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The Sunday Series (128), with Mark Brodinsky

November 13, 2016 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

Going from Point A to Point B in life. The quickest way is a straight line. But is it really that easy, or that linear?  The laws of physics say it should work, the reality of our human existence says otherwise.

Life zigs and zags with hairpin turns, curves, edges, incredible highs, unbelievable lows.

If the line of your life is straight it can only mean you’re not living, you have no story. But that’s impossible, because everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series (128): Something to Prove

From the time she was two years of age he was one of her best friends – and for Teaira Stills the influence her stepfather Doug had on her life still resonates as a bright light. “He was the most amazing dad in the world”, she says.

Taraina, Doug & Teaira

Taraina, Doug & Teaira

Doug was an extremely successful chiropractor in St. Croix, in the Virgin Islands, running a one-of-a-kind multi-purpose chiropractic and rehabilitation center, easily the largest center in the Caribbean. Money was plentiful, love was abundant, life was good. Teaira describes it as a privileged life in the islands for herself and her sister Taraina, complete with private schools and even her own swim club.

In fact for Teaira the excitement of life really began in the water.  She started swimming at age 5 and it wasn’t long before she was a full-fledged aquatic star.

teaira-in-bathing-suit

“Everybody was always screaming my name. I was always finishing number one. I loved the attention. I loved being a star. Swimming was my passion. I was number one for 13 consecutive years in the Virgin Islands. It gave me so much confidence and recognition being in the spotlight. I loved it. Swimming is a lot of work – practices and meets are long – but it was so exciting to be a winner year after year.”

west-is-best-swim-teaira teaira-swim-meet teaira-swimming

Winning was an omen of things to come – but the journey had just begun and as we know life is a journey. While Teaira was thriving in the pool, in school it was a different story – she was like a fish out of water, living every day with academic disappointment.

“I always struggled in school”, says Teaira. “At age 4 or 5 I actually got tested. I was learning so slow, I was hyperactive and probably had extreme ADHD 30 years ago, they didn’t quite know what was wrong with me I got a bunch of testing done and was always in special classes. I was always the slow one and Taraina was the smart one.”

Teaira says since her stepfather was a chiropractor he was always against the doctors wanting to put his daughter on any medication. Instead she received one-to-one tutoring, she even went to Mercenburg Academy, a college-prep boarding school in Pennsylvania, but Teaira says high school was really hard. “I studied and studied but I was always at the bottom of the class. But the boarding school taught me a lot of life skills. It taught me work ethic and confidence building – the backbone of what I am today.”

Teaira eventually made it into Berry University where she says she worked very hard: “I had to get a 3.5 grade average for them to accept me into nursing school so I studied all the time. I never went out. It was a driving force to prove to my dad I could be successful. I was always labeled slow and no one thought I could do it. I did do it, but as soon as I got to nursing school I decided it wasn’t what I wanted to do”, she laughs. “I switched to pre-med to eventually become a chiropractor, or become an obstetrician. I love babies, the whole birthing process is so magical.”

Magic was what Teaira wanted and she graduated premed with a double major in biology and chemistry and got accepted to chiropractic school. She was making her dad proud and on top of the world. But sometimes the world has a way of changing your story. Every 24 hours it turns over on someone who used to be sitting on top of it.

Teaira’s parents suddenly split up. For Teaira it was devastating.

As it turns out the couple was never legally married, so when her stepfather married another woman, the money went with him. “I was 25 when they split”, says Teaira. “My mom had no money, none. The new wife is Phillipino and she said in her culture when you get divorced the kids and wife are locked out of your life. My dad thought he could change her. But she wasn’t OK unless he completely walked away from us. I was heartbroken, I would cry every other day about it. We were so close, he had tucked me in every night until I was in 9th grade.”

teaira-and-dad

Her sister Taraina had left the family home years before to move to the states. Now, after nearly four decades in the islands, their mom Joan was forced to move back as well, and eventually move in with Taraina. Unbeknownst to Tearia her stepfather had taken out student loans for her to go to college – to the tune of $60,000. But now there was no more money. Without any financial support Teaira was uncomfortable taking on more debt to continue the education she worked so hard to earn, but chiropractic school was now out of the question.

