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The Sunday Series (146), with Mark Brodinsky

April 16, 2017 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

Love, joy, pain, sadness. The whole crazy thing. Welcome to life. The door is open – step inside and make yourself at home. Just don’t get too comfortable… there are surprises in-store. Some experiences will have you dancing on the ceiling, others will leave you cowering in the darkest corner, begging for it to end.

Always know that whatever you are experiencing – it has not come to stay, it has come to pass. Nothing is permanent. So keep moving and be sure to share, because we all are curious about your story. You have something to give which we all need.

Everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.

________________________________________________________

The Sunday Series (146): The K is for Kindness

Three days is nothing. Nothing, except when the future of your family and a piece of your heart hang in the balance.

Karla Kay McCombs stood there, peering through the glass, searching for an answer. Only three days which seemed like an eternity. Karla didn’t know which one, she only knew if things went as they were supposed to she would soon hold the one, her little baby girl.

There were a lot of newborns in the nursery in that Oklahoma hospital, and the nurses kept turning one around so Karla couldn’t see her face, the one who Karla longed to take back home to Texas… as long as the baby’s mother didn’t change her mind.  There was to be no contact between Karla and this baby girl, until the birth mother was sure. Until she signed the papers.

Only three days.

Under the laws of the state of Oklahoma any mother who elected to give up her baby for adoption had 72 hours to change her mind. Karla was feeling fairly confident this would all go as planned. Though the two women lived in different states, Karla had stayed in touch with the birth mother throughout the pregnancy. “We actually met before the baby was born,” says Karla. “When we met it was a very warm feeling, she hugged me and thanked me in advance. When we went to the attorney’s office prior to the birth, I even bought her an outfit for that appointment. We just created a bond. I think going that extra step made a difference.”

It did – but that’s just how Karla lives her life – going above and beyond for others. Making a difference. And she wanted this baby to make a difference in her own life. Karla had always wanted a big family, but after a series of miscarriages and within a year after the birth of her second son Jeremy she was diagnosed with a malignant mass in her uterus. The treatment for this uterine cancer meant a complete hysterectomy… devastating to Karla because it effectively ended her chances and her dream of having more children. Karla and her husband had already been through so much. Jeremy was a miracle baby to begin with – since in-utero he was a twin – the other baby stopped forming at five months. But Jeremy was born full-term.

Karla and her boys

Karla wanted to adopt another child, but the fact that she and her husband already had children put them at the bottom of the request list. However seven years later, through the relative of one of Karla’s in-laws, here was another chance at expanding the family love. The young woman who had gotten pregnant in Oklahoma decided she wasn’t going to keep her baby. Still, after giving birth she had three days to change her mind, if she wished.

Finally, day three. And on this third day of waiting the attorney handling the case appeared in the hospital waiting room with the paperwork, signed by the birth mother. “Let’s go get your girl”, he said. Karla remembers the moment and the decision to name her daughter. She and her husband had two names picked out, Emily if the child was a quiet soul, Danielle if she was boisterous and crying.

When Karla met this new bundle of joy – the baby was screaming. Easy decision, her name would be Danielle.

 

Danielle’s adoption was like history repeating itself. Karla’s childhood consisted of four siblings, three brothers and a sister, who had also been adopted. “I was 11 when we adopted my baby sister,” Karla says. “I was the only girl for a while. I was a tomboy, played softball and basketball. When my sister Paula came along – we adopted her at six-months-old – suddenly I had a baby and got to do all the girly things. She was quite the gift to our family. We adopted her from my father’s half-sister, she was in a tough family situation. But once we brought her into our family she was spoiled rotten. She is the chosen child, just ask her. She reminds us of this all the time,” laughs Karla.

The family before Paula

 

The “full” family

After adopting Danielle Karla and her husband were back home in Texas with their two older boys and their new baby girl – and life was a challenge. Karla and her husband were married at a very young age. So young in fact that Karla’s father had to go to court and sign for her to wed. With the court papers in hand, just two months after high school graduation, Karla was a new wife. Her goal of becoming a teacher, after graduating early, never materialized, she and her husband went right to work. Karla went into the real estate business, first in administration then managing rental properties.

