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One Joyful Voice: It’s Just About… Life.

March 7, 2014 By markbrodinsky 4 Comments

sophie head shot

I could see from the moment she walked in the door, this would be big, no matter which way it went. I already knew it was a big deal, we all did and I was glad I came home early from work to be there. I knew deep inside it would be what she wanted, I just knew it, I felt it, I believed it and I had spent time envisioning a magical outcome. Still, the proof wouldn’t surface until she opened the envelope.

The question was, could she? Sophie walked in the door with tears in her eyes, her sister Emily and Emily’s friend, Morgan close behind. Now as Sophie approached the kitchen island, there weren’t only tears, there was uneasy breathing, trembling and a vain attempt to bring out a smile behind all the anxiety. Sophie was flanked by myself and my wife Debbie, with Emily and Morgan, close behind us. Debbie, Sophie and I were at the edge of the island, staring down at that envelope. Could Sophie open it? So far all she could do was stand there lost somewhere in between timid tears and a full-out breakdown.

The envelope sat unopened.

Debbie asked, “do you want me to do it?” Sophie kind of shook her head. The reason we had waited is because we wanted her to be the one, and she wanted to be the one to find out. After all this was a long time coming. From the countless hours Sophie spent behind closed doors practicing her singing, not visible, but certainly audible to everyone in the house. The time spent in weekly voice lessons, the open house at the Carver Center for the Arts where she wanted to attend. The Voice workshop, held four months ago, when Sophie and I got a taste of what was expected when it came time to perform for the “judges”, who would rank her, total the score and then if she hit the marks, throw her into a lottery. A lottery! Even if she scored 80 or above, the end result was up to chance.

sophie sings
The Voice Workshop

Tryout day was nearly three months behind us now, we had waited since that time, as had countless others. On the day she performed, there were nearly 120 other kids on the list, and that was only one of three weekends where the hopefuls could attend, all vying for only 16 slots. It was simple, hit your marks, sing your heart out, make a good impression, in voice and on paper and then hope for the best. Sure, simple.

Sophie finally picked up the envelope and instead of trying to open the flap with her trembling fingers, still crying and struggling to regain some rhythmic breathing, she tore off one end. One of my thoughts, for a split second, was she was going to tear the letter inside by opening the envelope that way… but she didn’t and slowly she pulled out several pages, all neatly folded and creased.

We started to read, all three of us leaning in to that letter, frantically scanning the top paragraph, but within moments we knew this was not the answer. The letter was formatted for anyone, that first paragraph simply stated the same thing to anyone who might read it, minus the name. We were quickly, frantically scanning the text above the fold in the letter. Sophie, now assisted by my wife, was holding the letter, in her still-shaking hands and all of our fingers were speed reading those top lines, but we were only focusing on the top third of the letter, the middle part was still hidden, folded underneath the crease. Where was the answer?

letter top

All of this seemed to take a long time, it was actually just seconds. Then my daughter, aided by my wife whose hands were all over this now, and I know whose heart was pumping like a jack-rabbit, opened the letter all the way up. Within a split-second Debbie saw the word, “Admitted”. She didn’t just see it, she shouted it, “admitted!!”. “It says admitted! You’re in Sophie, you’re in!!” For Sophie, it took only a split-second to register, now we all saw what Debbie was pointing at, but you had to be sure the text was real and not a figment of our hopeful imagination.

Admitted.

letter admitted

All the hard work, all the hope and all the heart that went into this moment was now pouring out. There were no more timid tears, Sophie was in full cry now, elated, emotionally drained, and able to finally let it all out. I was the lucky one, because my wife, who in her own elation had grabbed the letter in her hands, was now jumping and dancing her way to the other side of the island. It was just me and Sophie.

It wasn’t until I wrapped my arms around my daughter that I could feel the full force of what she was feeling. It passed right through me, putting the tears in my own eyes, and the crack in my voice. Sophie was not so much in disbelief, but relieved, there was finally a resolution, the one she had so badly wanted and now she could fully emote. My teenage daughter who doesn’t always want a bear hug and a kiss from her Dad, and certainly not in public, was putty in my arms, the tears of joy and cries of happiness were flowing easy now, for her, for all of us.

All I could keep saying as she lingered in my arms was how proud I was of her and that I loved her. It was like holding her as a baby again, and feeling all the years, 14 of them now, rush in and fill the room. The hug was just long enough, I was about to hand her off to my wife, her mother, who maybe more than anyone else on this earth, felt everything Sophie was feeling. In fact, just before Sophie walked in the door, Debbie told me how fortunate I was, because I would never have to know what it feels like to be a Mom, the anxiety, the heartache, the never-ending worry… and if you’re lucky, the heart-stopping joy.

Maybe not. Then again, I know what it’s like to be a Dad to two daughters and I’ve got the love, pride and joy part down…easy.

Congratulations Sophie. Way to chase that dream.
I love you,
Dad

sophie rose dress

Until next time, thanks for taking the time
Mark

Mark Brodinsky
Author, It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
#1 Amazon Best-Seller
www.spouses-story.com
markbrodinsky@gmail.com

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Filed Under: Life

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Comments

  1. Julie Buckner says

    March 7, 2014 at 6:50 am

    Congrats to Sophie! I owe you a phone call. Been hectic but good here.   From: Mark BrodinskySent: Friday, March 7, 2014 6:32 AMTo: juliebu925@comcast.netReply To: Mark BrodinskySubject: [New post] One Joyful Voice: It’s Just About… Life.

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    /* @media only screen and (max-device-width: 480px) { .post { min-width: 700px !important; } } */ WordPress.com

    Mark Brodinsky posted: ”

    I could see from the moment she walked in the door, this would be big, no matter which way it went. I already knew it was a big deal, we all did and I was glad I came home early from work to be there. I knew deep inside it would be what she wanted, I “

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      March 7, 2014 at 6:51 am

      Thanks. Let’s connect.

      Reply
  2. Sharon Shown says

    March 7, 2014 at 7:12 am

    How wonderful for Sophia…and her family! I remember when you were on WJZ and she was born…how can that be 14 years ago already??

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      March 13, 2014 at 7:36 am

      Hard to believe.

      Reply

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Mark Brodinsky
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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!

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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