volunteerism. There is a way to incorporate good deeds and good work in anything that you do. Just put in some effort and its possible and available to anyone. You can have fun doing that watching the Ravens game and do something to make someone’s life a little better. Doing something that really makes an impact is my core value.”

For Dori, who witnessed the horror of 9/11 right out her office window, this year it’s a way to truly heal. “For me this days has always been a heartache and this year it’s the first time I’ve been presented with an opportunity to do something other than feel sad and just have the memories of that day. I know I will still feel that but now I can make the day even more important. Maybe I needed 15 years to get to that place, but I am grateful Jen Grossman asked me to participate with JVC because I am passionate about giving back and for me the timing couldn’t be more perfect.”

Today we all remember and we should never forget. But to move forward, the best way to draw out the best from that day is to give. A day for all of us to unite in the human spirit…powerful, resilient and undefeated.

Make today your day for a towering purpose of giving.

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark

#tailgatewithapurpose #daytounite #jvcbaltimore

(You can also expand your giving by hosting a Party with a Purpose, details are here: http://jvcbaltimore.org/partywithapurpose/)

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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)

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

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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.

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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.

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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

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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

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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

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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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