“I loved it,” says Karla. “I loved helping people find a place to live. Though I hated the court process when it came to evictions… people not paying their rent and then forced to be out on the street. It just went against my grain.” Karla loved to help people, not hurt them.

Karla’s husband went to work where her father was employed, building landing gear for airplanes. But the marriage, which took flight when the couple was very young, increasingly found it more difficult to find a soft place to land and a few years after Danielle joined the family, Karla and her husband separated. She was now left to help raise her two sons and her young daughter on her own.

Divorced and working as a single mom, Karla managed to find work at an insurance company as a transcriber, listening to and recording conversations. Karla says she learned to type 125-words-a-minute. She worked the job as a stop-gap until she met a man named Jim McCombs, who would become her husband. Jim also introduced Karla to a woman – Lee Strahan. To this day Karla says Lee, who lives just a few blocks away in her Grapevine, Texas neighborhood, is the one who keeps her grounded. “Lee keeps me sane”, says Karla. “She helps me find the good when life gets crazy. She’s good at talking me off the ledge. She takes the drama out of everything and takes the situation piece-by-piece and looks at it from a different perspective. She is very kind and warm-hearted, I just adore her.”

Karla & Jim

At the time they first met Lee was also working as the assistant to a man named Ron Jensen, who was head of a company called UICI. Karla was hired by the company and worked in contracts and compliance before becoming assistant to Troy McQuagge when he was hired in 1997… and helping to support and build on Troy’s mission of HOPE, Helpng Other People Everyday. “It’s my favorite part about the company,” says Karla. “HOPE is our mission and I try to be that person to move the mission forward. It’s just what we do and it’s become very important. Troy has built this wonderful company and to have HOPE at the heart of it is just amazing. Troy and I have been working together for twenty years now and he is one of the most important men in my world. The opportunities he has provided for me and my family I can never repay.”

Christi, KK & Troy

 

Troy & the Troops

The company has also helped Karla to expand on her life’s desire – to have a big family. Danielle added to the joy of her two boys more than a quarter century ago – and for the past twenty years Karla has embraced many, many more “kids” in her family. The agents and leaders who make up USHEALTH Advisors. “I am just so grateful for our field force,” she says. “God knew the answer and I now have a huge family.”

Karla’s own family is thriving. She was re-married in 2000 to Jim McCombs and with her step-son Jimmy, she now has four children. Just a few years ago Jim gave Karla quite a scare when he was forced to undergo open heart surgery. But he pulled through and Karla says it’s so wonderful that he loves her kids as much as she does. “Life today is awesome,” says Karla. “All four of my kids are college graduates, all have careers, Jimmy and his wife are happily married and we already have one grandson, and another on the way in August. The kids are all close, live close to us and our world is our family. It’s very important to Jim and myself.”

Karla Kay & Grandson

Katie, Jimmy & Robert

The other parts of Karla’s family – her parents – George and Carolyn Gentry – just celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this year. As Karla says they are a great example of sticking together through thick-and-thin.

Karla knows she learned so much from the two people who raised her and she carries this forward in all that she does in her life. “I’m about caring and putting other people first. I live by example. It’s important to me the things I do are right. Do things right the first time then you don’t have to re-live it. No matter what life gives you, always find the good in people and help as many people along the way as you can. Do that and your life will be very rich. The people in my world have made it very rich. My life is an open door policy – anyone is welcome – come on in.” As a matter of fact, today, on Easter, Karla will open her home as well – cooking and hosting nearly 20 people. As always, doing for others.

It’s that very sentiment that makes Karla who she is. That’s Karla with a K. The K is for kindness.

The Kids: Jeremy, Anthony & Danielle

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark Brodinsky

Write. Speak. Inspire.

For more info on using Mark to Write. Speak. Inspire. for your organization or business –
markbrodinsky@gmail.com/443-865-2795

Read More Company “Stories”: http://www.ushacareers.com/news/

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Author: The #1 Amazon Best Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Brodinsky/e/B00FI6R3U6)

Huffington Post: (http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-brodinsky/)

The Profile: (http://www.talkinggood.com/profiles/MarkBrodinsky)

The Podcast: (https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/sunday-series-courage-inspiration/id1028611459)

Biz Impact: http://www.prweb.com/releases/markbrodinsky/072015/prweb12862708.htm

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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

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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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