In the meantime Taraina, who had been pre-law, and struggling with lack of financial support as well, found an opportunity. “Taraina told me I found this really great career and I’m gonna make more money than dad”, Teaira says. “I would walk around the house and make fun of Taraina all the time. But after a while she asked me to make phone calls for her to set appointments. I made calls and got better and better at it and told her I wanted half her commissions selling the health insurance for this company called UGA, she told me no way, go get licensed.”

Teaira got her license and just like she did when she ruled the pool as a swim star, she dove in head first and did laps around the competition, finishing as Rookie of the Year in her sales region. “I worked non-stop” says Teaira. “I loved the feeling of being successful and doing something good for someone. I was really proud of myself. And I kept thinking about my dad. I thought if he could see how successful I was and how I had my own money, the new wife would no longer be threatened by me, or think I needed more of his, (her stepfather’s money). I thought if he could see me walk across the stage he would come back. I just wanted my dad back.”

Eventually Teaira did walk the stage, as she has many times in her successful insurance career, first with UGA and now as an extremely successful Division Leader with USHEALTH Advisors. “I’m the type of person I don’t overthink things, I just keep my eye on the ball. I love the culture and have been amazed how sweet the people are to me. I have tremendous respect for Bill Shelton, who was the first person to believe in me and then our leader Troy McQuagge, who I finally got to meet when I moved to the new company.”

teaira-and-troy teaira-team

Despite her unbelievable success, it has failed to bring Teaira’s dad back into her life full-time, but about six years ago a new man, Jay Stills, entered the fold. The two met at a Leaders meeting and as Teaira describes it was nearly love at first sight. “We talked all night long the first night we met and when he walked me to my room we stared into each other’s eyes, that was a moment. He was the first man I met that I instantly fell in love with, we talked every day after that for hours on the phone.”

teaira-and-jay-surf   teaira-and-jay-cute-pic teaira-and-jay-baby-pic

It wasn’t long before Teaira left Florida and moved up the coast to live with her new love in North Carolina.  But then to seize on a unique market opportunity with USHEALTH the couple and Jay’s three children relocated from North Carolina to Texas, to lead a sales team in Dallas.

Teaira and Jay eventually had an island wedding in St. Croix, but it was only Teaira’s mom who walked her down the aisle, her stepdad failed to post for the ceremony. Teaira says Taraina speaks to him once-in-a-while, but even then it’s a phone call he has to sneak in. She says her dad thought when he married the new wife she would change and he could fix the situation. But that has yet to materialize.

teaira-wedding

Despite the distance in her relationship with her stepfather, her “best friend”, life goes on. The human spirit is powerful. In life you are going to have some ups and you’re going to have some downs. But the human spirit is powerful. Maybe that’s why Teaira and Jay love the amusement parks and the roller coasters so much. A coaster is like a metaphor for life.

This couple runs one of the most successful regions and division teams in the country for USHEALTH Advisors and now collectively have five children. And Teaira still has her own sibling to support her. Teaira says she is and always has been so close with her sister and together the two are helping to care for their mom who still lives with Taraina.

teaira-and-taraina-on-beach teaira-and-taraina-with-balloons teaira-and-taraina-in-cabo

Teaira says the message she wants to share in her life is simple: never give up. “It doesn’t matter your intelligence, or what life has dealt you”, she says. “If you just keep at it you will succeed. I had no money or anything when I started in this business, but that’s when people are at their best. They can do great things when they are at their weakest.  I know I did. I always had something to prove.”

teaira-mom-pic

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/)

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

Affordable Health Coverage: USHEALTH Advisors: http://www.ushagent.com/markbrodinsky

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

Ever thought about writing a book? check this out!

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!

Beverlee Rendelman

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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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