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 (95), with Mark Brodinsky

January 31, 2016 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

“We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”- Marianne Williamson

That’s what happens when you face your fear and have the courage to share your story…because everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series (95): Reach The Light

seidman feature family pic

It was like any other Friday night for Larry Seidman, stopping at the Pizza Hut on his way home to pick up a pie for the family. But on this night Larry had reason to pause when he pulled into the Pizza Hut parking lot – because he forgot how to get out of the car.

For nearly 40 seconds he thought about it, trying to remember just how to gain exit from his vehicle. Finally he gathered himself, got out, got the family their pizza and headed home.

Larry said nothing about the incident during dinner. It wasn’t until later that he confided to his wife Jill about what had transpired earlier that evening in front of the restaurant. Jill told him he was just over-tired. Larry was a hard-charging corporate lawyer, exercise enthusiast, runner, healthy-eater and father to two children, ages six and three. Who wouldn’t be tired at the end of a long week?  Larry agreed with Jill and the two went to bed early that night to rest up.

The next day, after a good night’s sleep, Larry decided to head into the office. Not unusual on a Saturday for Larry, after all he loved the law and his job and was willing to put in the time to serve others with his talents. But while at his office he had a phone conversation with his mother and decided to call Jill and tell her he was going to get checked out.

Larry told Jill his mother recommended he call the doctor because his mother feared he may have had a stroke the previous night. Larry told Jill he would ride out to the medical center, but he was sure it was an inner ear infection. He’d grab some antibiotics and call her when he got back to the office.

He didn’t go back that day.

“I was sitting on the side of the bed when the phone rang,” says Jill.  “I wasn’t really anxious. Larry was always the strong one, larger than life. The fact that anything could happen to him was inconceivable to me. But when Larry called he said ‘I need you to call my parents and get them to stay with the kids and you need to come here immediately because I have a brain tumor.’ I put the phone down and had a horrible sense that life would never be the same again.”

Jill’s feelings were spot on. Larry was diagnosed with a brain tumor, a gioblastoma multiforme, the fastest-growing and deadliest tumor there is, stage 4. At the time Larry was only 39.

“We really didn’t know what all this meant”, said Jill. “The doctor said it would be life-shortening. I had no idea. He told me that Larry had 6-to-8 months to live. It was like being hit by a train. All of these feelings came rushing at me. Oh my gosh I thought, he’s the strong one. How will I live without him? How will my kids grow up without a dad? I was so sick I didn’t eat for three or four days. But Larry seemed to accept it, he said, ‘I guess I won the GBM lottery instead of the real lottery.’ But I knew he was scared.”

larry sick

“What happened next was an odyssey of treatments and surgeries”, says Jill. “And every time you thought it couldn’t get worse, it got worse.” The first surgery took place only about 4-6 weeks after diagnosis. Less than 24 hours later the doctor was back in for a second surgery, worried he didn’t remove enough of the tumor the first time around. After the second surgery Jill and Larry were told they would have about six weeks to decide the next course of action.

Faced with a challenge, most people rise to the occasion to rally around the ones they love. Jill says she used her own connections to put together a “treatment dream team”, determined to give her husband his best shot at survival. Doctors from Duke, Johns Hopkins, and the National Institute of Health were all contacted. But it was an MRI at Duke that turned the tables on the couple’s search for answers.

The test done at Duke showed the tumor had already grown back, even larger than before. The Duke team told Larry he needed to have surgery within weeks. A trip to NIH confirmed the findings and a third surgery was completed; another attempt to remove the tumor. The doctors at NIH recommended radiation twice a day for four weeks and chemotherapy to fight back against the tumor returning. The team at Johns Hopkins wasn’t so sure and believed a treatment regimen so intense would rob Larry of his ability to walk.

Larry proved them wrong.

He completed his treatment and still kept up his exercise routine, running four miles a day. He eliminated all forms of sugar from his diet, since the couple had learned that sugar could contribute to the disease. He took tons of different supplements and he still went to work and did the best he could. But Larry soon realized the career he loved was slowly taking a back seat to simply trying to survive.

“During this time he was slower”, says Jill. “He realized he was not going to be able to perform at the level he once had and he made the excruciating decision to quit the practice of law. I will never forget the day we went to move his office to our home. He was losing everything he had built over all these years.”

