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The (Father’s Day) Sunday Series, with Mark Brodinsky

June 21, 2015 By markbrodinsky 1 Comment

fathers-day

If there’s one thing that never goes out of style, it’s gratitude. Being grateful for what you have, it’s pretty simple.

With this in mind, on this Father’s Day, I have decided to repost a blog from two years ago about the meaning of this special day for me, because sometimes the story is personal.  And it’s living proof the more things change, the more they stay the same.


The Sunday Series: A Father’s Day Reflection
(Originally published June 2013, Revised Today :))

“And I’ve done all I can, to stand on her steps with my heart in my hand.”
 – lyrics to Daughters, by John Mayer

For me, and I’m sure for most Dads, it’s the most dangerous place in the world, a father’s heart. It’s not easy to go there, because it’s about as deep as it gets.. the very center of my, or of any father’s soul.

Yes, I know it’s Father’s Day, a day for my girls to show their appreciation to me (if I’m lucky). But I wanted to take a shot at turning the tables, and reflecting on them, on what any Dad must feel on a day like today.

girls by the shore

“On behalf of every man, looking out for every girl,
you are the God and the weight of her world.”

John Mayer and the lyrics to his song Daughters hit about as close to home as you can get, especially today. Look, it’s my responsibility to watch out for them, to make sure they are provided for, to make sure they are OK. But the crazy thing is this, I’ve spent more than a dozen years of my life, and will spend many more years still, trying to build a fortress around their hearts, trying to guard them against what life will send their way, to save their hearts from ever being broken.

But since the day they were born, since the moment they took their first breath, my girls have been breaking mine down, every laugh, every tear, every hug makes my heart softer, to the point that it is now the most vulnerable part of my being. I would imagine for most Dad’s, whether it’s daughter or son, the heart is forever transformed.

girls in cart

I can only hope  my girls will forever look back and view me, their Dad, as their first love. If I do my job right as a father, I hope my daughters will love like I do and seek out someone who might love them even half as much as I. It won’t be an easy task, because I love them to the moon and back. Actually, it’s bigger then that… how about to the Milky Way and back. Even that might not be deep enough. But if I’m lucky, one day they’ll find someone who can come close.

I’ll let you in on a little secret. I actually wrote this blog two days ago, on Friday night, after a full day with the family, as we vacationed near Cancun, Mexico. Earlier in the day, we rented a Waverunner and my girls took turns riding with me. One at a time I took them speeding through the ocean, hearing and feeling them laugh and enjoying every second, every spray of water, every jump over the waves. As they took their turn each of the girls had their arms wrapped tightly around my waist, holding on as we sped through the water. It was exhilaration, with a touch of fear, showing them we could push the envelope but still make it back to the shore safe and sound.

girls on beach

It’s just like life should be, and what I try to teach the girls. Push yourself a little further than you think you can go, feel a little fear, but never fear to fail. Take chances, go for what you want with all you’ve got inside you.  Face your fear and keep riding the waves.

“Girls become lovers who turn into Mothers,
So Mothers be good to your daughters too.”

One day that will happen too. Their mom, my wife Debbie, sets the bar high as an example for my girls to follow.

And as their father, I now get it. I can see the future and what it would be like for my girls to carry on, to see the legacy continue, a piece of me, of my wife, brought to life inside the soul of the next generation. It’s parenthood coming full circle. Life’s greatest reward.

the fam

In the meantime, “I’ll stand on the stairs with my heart in my hand.” And I’ll love my girls like there’s no tomorrow.

Sophie and Emily, thanks for giving me life’s greatest honor.

I love you both, to the Milky Way and back.

girls b and w

All My Love,
Daddy

Mark Brodinsky, Father, Author, Blogger, Speaker, Emmy Winner
USHEALTH Advisors, (http://www.ushagent.com/markbrodinsky)

Author: The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story
(http://www.spouses-story.com/)

For ideas, comments or suggestions for The Sunday Series, e-mail: markbrodinsky@gmail.com

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Comments

  1. Jeremy Walsh says

    June 22, 2015 at 7:15 am

    Amazing!

    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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