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The Sunday Series (149), with Mark Brodinsky

May 14, 2017 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

Want to read a really great story? You need look no further than from the place where your story began.

The first page begins the same for every single person on the planet. For there is no other way to arrive on this earth, then from the gift of life given by one single person, your Mother.

For that simple reason alone, EVERYONE has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series (149): Mamma’s Boy

“All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother.” – Abraham Lincoln

The odds are calculated at 67-million-to-one. Those are the odds of hitting two hole-in-ones in the same round on a golf course. But Travis Yoder did it.  April 11th 2010, a day Travis will never forget during a golf tournament near Playa del Carmen, Mexico. The same course that hosts PGA tour events. Even across the border, it still counts.

Yet Travis is no stranger to beating the odds, he learned from the best…his mom.

“If you ask me who was my biggest inspiration in life, it’s easy, it’s my mom,” says Travis.  “She taught me my work ethic, she taught me strength and sacrifice, she taught me love.” An only child, Travis’ parents divorced when he was only ten. “It’s all good, I love them both,” says Travis. “I’m not a product of that divorce. Besides the fact that my dad wasn’t always there because I lived with my mom, my mom was always there. Always. I basically grew up on a baseball diamond.  My mom sacrificed a lot to make sure I made every practice, every game. The whole time, as a single mom, she worked her career as well.”

“My mom started on the bottom floor of the property appraiser’s office in Tampa, Florida, where I grew up. She started off carrying typewriters to the office and by the time she retired, she was director, with a big, beautiful office on the 15th floor. 40-plus years of hard work. So many people give up nowadays, you talk to them and they are on their 15th job, but my mom never threw in the towel. She earned promotion after promotion and worked her way up. She never gave up. She was a role model there. More people should go into their work with the same intensity and drive. But the majority don’t do that. The hardest job was for my mom was to raise me and work at the same time. My baseball practices and games were endless.  But she taught me – don’t let any excuse get in the way of where you want to be.”

Lesson learned. For Travis life has been about sacrifices and movement to make things work. Lots of movement. “Two steps back to be five-steps forward,” is what Travis lives and now teaches. His mom taught him the power and progress which comes from hard work. Maybe that’s the reason Travis and his wife lived in 5 different states over a 12-year-period, as Travis built, recruited and trained insurance agents before finally settling down in Irving, Texas.

Fortunately for Travis, he married Michelle, someone as strong as the woman who raised him. Michelle was no stranger to travel, being a military brat, the daughter of an Army drill sergeant, she had spent a good portion of her life in Germany, then Hawaii. She also knew the power of sacrifice, her dad having served in Vietnam and then her memories of seeing him deployed for Desert Storm.

“A ton of moves did put a strain on my marriage at times,” says Travis. “But Michelle has been my biggest supporter, biggest fan, best friend…not everyone can say that. From day one she’s been supportive, been there to let me live my dream.  Every time we talked about the next step, the next rung on the ladder in life, she’s been supportive. She was working as a loan processor at a credit union and she eventually left, just quit, to come work with me. I told her I can’t pay you any money, but I think what you can deliver will make us more money in the long run. She became my office manager and was damn good at it.”

Two steps back, five steps forward.

For Travis, two great women in his life already, but one more was to appear. It didn’t come easy. When Travis and Michelle finally settled into Texas, it was time to talk about expanding the family. They tried to make it happen for three years with no success, eventually each of them went to get tested. “I finally went to get checked out,” says Travis. “The doc says ‘your swimmers are like Michael Phelps, you’re just fine.’ I’m feeling pretty good about myself, but then it starts to set in that something might be wrong with Michelle. But she goes to get tested too and the doc tells her she’s perfect. He says you are overthinking this, just do it, keep trying.”

For Travis there was no giving up, after all, he’s a life-long fan of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in fact one of their biggest fans. “From the time I was a little kid my dad had front row tickets on the 5o-yard line. I experienced years of traumatic Bucs games. Ten consecutive years of double-digit losing seasons. You’re only a true Bucs fan if they cut you and you bleed creamsicle orange,” jokes Travis.