Jill continues, “It was also the point I realized for the first time in our marriage our roads were diverging, that I would not be able to tell Larry my innermost thoughts and feelings because I had to support him and he deserved that support. I had to be positive and hopeful and all these scary feelings I couldn’t share because I had to be strong.”

larry sick with family

Larry had been diagnosed on January 31st, 2004, exactly twelve years ago to this day. He was given only six-to-eight months to live, but Jill was holding her husband in her arms when his heart stopped beating on July 7th, 2009. Larry had beat the odds, battled and survived for more than five years.

There has been no drug created, no surgical procedure designed which can substitute for the power of love. Jill fought for and with her husband to the very end. Their children, Jordyn and Eric, finding a way to embrace every moment with their father. Perhaps it was that pure power of devotion, caring and the fulfillment from his loving family that kept Larry alive long after the medical books said his story should have ended.

larry and kids

Jill says life got tougher after her husband passed on. Her kids had very acute reactions to the death of their father, but as Jill describes, fortunate for her, at two different times. There was little time for Jill to grieve because she had to go into survival mode for her children. She says when she came home the morning after Larry died to tell her kids, Jordyn was matter-of-fact. But Eric was devastated. “He wouldn’t eat or drink” says Jill. “We finally got the pediatrician to convince him he had to eat just to survive. He finally started eating again and we did our best to move forward that summer, but when Eric started 4th grade he suffered severe separation anxiety.”

Just a few months after losing her husband, Jill had to check her son into a daytime hospital program just to try to get his life back on track.

The day Jill left Eric at the hospital it took three people to separate him from his mother, but the program and Jill’s support helped him return to a more normal life.  And Eric appreciates all his mother did. Jill says: “Eric is almost 16 now and he has said to me, ‘I hated that you left me at the hospital, but you probably saved my life.'”

larry and eric

Jordyn’s grief took a longer road. Larry died just four months shy of his daughter’s Bat Mitzvah, but she decided to go on with the celebration in her fathers’ honor. Jill says it wasn’t until about a year later as Jordyn was attending her other friends parties, and watching other fathers speak about their daughters, that Jill would get the phone calls from Jordyn, crying in the bathroom, urging her mother to come pick her up. “She became angry and distanced herself from her friends”, says Jill. “We went into deep emotional turmoil with her. She is still dealing with it, but now at age 19, she’s doing great.”

seidman kids grown up

Jill says she and the kids now stay positive and keep Larry’s memory alive: “We talk about him and all the funny things he did and he’s still very much alive in our memory and in our hearts.” Jill says she fought and is determined not to let the tragedy of losing her husband define her life, or the rest of life for her children. And that is why she is writing a book.

“My book is about how the power of hope is so important because you have to believe that there is something inside you that is stronger and can rise above your current circumstances. No matter what anyone says you can fight and survive. You never fully recover from this, but when bad things happen life is still worth living. I told my kids their father loved life and worked hard and we are not going to let this tragedy define us, we had to move forward and embrace life again.”

Right now the working title for Jill’s book: When Lightning Strikes.

“I really want to help because we came out of this on the other side. What I want with the book is to give somebody a road map for handling a tragedy like this. I know that life is worthwhile, it’s always worthwhile. In so many ways I feel that to live my life and to live my life well, is the best way to honor Larry and the children too. It is possible to recover and be happy again. You can come out of the ashes. If you are in a dark place, just keep moving your feet, keep inching forward and feeling your way and hopefully you will reach the light.”

seidman family close up

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

(Have an idea for a Sunday Series story? E-mail: markbrodinsky@gmail.com)

Mark Brodinsky, Author, Blogger, Speaker, Speech Writer, Emmy Winner, USHEALTH Advisors

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)

USHEALTH Advisors: (http://www.prweb.com/releases/markbrodinsky/072015/prweb12862708.htm)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related

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

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Top Posts & Pages

  • Life Is A Highway: Observations of Life
  • The Sunday Series (27), with Mark Brodinsky
  • A Rose Is A Rose: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (123), with Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (71), with Mark Brodinsky
  • Next Time in Heaven: It's Just About... Life
  • The Sunday Series (30), with Mark Brodinsky
  • The Higher Shelf!
  • About Mark Brodinsky
  • The Sunday Series (151), 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 (124), with Mark Brodinsky

One of the great mysteries in life is that things are not what they seem – and the closer you get to something you thought you knew – the more you realize how little you really do. It’s eye-opening and mind-altering to learn that someone’s journey is not only different then you ever imagined, but […]

Over & Out: It’s Just About… Life

It’s easy to do and you hear it, (and sometimes feel it), everyday: “I’m overwhelmed”. I’ve heard people say this at least a dozen times in the past few weeks, and felt it myself. It might be the most common of all instinctive human traits to feel there is too much to do and not […]

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