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The Sunday Series (152), with Mark Brodinsky

June 25, 2017 By markbrodinsky 5 Comments

Never discount the power of the human spirit. Through strife, setbacks or challenges it is always there, present, ready to rise to the challenge. You need only invoke the power through faith and fortitude.

We all possess this strength, but sometimes in the midst of struggle we forget, and it lies dormant, waiting to rise and conquer. What human beings can accomplish and withstand sometimes defies explanation.

Yet in our darkest hour there is always light. The journey into that light creates an amazing story.

Everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series (151): Hope From Henita

“If I can give one piece of information to help you help yourself, then I’ve done my job. I’m paying it forward.” – Henita R. Schiff

Forward is the only direction Henita Schiff knows how to go, after all she’s suffered enough setbacks to last a lifetime for any one person, maybe enough for many.

But life for Henita was much more than the issues which tried to keep her down. It was also about wonder and earthly magic.

“When I was 12-years-old my parents took us on a trip to see the world,” says Henita. “The biggest thing was to teach us to be accepting of other people. We visited England, France, Italy and then ended up in Israel. I can just tell you when I opened the window in the hotel and I saw Jerusalem, I said to my mom, ‘I’m going to live here.’ I didn’t know what it meant at the time, but I had to come back. I knew I had to go back.”

Eventually upon graduating high school Henita made good on her promise to go back and live in what is known as the land of milk and honey. Israel called, Henita listened and a love affair with the land of her heritage began.

But even taking up residence in the land she loved couldn’t keep her  health issues at bay, problems which had dogged her since childhood.

Henita says it all began with some of her earliest memories as a child. “I remember being 4-or-5 years old at the time and being in the hospital, not really understanding what was going on with me. I remember getting lots of shots in my legs to the point I could barely walk. Though I was well taken care of by my nurses, I was scared.”

The problem was with Henita’s kidneys. From the time she was a young child she had issues and not long after she got to Israel, the health problem which had plagued her most of her life, reared its ugly head. After multitudes of testing and biopsies the doctors diagnosed the issue as glomerulonephritis, a group of diseases that injure the part of the kidney that filters blood. If the illness continues, the kidneys may stop working completely, resulting in kidney failure.

The doctors in Israel gave Henita her diagnosis and a warning – don’t have children, don’t get pregnant. The doctors didn’t feel her body could handle the stress.  Warning understood, then ignored.

Not long after her latest health scare, Hentia got married in Israel. Three years later she and her husband learned she was pregnant. The doctors who advised against it, were none too happy, letting her know that if her kidneys shut down they would have to make a decision – her life or the baby’s – and they had decided they would save Henita.

Halfway through the pregnancy what the doctors feared came to fruition. One of Henita’s kidneys shut down and she had to have infusions every few days and go on bedrest. By the 9th month she was rushed to the hospital. With both kidneys failing, the doctors induced labor. Fortunately for Henita, her son was born healthy, and she was going to live, but the struggle was far from over.

They say health is wealth. Refusing to allow her health issues be her downfall, or rob her of the riches of life, Henita pressed on. She remained in Israel for four more years, raising her son while her husband served in the Israeli army.

 

But by the time she was in her mid-twenties the doctors told Henita she could no longer wait, she needed to go home to the U.S. and get on dialysis.

Her health failing, her marriage on the rocks, it was Henita’s mom who eventually came to her rescue. Her mother had gone through testing and it turned out she was a match for her daughter for a kidney transplant. The surgery was a huge success, but the years of health problems had taken their toll on Henita’s marriage. By 1996 Henita and her husband called it quits.

They say God never gives you more than you can handle, yet he can sometimes be prolific at testing your mettle. A few years after her first marriage ended, Henita wed again and it wouldn’t be long before her body decided to collapse once more. First her kidney transplant suddenly failed and then in 2005, a series of strokes, four small ones and one big one, left Henita with blurred vision, and the challenge of learning to read and write again. Life had Henita in a tailspin.

Back on dialysis and with a mind fighting to grasp the most basic concepts of life – Henita fought back once again. Transported by her mother and her mother-in-law to sessions where she would learn to read and write again – Henita, still a few years shy of her 50th birthday – found the inner strength to persevere. She not only learned the basic skills again, but she battled all the way back to gain her independence – in the form of her driver’s license  – and the ability to take control of her life. Though the health issues played a part in her second marriage ending in divorce in 2006, Henita had done what she could, proving to herself and everyone else she could come all the way back…again.

By 2007 Henita was back to work in the financial services industry, but wanted to give back in a different manner and so decided to start her own business as a benefits advisor for Medicare. It’s a niche and a way to give back that Henita says speaks to her soul.

 

“I love what I do,” says Henita. “I love to teach and people appreciate the knowledge. I have realized how much I love empowering people.  I believe people should never stop learning, nor should I. Empowering yourself with knowledge is the best thing anyone can do for themselves.”

“I was never angry about my health issues, just decided to fix it and do what I needed to do. My biggest thing was to always protect my son who unfortunately grew up with a not-so-well mommy. But it worked out, because he’s an awesome guy and my daughter in law and grandchildren are equally as awesome.”

 

Henita says her challenges in life have taught her so much. “I think the lesson I’ve learned is never give up,” she says. “Always challenge what is being told, or said to you. After my big stroke they said I would never be able to work again, or drive. I just said NO, this is not going to be my life.”

Henita’s message for others is simple: “We need to cherish the moments. Learn from the mistakes, don’t waste the energy on trying to change things you cannot change. Surround yourself with positive people and know that life is your personal journey and you’re the one in control of what you do, what you say and how you let everything that comes into your life affect you. I also think it’s about no judgement in life. You have no idea what someone is going through. But when it comes to our happiness, we are in charge of so much of it. How we feel, how we take things in, how we decide, react, every little thing is up to us. Believe in the power of prayer. I pray someone will read this and be given a little light, a little encouragement, a little hope.”

Until next time thanks for taking the time,

Mark Brodinsky

(If you want to contact Henita you can reach her at hrschiff@gmail.com)

Author: The Sunday Series. Real Stories of Courage, Hope & Inspiration, Volume I (https://www.amazon.com/Sunday-Mark-Brodinsky-Stories-Inspiration-ebook/dp/B0722MJL55/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1494160949&sr=8-2&keywords=the+sunday+series)

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

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For more info on using Mark to share your story, markbrodinsky@gmail.com/443-865-2795

 

 

 

 

 

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Comments

  1. Sheila Hyman says

    June 25, 2017 at 11:40 pm

    This was a beautiful story of this brace woman’s determination, courage and perseverance to get well and live a normal life! What amazing strength and so happy she is still with us.

    Reply
    • markbrodinsky says

      June 26, 2017 at 11:45 am

      Yes Sheila! Thanks.

      Reply
  2. Abby Scherr says

    June 26, 2017 at 7:19 am

    Henita’s story was so inspirational and uplifting. When meeting her, you’d never know that she went through all of this.

    Reply
    • markbrodinsky says

      June 26, 2017 at 11:45 am

      She is amazing!

      Reply
  3. Patricia Storey says

    June 29, 2017 at 1:50 pm

    Great read. I needed that pop of inspiration. Thanks!

    Reply

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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!

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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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