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 Sunday Series: (52), with Mark Brodinsky

January 4, 2015 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

a family for life

The Sunday Series begins a new year.  What we do here each week is to share a story, one of courage, hope, or inspiration. A story about you –  you overcoming a great challenge, you lending a helping hand, or helping someone else to simply survive, or you living your purpose, doing what you were born to do.

But what happens the day you are no longer here?  If the stories shared here are the stories of our lives, what happens when your life ceases to exist?  The book you are writing, the story of your life ends, but the story of those you hold dear and who are relying on you also changes, sometimes in ways so dramatic you can’t imagine, and you can’t help, because you no longer exist. To steal a line from yesterday’s blog: “When we get excited about life, we get a life that is exciting.” So how do you make sure life can remain that way for those you love the most? How do you make sure their dreams don’t die with you?

The Sunday Series (52): It’s Just About… Life

Ever thought about your greatest asset? Take a moment to think about it, then say your answer out loud. For many of you, the answer will be the same, your family. Except in most cases, you would be wrong. Dead wrong.

If you are a working adult, and if you are responsible for a life, any life – husband, wife, son or daughter – then I know your greatest asset. So do you, if you think about it…it’s your ability to earn a living.

This is what I do for a living, what I believe in, part of my passion and purpose – and I think it is important in this first week of the new year – and this next round of The Sunday Series, for you to read a few stories from those who will reinforce what I believe, because when it works, courage, hope and inspiration live on forever.

Consider the story of Coleen Stokes:

Losing a child leaves a hole in your heart that can never be filled. My daughter, Summer, was everything you could want in a daughter—laid back, fun and very smart. I was so proud of what she was accomplishing on her own at just 22. She was working full time as a waitress and going to school full time studying premed.

She was also expecting her first child, and was smart enough to realize that she needed life insurance to protect her family-to-be. I have our insurance agent, Christie, to thank for that. When Christie learned that Summer was going to be a mom, she made sure to let Summer know how important life insurance was, especially for a single mom.

I had told Summer to hold off on getting the policy because I was worried about her making ends meet each month. But Christie was right. She understood that while the odds were against anything happening to Summer at such a young age, you just never, ever know. So Christie helped her get a policy that—for just $12 a month—would protect her new baby.

Tragically my daughter was struck and killed by a car as she was walking. Her son, Nathan, was just 9 months old at the time. 

The money from Summer’s life insurance policy allowed me to give my daughter a beautiful funeral—to make it a celebration. There would have been no way for me to do that for her all by myself.

The money helped me take a leave of absence after Summer died so I could take care of Nathan. This money allowed me to maintain dignity while allowing me time to grieve.

It has also paid for the adoption process as well. My husband and I formally adopted Nathan in May of 2013. I’ve put the remaining money from Summer’s policy aside for Nathan’s education. He’s 6 now and thriving!

It’s still hard for me to share this story, but I feel it’s very important to let other young people know that there’s no promise of tomorrow, and you need to prepare for that with life insurance. Please don’t wait.

Coleen

summer-and-nathan-300x186

Summer accepted the responsibility. But then there’s Tina’s husband who thought otherwise.

Here’s the open letter from Tina to her husband who passed away from a heart attack:

You always chuckled and laughed that you would never die and I would just remarry. Well guess what? You died one year later! It’s now two years later, all our money is gone and I have some real physical and mental challenges. I am left with our daughter Susan, NO HOME, working two jobs, and bills coming out my $##, and the damn collectors will not stop calling. They are even calling our friends and my work. The doctor bills for your heart attack alone were in excess of $90,000.

The fun and laughter is now gone and we are really hurting! When I really think about it, I believe I am as much to blame as you are. I should have opened my mind and imagined the alternative picture the life guy was painting. Instead I chose to laugh about it and assumed it would never happen to us.

The joke is on me! I am not remarried and most likely will not get married ever again. When someone dies it is amazing the sorrow and pain that comes to the surface.

Tina

Sad-Woman-Silhouette

Or how about the story of Ted and Tammy:

Dear Tammy,

We miss you so much, but I want to let you know that I appreciate you so much about us and listening to the life insurance specialist three years ago even though I was so against insurance.

I know you are no longer with us and how wonderful it must be in heaven. I just wanted to let you know that we are all ok. The kids are all growing quickly and our new nanny is wonderful. At first I was worried how I was going to be able to continue work and take care of a family at the same time. Although we all miss you every minute of the day, your planning and forethought has sure made it easier not having to worry about who will take care of the kids and the house.

Instead we get to focus on you and our memories. Tammy, thanks for being so persistent and forceful.

If you are reading this trying to decide whether you need life insurance, ask yourself this question “What will happen to my family and friends if I die and are they worth the $25 a month?”

Your husband – Ted

happy couple

How about our own life story?

My wife Debbie was diagnosed with breast cancer in April of 2012. Just six months earlier, with obviously no idea this was coming, I had increased her term life insurance coverage by $500,000. One year after her diagnosis I was able to convert some of that term policy to permanent, cash-value whole life – without a single health question being asked – and can do so again and again to make sure there is always insurance in force – but only because it was in place before Debbie got sick.  It’s the power of your health. Health is wealth. 

deb and I looking up

Look, you can tell me this is all self-serving, since this is part of what I do for a living. I will tell you I am here to serve others, with purpose and passion in everything I do, from writing, to speaking, to sharing what I learn, to educating and helping through my vocation. It is all part of why I am here. I can affect and sometimes change lives with the gift of my words and can do the same by helping others realize a need and give those they love the gift of financial security.

I am here to serve you.  It’s my one and only goal here on The Sunday Series, and It’s Just About… Life, and my work as a Financial Services Professional. Life is meant to be savored, you should find a way to get excited about life, about any life and when the time comes, when your time comes, to make sure those you love get to live out the story of their lives with grace and dignity, because you had the forethought to take care of them while you were alive.

I encourage you to watch the You Tube video below, it will take you exactly two minutes and don’t miss the “flip”.  If you want to reach out to me for any reason, you can contact me on this blog, through social media – Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter – Google me or visit the Contact page on this blog. And you can e-mail me anytime – markbrodinsky@gmail.com.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

(You can see Coleen Stoke’s story and other real life stories at http://www.lifehappens.org/ )

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Financial Services

Author: The #1 Amazon Best-Seller: It Takes 2. Surviving Breast Cancer: A Spouse’s Story

(http://www.spouses-story.com/)

To get posts from The Sunday Series and It’s Just About… Life sent to your  inbox, enter your name and e-mail address.

Related

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Top Posts & Pages

  • The Sunday Series (66), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Life Is A Highway: Observations of Life
  • Your Turn: It's Just About... Life
  • Passion: It's Just About... Life.
  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (67), with Mark Brodinsky
  • "It's Your World Now": It's Just About... Life
  • What He Was: It's Just About... Life

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

Circle in a Square: It’s Just About… Life.

Who says it can’t be done? Can’t fit a circle in a square? Just find yourself a square that’s big enough! I’ve had this picture on my phone for a few days now and I figured on a holiday weekend, why not share. That’s Ollie, our dog. He’s usually pretty busy with stuff like this, […]

The Sunday Series (128), with Mark Brodinsky

Going from Point A to Point B in life. The quickest way is a straight line. But is it really that easy, or that linear?  The laws of physics say it should work, the reality of our human existence says otherwise. Life zigs and zags with hairpin turns, curves, edges, incredible highs, unbelievable lows. If […]

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