Life & The Sunday Series

Find your why and find your way. Become more.

  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • Contact
  • The Higher Shelf!
  • Home

Need inspiration to find your why and your way?

Join the Tribe Today!

When Tomorrow Never Comes: It’s Just About… Life.

June 17, 2013 By markbrodinsky 3 Comments

grant kinkade
Grant Kinkade

The blog has become an extension of who I am, which is why I decided to post what I had written for Father’s Day early (this) Monday morning, even after I learned of the news. I want my girls to have the blog about them and our relationship, to look back on, when one day I’m no longer here. But the secret to life is we never know when that day will come. I hope it’s a long, long, long time away. Yet tomorrow is only a whisper of expectation, not a promise.

I know Grant Kinkade would understand.

Grant was a Senior Partner at the Baltimore New York Life Office in Timonium, Maryland. For his family, this Father’s Day was one of unspeakable loss. Grant and the father-in-law of another New York Life Partner were killed, while crossing the road in Fenwick, Delaware on Friday night. Two Dads down.

Grant was only 45-years-old. He leaves behind his wife, Penny, two daughters, a son and a family in mourning, a Father’s Day like no other. Words don’t come easy. When there is joy, words flow like water, when there is tragedy, it’s like reaching into quicksand, you search deep for the right ones to say or to write, but it’s like being frozen in time. There are no right words, only mind numbing syllables and consonants which form words, but can’t come close to consoling those who have lost so much.

I have only known Grant for about two years now. He’s been with New York Life since October 2000. He built his career from the ground up, starting as a brand new agent, learning and earning his way up the ladder. Understand you don’t just get to become Partner at New York Life, you earn it. We’re talking about one of the most respected financial services companies in the world. If you want to move up, you had better be ready to prove yourself. Grant had done that and more, and in 2007 he was promoted to Senior Partner.

I’m not writing this blog to try and create an obituary and I’m not close to being qualified to share a eulogy, because I don’t know the Kinkade family well enough. I do know this much, Grant was a good husband and father, having been married for two decades and helping to raise three children, two daughters and a son.

Grant was an imposing figure. Tall and strong. He towered over me in the halls of our New York Life office and what I will remember most about him is the greeting he gave me nearly every time he saw me, “What’s up killer?” I have had early success in our Baltimore General Office and the one thing I respected about Grant is he respected hard work, so it was his way of acknowledging my accomplishments. Helping others to see the light, especially when it comes to life insurance, is not an easy business. Grant knew that and though he marched around displaying a gruff exterior, I knew in his heart he had a soft spot for those agents who proved they could help others take the courageous and responsible steps to insure themselves, protect their families and leave a legacy for those they love so much.

It’s why we do what we do. What happened to Grant Kinkade only reinforces the point. A family loses a husband and father, 45-years-young. His family is left to fend without him. I don’t know details, but I know he accepted the responsibility and while the insurance won’t bring him back, it will keep his family from grieving, from carrying on, from trying to pick up the pieces… in poverty. In death, the insurance will help those Grant loved the most to live the lives he hoped they could. This is not a lesson in life insurance, but you can’t escape the reality staring you in the face. It makes a difference.

Grant made a difference in the lives of his clients and in the lives of the agents he has nurtured, helping them gain the wisdom and knowledge to create their own path to a successful career. He won recruiter awards and retention awards, because the agents he helped bring into the business were the ones that stuck around. Grant cared.

Caring goes along way. Our New York Life Baltimore Office cares deeply and we will do what we can to support the family left behind. One family helping another in time of need, that’s what we do. And not only Grant’s family, but New York Life Partner Ramone Knight as well, who lost his father-in-law and good friend, Bob Rust, in this senseless tragedy. Grant and Bob may have taken their final steps on a busy road in Delaware, but the footprints of their lives will forever stay embedded in the hearts and in the minds of those left behind.

We’ll never get over it, we’ll just get on with it.

RIP.

Mark

Related

{total}Tweet
{total}+1
{total}Like
{total}Share
{total}Pin

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Top Posts & Pages

  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • A Rose Is A Rose: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series 2: It's Just About... Life.
  • Your Turn: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (122), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Time vs Money: It's Just About... Life
  • Life Is A Highway: Observations of Life
  • Take Action: It's Just About... Life.
  • The Sunday Series (27), with Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (44), with Mark Brodinsky

Comments

  1. Stuart says

    June 20, 2013 at 11:20 am

    Mark,
    It’s a very very small world! I just met with an optician who happens to be Grant’s wife’s Aunt. I am forwarding this blog to her. While reading it in the office it brought on some tears .

    Stuart

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      June 20, 2013 at 11:29 am

      Always seems to be a connection in and around Small-timore. Thanks for forwarding Stuart.

      Reply
  2. Chuck says

    June 14, 2014 at 10:08 pm

    Thank you Mark. I always love reading your blog. Happy Father’s Day to you and The Kinkade Family. I am sure they are honored by your story!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Search over 500 posts, including The Sunday Series

Get all My Latest News & Offers
Introduce yourself with your name and email below

#1 Best Seller on Amazon

Click to order your copy today!

The Book Trailer

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

Connect with Mark!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

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 

Recent Comments

  • Patricia Storey on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • markbrodinsky on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • markbrodinsky on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Abby Scherr on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Sheila Hyman on The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky

A Valentine Every Day?: Observations of Life

So it’s a Hallmark Holiday. No kidding. The commercialization of love, romance and all that stuff. Makes you feel like you have to do something, or someone else will think you not worthy. Special lunches, dinners, flowers, candy…the list goes on and on. You certainly don’t feel like doing it, right? Who would? Although the […]

The Sunday Series (121), with Mark Brodinsky

In life it’s pretty simple, you get out of it what you put into it. If you expect little, you won’t get much. If you expect greatness, then you will have it all. Remember, or at least realize, it won’t be easy. There will be challenges, some of them you create yourself, others are created […]

Categories

  • Life
  • Sunday Series
  • Uncategorized

Pages

  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • Contact
  • Resources
  • Storytelling
  • The Higher Shelf!

Connect With Mark!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Categories

© 2021 Life and The Sunday Series. All Rights Reserved.

Built Masterfully on WordPress and Maintained by the Blogging Experts