Between the Bucs and his Mom, Travis knew you never give up. In 2010, it finally happened. “I know exactly the day we got pregnant,” says Travis. “It was the day I hit those two hole-in-ones on the golf course in Mexico. We celebrated that night, if you know what I mean. Michelle swears she got pregnant a week later, but I’m sticking to my story exactly!”

Whenever it happened, the blessing, their daughter Presley, arrived in December 2010. Travis says some people asked him, you’re the big athlete, where’s the boy? “I told them, dude, the best thing that I ever did was have a girl,” says Travis. “It’s one thing to love your mom, a different kind of love for your wife, but the revelation of the world is when you have a daughter. It’s a different realm. It’s hard to describe to someone until you have a child.”

My name is Presley.
I am beautiful.
I am smart.
I am a good listener.
I am a good golfer.
I am going to have an amazing day.
I am going to have an AMAZING day.
I am going to have an AMAZING DAY!!

For a few years now, this is the ritual for Travis and Presley. Her dad says the line, she repeats it, and together the two stay in positive step and mindset. And just like her dad, Presley is becoming quite the golfer.

It’s the same mindset Travis tries to instill in those he inspires and leads as Executive Vice-President of sales for USHEALTH Advisors. Travis travels frequently, but his family understands the sacrifice. Even on the road he makes sure to have his positive pow-wow with Presley, saying their lines and pumping each other up. Travis also knows he gets to spend time with his other family, the leaders and field force of the company. “It’s pretty impressive to see people change their lives,” says Travis. “There are no guarantees, but every day I see people go out and make the sacrifice. The growth model is unbelievable.”

   

Travis also credits Troy McQuagge, the CEO, for making the last seven years of his life so remarkable, as boss and friend. “The dude is definitely my mentor,” says Travis. “Not everyone gets to work with a boss who is so giving and selfless. His heart is enormous. But he also knows how to push my buttons and drive me. I’m thankful for his mission of HOPE.”

In fact, a few years ago, Travis was at a meeting at Troy’s home when Travis’s phone rang several times. It was his mom calling from Florida. She had some news, her husband, his step-dad, had suffered a heart attack. It wasn’t even a second thought, even though hundreds of miles away, Travis knew he needed to get to the airport, get on a plane and get to his mother. No time to pack, no bags, just a phone call to his wife and he hopped on the first flight he could find. Travis had to get home immediately. He had to be the there for his mom, no tears for him, not just yet.

“My mom was crying hard, I was her rock,” says Travis. “I didn’t cry, even though I had known John for most of my life. I had to be strong. Even writing the eulogy I didn’t cry. It wasn’t until the day of the funeral. My entire family is there and in walks Troy, Randi Stokes, Brian Clark and Dean Whaley. They had all made the trip from Texas. That’s when I broke down. My co-workers, my friends, had made the sacrifice to travel to be there. That was the day I realized when actions speak so loud you can’t hear even drown out what someone is saying.

It’s all about action. Travis says, “I try to be the best dad on the planet, the best husband on the planet, the best co-worker on the planet, the best friend. I’m nowhere near to my goal, but at least I make the attempt. I want to get better every day. I don’t want people to be at my funeral and not know what to say. I just want people to realize you don’t know when your last day is, so you gotta live every day to the fullest. I feel like my story is still just starting. I have a grandmother who just passed away at age 105. I’ve got a long way to go.”

And then there’s mom, who has taught Travis nearly every great lesson of his life. “I have an unbelievably remarkable mother,” says Travis. “I look back on my life and I know I’ve got the best mom on the planet. I have no shame in saying. I’m a mamma’s boy.”

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark Brodinsky

Write. Speak. Inspire.

Author: The Sunday Series. Real Stories of Courage, Hope & Inspiration, Volume I (https://www.amazon.com/Sunday-Mark-Brodinsky-Stories-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0722MJL55/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494160949&sr=8-2&keywords=the+sunday+series)

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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For more info on using Mark to share your story, markbrodinsky@gmail.com/443-865-2795

 

 

 

 

 

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Mark Brodinsky
Emmy Award Winner, 1996

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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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