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Whole Again: It’s Just About… Life.

August 11, 2013 By markbrodinsky 1 Comment

girls at camp 2
Time to come home. But first let me give credit where credit is due, I saw what I used for the title, “Whole Again”, in a caption our friend Melissa Wachs posted on Facebook. Thanks Melissa. As Ken Blanchard says some of my greatest ideas have already been thought by other people. Nothing wrong with sharing. 🙂

It’s the most wonderful time of the year II. The day the girls come back home from sleep away camp. Though sometimes you feel like it’s the day they leave ;), and my wife Debbie and I take advantage of the “alone” time, the only reason you feel that way is because you know the girls are well taken care of, having the time of their lives and… will be coming back home.

Home. Before I got married I heard this line, that until you wed and create a family, the structure you live in can only be referred to as a house, it’s your family that makes it a home. In fact, to the best of my recollection, I shared that line on live TV at the tail end of a montage I had put together about Debbie and I, the day before our wedding.

That union soon led to the creation of our two daughters, Sophie and Emily, who today return from another great experience at Emma Kaufmann Camp in West Virginia, our house does a 360, and it’s home again. Our girls might be sad, having had just shared tearful goodbyes with their friends, new and old, and the fantasy world of living at a fantastic camp for three weeks, but we are thrilled. Home again.

The four walls and roof which shelter a significant part of our daily lives will soon be filled again with the sound of our girls voices, sometimes happy, sometimes sad, never boring. It’s all a part of the miracle, and if you believe in it and accept the responsibility of raising children, then you take it in for all it’s worth. A good friend of mine told me right before I was to get married, that marriage was the easy part. But once you welcome children into the world, the stress level I had then, which could be at zero, would never come close to that bottom number again. Just for the simple reason that no matter what, no matter where your children might be, under roof, a couple hundred miles away, or on the other side of the world, your number one concern will always be their well-being.

He’s right. Once you create life, or even adopt a life into your home, your life is no longer about you, it is forever about them and making sure that life, or lives, are safe, happy, healthy and successful. But the one thing my friend didn’t share with me was the other side, because it’s impossible to describe until it happens. Yes, concern is always there, the stress level will never again reach bottom, but it’s the flip side that makes it all worth it.

It’s the joy. The joy can be off the charts, so high that no measurement can ever do it justice, there is no number large enough to mark its place in your heart, it is literally to infinity and beyond. Embrace the gift of your children and life gives you its greatest blessing. It’s love literally multiplied more times than you can ever count.

Today those gifts return. There will be hugs and tears as we greet Sophie and Emily when they get off the bus. Then, after lunch with family and friends, who I’m sure share many of the same feelings I just described, it will be time to head back home.

Home again. Whole again.

girls at camp<

Until next time, thanks for taking the time.

Mark

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Comments

  1. bonnie & robin brodinsky says

    August 12, 2013 at 11:54 pm

    As usual Mark, wonderful words. Also, great for grandparents to have their grandchildren home again. Although it is not our house they return to, remember the grandchildren are always, always in their grandparents heart and soul.

    Reply

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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.

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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.

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Absolutely beautifully written! The girls in your life must be very proud of you. Thanks for sharing Mark, I look forward to reading more!

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Very shortly this site will be famous amid all blogging and site-building users, due to it’s pleasant posts.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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 !!!

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You are quite talented Mark. Thanks for sharing!

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I always look forward to your Blog Mark. Thanks for sharing and as you always do, make it a great / remarkable Day!

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Thanks for your Blog Mark. It is fun, encouraging and a nice break from a day full of ups and downs.

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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!

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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.

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Mark, I am glad I clicked on your post this morning, which lead me to your writing, your goal.
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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!

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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."

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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.

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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

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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"

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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.

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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.

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September 25, 2013

 

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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!

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