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There’s a “Will” and a Way: It’s Just About… Life.

April 26, 2013 By markbrodinsky 5 Comments

will and sophieIt was activity hour at the Ronald McDonald House in Baltimore and there was Will and my daughter Sophie. Will was listening politely and attentively as Sophie read him a story. Sophie, animated and engaging, was holding the book upright with two hands and turning the pages as she moved through the story. Will only had one arm available because the left was completely covered in a cast, from fingertips to his elbow and beyond, the right hand was gently grasping a small stuffed animal. Will has cerebral palsy and is in town for treatment…
——————————————————————————————————————–
“It’s time to go”. That was what I said as I came barreling through the door Wednesday night after attending the Orioles day game. Sophie was relaxing on the couch, and looking pretty comfortable even though we needed to leave in exactly five minutes to head downtown for activity hour at Ronald McDonald House. Sophie has volunteered there several times and had agreed to go with me on this night and read stories to the children who are currently staying at the House. I actually felt bad, it took me a long time to get back home from the ballpark and now we only had a few minutes to get ready to leave. Sophie enjoys volunteering at the House, but she’s also 13 years old, and sometimes teenagers don’t feel like doing a certain thing at a certain moment. Sophie was going, but she wasn’t in the best mood, bringing her iPhone and her ear buds along for the ride downtown. She felt rushed and I knew it, but when you commit, you follow through. Still, the car ride down was quiet.

We got to the Ronald McDonald House right on time for activity hour. And they made the announcement for the families to join us, if they like, for some reading time. A few minutes later Will, his brother Casey and their Mom came through the playroom. Sophie had brought along about half-a-dozen books to choose from and Will picked one out. After Sophie finished the first book, Will selected another one, a Curious George classic. I chatted with Will’s mom and learned his story.

The family is from Vermont and staying at the House for a month while Will undergoes treatment. Because of the cerebral palsy Will ignores his right arm, he doesn’t use it, so the doctors put his left arm and hand in a cast, completely covering it, so he would be forced to use the right one. Will’s mom said it is a fairly intense treatment, but for 5-year-old Will it was worth it. From what I could see it seemed to be working, as I watched Will later playing with some toys trucks, using his right hand to guide them around the room.

Part of this family was staying at their home-away-from-home for an entire month. Will’s mom told me her husband was back home in Vermont with their third child. Will’s dad needed to stay back home to work and make a living. It’s a tough thing to go through, but you do all you can when your child is afflicted, and you make the sacrifices necessary. I’m sure it helps Will to have his mom and his little brother Casey there at the House to keep him company. Love is life’s greatest medicine and it is delivered in giant doses when those who love you most are close at hand. This is the mission of the Ronald McDonald House, keeping love close.
——————————————————————————————————————–

…I glanced over at Sophie and Will, child reading to child. The picture I attached to the blog is worth a thousand more words than I could ever write. Sophie has a big heart and she was sharing it with another heart so young, innocent and challenged, as he makes his way in this world. Will’s way has obstacles to overcome. We wish him and his family all the best as they face the road ahead.

And this is really at the core of why I serve on the Board of Directors for this Ronald McDonald House, to try and make a difference. To give back. I think Sophie is getting the message. I hope she is. Actually I know she is.

Driving back home from our time at the House, Sophie was transformed from my teenage daughter, who earlier seemed to be just along for the ride, to someone who was now feeling the sensation you only get from doing the right thing for someone else in need. Now on the drive back, Sophie was chatting and already sharing some memories of what just happened. I felt the same sensation she did. I glanced in the rear view mirror at my daughter in the back seat and knew how blessed I am that she is OK. And when you are so blessed, the responsibility is to share your blessings by giving back however you can, with dollars, with time, with love.

As we got near home, Sophie and I stopped talking to listen to the song now playing on the radio, Jim Brickman’s recent single, “Beautiful World”. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHohxz0NhvI)

The moon is high above you.
We’re all here ’cause we love you.
And when you finally open your eyes and ears
you’ll see and you’ll hear us sing.
La, la, la, la, la
It’s a beautiful world… we’re all here.

It’s the way we hope Will can view his world.
And we’re all here, cheering him on.

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

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Comments

  1. Marilyn Lefkowitz says

    April 26, 2013 at 7:12 am

    I am certainly not surprised about Sophie helping another.
    She’s so lovely within and on the outside. It filters down from her wonderful grandmother(who has a ‘heart of gold’), to her wonderful Dad(sharing his goodness) and now to Sophie. The Brodinsky family is very special!!!

    Reply
  2. Gayle Blank says

    April 26, 2013 at 7:56 am

    Every morning I start my day out sitting at the computer with my coffee reading your blog!!! It is so powerful and rejuvenating!!! I am waiting for your book Mark!!!!!! Hope its in the works!!!!

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      April 26, 2013 at 8:18 am

      Thanks Gayle. Thanks so much.

      Reply
  3. Stuart says

    April 26, 2013 at 11:23 am

    Hey Mark,
    I know you always thank us for reading but I would like to say thanks for writing. On a side note let us know how your daughter’s softball team is doing.

    Stuart

    Reply
    • Mark Brodinsky says

      April 26, 2013 at 10:36 pm

      Thanks Stuart. Daughter’s softball team is not a good one, yet.
      Gotta keep working at it, right??!!

      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

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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

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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

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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

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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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