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Elementary, With Love: It’s Just About… Life.

June 8, 2013 By markbrodinsky 4 Comments

Emily class
As we go on, we remember.
All the times we had together.
And as our lives change, come whatever.
We will still be friends forever.

Yes, they will. But this part is over. We’re done. We’re moving on. Life doing what life does, going by all too fast.

With a tear in her eye and a bittersweet heart, my baby, Emily, graduated from Timber Grove Elementary School last night. And while it’s a big deal for her, so it is for us. With Sophie, my oldest, now in middle school, Emily’s graduation represents our last ties to Timber Grove Elementary. We’ve graduated as well, there’s no going back. We’re moving forward. But what a great ride.

So many firsts. The first day, I mean who can forget kindergarten? You never do. Except you do, especially when you look back at the pictures, many of those in a picture slide show the art teacher, Ms. Easton put together. It’s hard to believe how much they have grown. The carpools. Every day. In all kinds of weather. Kudos to the moms, who took on this responsibility with a coordinated effort any drill sargent would be proud to see. Yet we also live in walking distance to the school and when the weather was nice, we all walked. Sometimes we walked in small groups, sometimes in large clusters of children and parents, honoring our tradition, the neighborhood walk to school on the very first day of each new school year. But we are no longer within walking distance to the next place of learning. No, next August will be the first time “the first day walk” won’t happen.

So many firsts to remember. The first lunches packed. The first day in the cafeteria. The first assembly. The first day of homework. The first test. The first gym class. The first report card. The first PTA meeting. The first fight. The first fundraiser (for us it was the grand event, Spring Fest, which no one will ever forget). And how do you ever forget your first school friend.

Emily has a ton of them now. Many who live in our incredible neighborhood. And more of them Emily has met along the way. When school becomes the center of your young life, these people you see five days a week for most of the year become the center of your universe. Many of them become friends. Some of them, friends for life.
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They are a great bunch of kids. Our new principal Mrs. Miller said it was one of the best 5th grade classes she had ever worked with. “Social, very social, and social”, she said with a smile. How could they not be? These children, who are growing up before our eyes, are at the center of the social media revolution. They are constantly connected in ways many of us cannot appreciate because we didn’t have the opportunity so young. And so young they still are, but with minds which mature at the speed of light. And ready to do great things. Emily is already on the way, she earned the President’s Education Award for Outstanding Academic Excellence. Way to go Em, we couldn’t be more proud. It’s only the beginning.
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But she could not have done it without the guidance of her teachers, and school administrators, many of whom spoke last night. Ms Easton told them it has been an “incredible pleasure to grow up with you. Keep growing and be a creative problem solver for our world.” I like that. Assistant Principal Mrs. Johnson, “the class of 2013 has the potential for greatness.” Principal Mrs. Miller, “one thing you can control is your character. It’s one of the most important things over which you have control.” And I like 5th grade teacher Ms. Rouchard’s remarks as well, because she spoke right to our hearts, “we are very appreciative that you lent us your treasures for six hours every day.” To Ms. Rouchard, and all the teachers at Timber Grove Elementary, it goes both ways, thanks for guiding our children and helping to shape the very core of who they will become one day. We owe you gratitude beyond words.

As we drove home last night from an impromptu post-graduation get together at the local yogurt shop, my oldest daughter Sophie asked Emily if she heard one of the songs playing during the 5th grade slide show, the song titled, Friends Forever. Sophie and my wife Debbie started to sing some of the lyrics. Understand Emily is a hard-working, disciplined, academic over-achiever, athlete and countless other attributes I could describe. Emily moves through life with purpose and determination. She has the ability to put blinders on and makes things happen. She has success in her soul, but sometimes she sees the world in black and white. As Sophie and Debbie started to sing, Emily felt the colors rush in, and she was overwhelmed with emotion. At that moment, all the moments, from the 5-year-old kindergartner who walked in the door to her elementary school, to the 10-year-old fifth grader who walked across the stage last night, rushed in. Emily got it and she was overcome. And it’s OK.

Our lives are a collection of every one of those moments, each one a building block to who we are, forming the person we will become, hopefully who we were meant to be. And even after school days end, if we do it right, we never stop building. But it all begins with those early years. The foundation is poured, solidified and you start working your way up, making you the person you are today.

The core of that foundation can be found inside the four walls of your home, and one other place, school.
Emily loved every minute she spent in these early years of her life. And she doesn’t even know it yet, but the best is yet to come.

So we say farewell to the foundation and thank you, these formative years have been a joy.

To Timber Grove, to everyone who has touched our lives, we will treasure every moment. Thank you for taking care of our treasures.

To Elementary, with love. Mark

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Comments

  1. Jess Rouchard says

    June 8, 2013 at 10:09 am

    Mr. Brodinsky,

    Thank you. I’m speechless (which is very rare!) by your words. I will miss Emily, Sophie, and the whole Brodinsky family. Thank you for posting such sweet things. We truly appreciate everything you all have done for us. And of course, good luck to the ladies!

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      June 8, 2013 at 10:11 am

      Thank you Ms. Rouchard. Thanks for your care and attention to help them grow, learn and become so much more.

      Reply
  2. rcommodari says

    June 8, 2013 at 6:35 pm

    Very nice my friend.

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      June 8, 2013 at 7:48 pm

      Thanks bro.

      Reply

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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.

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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.

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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 !!!

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You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

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I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

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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!

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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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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

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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.

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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!

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