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The Sunday Series (99), with Mark Brodinsky

March 6, 2016 By markbrodinsky Leave a Comment

They say we should live for the moments that take our breath away.  But if that’s the truth then our lives will be composed of a few bright flashes in time. Instead the ultimate goal for each and every one of us should be to breathe life into every moment.

That’s the challenge, that’s the journey and the one that creates your story.

Breathe in, breathe out and have the courage to share…because everyone has a story.

I am Mark Brodinsky and this is The Sunday Series.


The Sunday Series (99): Full-Out

mara and kids by pool

A parent, a child, a father, a daughter.

Mara Abramowitz remembers spending a lot of time with her father. “My dad had his first heart attack when he was only 32-years-old, I was about two and I was with my dad a good deal of the time because my mom worked. I spent a lot of time with him at home because he was sick. I remember my dad was always warm and comforting and I was extremely close with him.”

At six-years-old Mara also vividly recalls the vacation when her parents took her on a drive in her mom’s Trans Am from Florida to Atlanta, to visit one of her mom’s closest friends. A vacation from which Mara’s father would not return.

“It was traumatic,” says Mara. I remember being woken up by a rabbi and that’s when they told me my dad had died.” Ira Abramowitz had congenital heart disease and the attack he suffered during the family’s trip claimed his life. Mara recalls, “I remember flying back to Florida, but I couldn’t cry. I was afraid to cry because of my mom. I had to be strong for my mom. If I fell apart so would she.”

Losing someone you love is tough enough, but especially when the person you lose is the love of your life. If the world turns properly on its axis and the relationship is strong, then the first true love of a young girl’s life is one man – her daddy.  It’s a love which lasts a lifetime – and Mara says losing her dad so young affected her psyche, created fear and drove her to do more with her own life and to do it better and faster than everyone else.

father daughter love

“I think for me growing up it was tough, but I think recently I have come to terms with it. I never really talked about it, I didn’t want anyone to see it as a weakness. I used it as energy to move forward. I graduated early from high school, went to college and got a master’s degree in criminal justice. And once I had kids I felt like I needed to give more, because you never know what’s going to happen. You have to live like every day is your last.”

Life definitely moved fast for Mara. She was pregnant with her first child while still completing her master’s degree and by the time she finished the course her daughter Lilli was 3-months-old. Life as a new mom took up a lot of time and at the same time the economy took a turn. Her husband was running a successful tourism business, but in 2007 as the economy started to slip, the couple lost almost everything they had. “We lost six businesses in six months,” says Mara. “So I could not afford to apply my degree, get a PH.D., or go to law school and that’s how I found insurance.”

In an effort to lower their bills Mara and her husband met with Teaira Still. Teaira sold them health insurance and Mara was interested in the opportunity to be an agent. From that point her adventure in the insurance industry began, and the journey of her personal life would soon take a turn. Mara and her husband welcomed their second child Liam into the world in 2011, and shortly thereafter it was time for Mara’s 30th birthday.

Her husband threw her a big birthday party with 75 of her closest friends. “Nobody has 75 close friends,”  jokes Mara, and so as she remembers as she blew out her candles at the birthday bash she knew her life was going to change. The breaths Mara had been taking were not cleansing ones, she was driving her life forward, but holding back, she says she had been “pretending”, not being her true self.

Figuring out who you really are and who you were meant to be can be a powerful, transcendental moment. Never forget the two most important days in your life are the day you are born…and the day you find out why.

“I had trouble turning 30,” says Mara. “I had been told you will be comfortable when you are 30, but I realized I wasn’t that person, I was not comfortable with who I was. Blowing out the candles on my 30th birthday I said to myself, this is not even who I am, what am I doing?  I’m not pretending anymore, what you see is what you get. I’m going to play full-out.”

mara and kids football game

Mara and her husband decided to separate two years ago and Mara says that was a game changer. “When we first separated I wasn’t afraid, I was terrified! I had no idea how I was going to do this. I was with my husband since I was 21-years-old, most of my entire adult life up to this point. But I grew up in a single family home, I watched my mom do it, I knew I could do it. I gain strength from my mom Randee and with the support of my family and friends I was able to do it too.”

mara and mom

Not just do it, but do it big. Mara’s adventure into the insurance industry eventually landed her with USHEALTH Advisors a few years ago and she says it is probably the best opportunity in America for a single mom. “It gives you the financial independence and financial stability to do anything you want to do,” says Mara.  In 2015 Mara was at the helm of the #1 Satellite Division in the country, even as she was going through a divorce and what she says was personally the toughest year of her life.

But Mara says it’s the support of a great group of women at the company who have always had her back, and the tremendous culture of giving, that drives her both professionally and personally. “I love to sell and I love to hire and inspire. I want to give back the same gift that was given to me. Plus, I believe it’s so important for my daughter to see how a woman can do anything she wants and for my son to see it’s OK for a woman to work.”

mara's team

And work she does! As a single mom Mara says her life is always on full tilt: “It’s crazy to say the least, it’s a race every single day. My morning starts at 6:30am, time is ticking with everything that has to get done by the end of the day.” Mara has to get the kids out, get herself together, get to the gym at some point, continue to build her team, sell, hire, inspire and then educate, not just her agents, but other younger people as well. On top of all her other responsibilities, Mara teaches Hebrew School twice a week.

“I really am insane that I do this,” says Mara. “But it’s important for my kids, for their foundation and it makes me feel good. I teach 5th and 6th grades, pre-bar and bat mitzvah. And I love when years later the kids come back to say hello, I love to see them come back. I’ve been teaching since I was 19. I’m now 33.”

Teaching, giving, selling, hiring, inspiring and being a mom – it’s a crazy life for Mara, but one she says she wouldn’t trade for the world – especially because she says she is doing it for the two most important people in her world, her 8-year-old daughter Lilli, and five-year-old Liam.

mara and lilli mara and liam

“They’re the reason I breathe. They’re the reason I get up in the morning, I can’t wait to see their faces. They’re the reason I live. Lilli is the one that has it all together, she keeps her mom in order. She checks out what I’m wearing, puts projects up on the fridge, puts the planner out and does all she can to make sure I function as a mom. She’s so brutally honest. I couldn’t have drawn a better picture of what I want my daughter to be.”

Mara says with her crazy life she is also so fortunate to have the support from her boyfriend, her ex-husband, her friends and her USHA family. “All these people, Teaira, Taraina Mccants, Liz Byrne –  they all believed in me,” says Mara. “It wasn’t easy when I began in this career at all. I was quitting every day the first year, but they pushed me. And now my biggest high is building my team. I spend a lot of time recruiting and giving back the same opportunity I was given.

mara and friends mara and leaders (2)

“It took me a long time to discover who I am and it took a long time to be comfortable about me as a person. I make mistakes like everyone else. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I’m pretty transparent and I’m OK with that, and if somebody doesn’t like me for it, I’m OK with that too.”

mara and kids selfie

For Mara there’s no more pretending – it’s all about being real, as real as it gets. You get the sense from talking to her and the incredible energy she exudes, that if it were possible, she just must might make this planet we all share rotate a little bit faster, because she knows life can be short. At such a young age Mara experienced what it’s like to love and to lose. What you cherish most can be gone in an instant and she is committed to breathing life into every moment, to embracing all it has to give and to give it all she’s got.

For Mara Abramowitz, there’s only one way to play…full-out.

mara and boyfriend

Until next time thanks for taking the time,
Mark
(markbrodinsky@gmail.com/http://markbrodinsky.com/)

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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)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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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!

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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