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!

Moments 2: It’s Just About… Life.

July 16, 2013 By markbrodinsky 6 Comments

Emily on beachTHE BLOG was born on January 9th, 2013 and my very first post was called Moments: Observations of Life. The name has changed but much remains the same… the karma,the message and the numbers.

January 9th was my daughter Sophie’s 13th birthday. I launched the blog on that date and explained why it had such significance. (http://markbrodinsky.com/2013/01/09/moments-observations-of-life/)
Today is my other daughter, Emily’s 11th birthday, and as you read this the views on the blog will cross over 13,000 and beyond, in fact you might just be the person reading, or sharing who makes that happen. Thank you so much. The number 13 and its significance in our lives continues to defy explanation.

And so we stand here at yet another moment in time. My youngest daughter, my baby, Emily now having crossed over her first decade of life. Too incredible to believe. She came into the world, as most babies do, crying, and screaming, except back then I still worked part-time as on-air talent at WJZ-TV and my wife Debbie was kind enough to deliver our daughter while the morning show was still on the air. I still remember calling into the show on my cellphone, (no smartphone back then), from the delivery room and letting the anchors Marty and Don know we had another girl… they could hear Emily crying in the background, her first cries broadcast live on TV.

That was 2002. Today, there’s a lot less crying, but the happiness has been magnified a billion times over. Emily will always be our baby and she is a beautiful, smart, organized, athletic and funny little girl. Though I need to remove the word little. Hard to do that. Hard to accept that your baby is growing up. The memories of holding my baby girl in my arms are still fresh. The memories of our little one, the toddler who used to call her big sister Sophie Rose, “Ro-Ro”, is still a vivid picture in my mind. The image of the youngster who used to carry around more of her stuffed animals and blankets than you can imagine still resonates in my thoughts. And the little girl who liked to tell you, “I do it myself”, still does it herself today, she just says it a little differently. Emily is independent and a pure joy in our lives, the perfect compliment to her beautiful big sister, Sophie.

Emily is it though. Our family is complete, there won’t be any more offspring for Debbie and I. So as Emily leaves her first decade of life, we experience the same. They call the time that has passed the “wonder years”, but every year is a wonder, every day a blessing, every moment worth remembering. We may not pass this way again, but we also know the best is yet to come.

To my baby girl, Happy 11th Birthday Emily. I love you with all my heart,

Daddy

Related

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Top Posts & Pages

  • Next Time in Heaven: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (66), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Soul On Fire: It's Just About... Life.
  • One Singular Sensation: It's Just About... Life.
  • Great, Scott: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (56), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Adieu, Prince: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (133), with Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (138), with Mark Brodinsky
  • No i's just t's: It's Just About... Life.

Comments

  1. Marilyn Lefkowitz says

    July 16, 2013 at 7:24 am

    A very, very Happy Birthday Emily!!

    Reply
  2. Chuck Connolly says

    July 16, 2013 at 8:04 am

    With tears rolling down my face in the middle of Brick Bodies. Happy Birthday to your youngest and my youngest. Some days appear long, but the years are oh so so short! Happy Birthday to all those that share the wonderful day of July 16th.

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      July 16, 2013 at 8:29 am

      Happy Birthday to your baby too Chuck. Your quote is so true.

      Reply
  3. Mark Brodinsky says

    July 16, 2013 at 9:17 pm

    Reblogged this on Mark Brodinsky and commented:

    Emily said she was sorry her birthday was almost over. So figured it was worth a repost.
    Happy Birthday baby girl.

    Reply
  4. Nina hechmer says

    July 17, 2013 at 7:21 am

    Happy Happy belated Birthday Emily from way down south here in central Florida!! Kudos to Mark & Deb for raising 2 beautiful daughters. Deb is always in my thoughts as we were coworker @ Manor Care Rossville, I have since retired in 2004 and moved to one of the retirement states .

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      July 17, 2013 at 7:50 am

      Thanks Nina. Thanks for reaching out. Hope retirement is treating you well! Thanks for following the blog as well!

      Mark

      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

This Is Water: It’s Just About… Life.

We all have choices in our daily lives in how we see the world, and those all around us. Whether we see others as simply part of the effects we must deal with every day, either helping us, or getting in our way, slowing us down, or completely stopping our progress. Or we can pause […]

The Sunday Series (16), with Mark Brodinsky

This Sunday it’s history and inspiration. If music is a part of your life in any way, shape or form, then the significance of this date in history is impossible to ignore. Today we commemorate a watershed moment in music, in popular culture, which changed a generation and will likely have an impact for generations […]

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