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!

The House: It’s Just About… Life.

March 8, 2013 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

house and handsThe House needed us and I couldn’t have been more proud of my family. We all participated in karaoke night, as we hosted activity hour the other evening at the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore.

On what was a cold, dreary night, after a day of snow, rain and wind, we headed downtown to The House That Love Built. I serve on the Board of Directors for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore and few things make me more proud, or make me appreciate life more, than that opportunity. Not surprisingly, the group that had volunteered to make dinner that night for the families at the House was not there. The media had blown the storm completely out of proportion, so activities were being canceled all over town. But the “massive blizzard” was a bust, and we weren’t going to miss the opportunity to give. My girls and my wife were all in.

If you’ve got a song in your heart, why not share? We brought the music with us in the form of a karaoke microphone we have had for years. The device plugs right into the TV and you can choose from about 100 songs to sing. My daughter Sophie and I brought the mic to the House back in December, during the holiday season, and it was a big hit. It was different then just reading, or doing arts and crafts with the kids, so why not give it another whirl.

A little background if you don’t know what the Ronald McDonald House is all about, and it’s ok if you don’t. The House provides a home away from home for seriously ill children and their families, and helps to fund programs in the local area that directly improve the well being of children. That’s the official mission statement, but it’s much so much more than that, because it’s all about the children. The bottom line is this: children who are sick heal faster when surrounded by those that love them. The expense of being away from home and trying to be close to your child undergoing constant and lengthy treatment for whatever ails them, is extraordinary. As the cover page of the Baltimore website explains: Life will take them many places. We just never expect the journey will lead them here. The House provides shelter, a respite and the chance for families to be close to the ones they love the most. It is The House That Love Built.

Love is in the air and you can feel it as soon as you walk in the door. Even on this night, as the storm had the families huddled up in their rooms, since the group dinner had been canceled, there was still enough love to go around. A few children, and even one of the parents participated in the activity hour, taking to the microphone and singing a pop song as we all listened in. Myself, and my daughters, even got up and belted out a few tunes. Like I said, if you have a song in your heart, why not share? No one there is judging your talent, they are appreciating your kindness.

There is nothing like the opportunity to give back, no matter how small the act and whether it is in dollars, or time. Victor Frankl, who survived the Nazi death camps and wrote the book, Man’s Search for Meaning, sums it up perfectly: “Each of us needs to be dedicated to something that benefits other people in some way. We need to be able to rise above ourselves, to get out of oursevles, and to put our hearts into doing something that makes a difference in the world and in the lives of others.”

As we left the House the other night, I commented to my wife Debbie that “the participation this time around was not the same as when we hosted back in December.” Her reply sums up the whole experience and put in all in perspective. She said, “it doesn’t matter, if even one person got involved it made a difference.”

Make a difference. It doesn’t take much, but for the people you touch, it means the world.

If you would like to learn more about the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Baltimore, please visit the website:
http://www.rmhcbaltimore.org/

And if you are so inclined to get involved and help The House, one of the biggest fundraisers of 2013 takes place in just a few weeks, it’s called the Red Shoe Shuffle, one of the coolest events in Baltimore this year.
To participate, or just to learn more: http://redshoeshuffle.org/

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

Related

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Top Posts & Pages

  • Success Doesn't Come In A Minute: It's Just About... Life.
  • The Sunday Series (17), with Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (37), with Mark Brodinsky
  • A Rose Is A Rose: It's Just About... Life
  • No Retreat, Baby: It's Just About... Life
  • Time To Roll: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (89), with Mark Brodinsky

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

The Sunday Series (29), with Mark Brodinsky

Think you can change the world? No? Then you are not thinking big enough, dreaming big enough, or believing big enough. Because you can….but only if you believe in yourself first. The Sunday Series (29): Believe Big Her name is Ivelisse Page. And though her beautiful name begins with an “I”, she knows there is no “I” […]

Just Ask: It’s Just About… Life

Now this is the secret. And it’s just so simple. In the past seven days I have had four meetings which I know will help me in immeasurable ways on my journey, dreams and career path – and the entire reason they happened is for one reason only, I asked. The other realization that the […]

Categories

  • Life
  • Sunday Series
  • Uncategorized

Pages

  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • Contact
  • Resources
  • Storytelling
  • The Higher Shelf!

Connect With Mark!

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Categories

© 2023 Life and The Sunday Series. All Rights Reserved.

Built Masterfully on WordPress and Maintained by the Blogging Experts