Jimmy Fund Walk 2015

http://www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2015/ryanmarsh

Hi friends,

Do you all know what my favorite part of September is besides fantasy football and pumpkinhead? Well, it's here and it's the Jimmy Fund walk.

Yes, this email is going to be pretty long, probably not that funny, and asking you for money so if you are not interested in any of those things, I'll save you the time now :)

If you love all those things, here's our link:

http://www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2015/ryanmarsh

Unfortunately, Natalie and I have been unable to participate the last two years, but I'm very excited to jump back in with the Media Milers. Natalie and Riley will also be joining for as much of the walk as our cute little amazing 2-month old can crank out, but she's got those long legs so I like her chances at a couple miles at least.

The event happens in 28 days, September 27th, so I don't have a lot of time to do a lot of fundraising. Trust me, it's worth it to annoy you over the next three plus weeks via email, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for every dollar I can make.

As you know, this organization and this cause is very near and dear to our hearts and the hearts of many of you. We see the benefits week in and week out, right there in person. 

Sitting in the lobby of Dana Farber watching people battle this disease makes you realize a few things:

1) Every day is a blessing. Don't live every day, but every second to the fullest.

2) Tell the people you love that you love them more times than they can handle. 

3) Do whatever you can to help.

Well, this is what I try to do ... as a start. I'd ask you to skip the coffee or bring lunch this week for a $20 donation, but I know the hardest part may be taking the time out of your busy lives to read my email, click my link, insert your credit card information, and submit. Everyone hates extra clicks, but I'm asking you nicely. If you are able to help, I will be eternally grateful. Please?

Please give whatever you can. Oh the link? Yep, right here:

http://www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2015/ryanmarsh

There are so many causes that impact the lives of our families and friends and so many events that we involve ourselves with, but if you are looking to get yourself into one that has meaning and is fun, this is it. Every mile is sponsored by a survivor or current patient of the Jimmy Fund and seeing their faces on the mile markers is beyond words incredible and provides more motivation than you could ever need to simply walk. If you can't walk, start by donating and maybe you can join us next year.

If you've ever been involved in this event, or ran the Boston Marathon, then you know. If you have stood on the sidelines to watch either of the two, then you know. Especially now, this day, and this route, is legendary. Our team takes over/under bets on how many times we cry during the 26.2 miles as it is insanely emotional and fulfilling.

The walk follows the exact marathon route and the support along the way is just as amazing as race day from Dana Farber and the thousands of volunteers. They have tents with food and drinks, medical stations, massage/stretching areas, and a party at the end and just like on the third Monday of April, the participants head out to Hopkinton while it is still dark out to begin the trek.

Ok, that's my spiel ... for now, but you will be hearing from me again. 

Thank you for considering donating and I truly mean it when I say look forward to walking this year in support of each and every one of you that is battling like we are and in memory of those that have battled before us.

http://www.jimmyfundwalk.org/2015/ryanmarsh 

Love,

Marshy Family of 3

Dad Blog v1: Words of Wisdom

Ok, here we go. I'm not sure what is going to come of this, but as I sit here waiting for our daughter to be born I had the idea, so let's see what happens. As usual, and some of you may know/figure about me, whenever I need an outlet I "take to the pen" as they say... which essentially means just writing to write and in today's day and age is more often than not a keyboard at my desk or on my phone/iPad. Today I'm on my phone ... in bed ... which is very relevant to the pet peeve I want to chat about.

Before we do that, I've been thinking a lot about how best to create some sort of gift for my daughter that she can look back on in many years to gain a little glimpse in to her life, especially during the years she won't remember. Clearly there are going to be many pictures, an Instagram hashtag, Facebook montage, etc. but I want to share with her beyond that. What I'm thinking, feeling, doing. I still think ill write to her as often as possible privately and personally, but also think there are going to many moments worth sharing publicly - funny, cute, amazing, crazy, and frustrating. Thus, here we are.

I want to start with the frustrating. This, I guess, is more of a "hey think before you speak" PSA to try and help everyone out here that is a parent, going to be a parent, or is ever at any point in their lives talking to one of the prior. I am just going to write as always and feel it may come off angry, but I'm not angry, just trying to enlighten some people how NOT to be an idiot. :) 

I know for a fact many people can relate to this as it's been laughed about with a lot of head shaking over the last few months. I also know at some point in my life I may have made a comment like this ... maybe you have too. I just now know to not do it and ask you to do the same. What am I talking about? Let's dive in.

Of course, when expecting, you'll get the usual questions:

1) when are you due?

2) do you know if it's a boy or girl?

3) do you have a name? Followed by, are you sharing that name?

Standard. Fine. For us, it's:

1) 4 days ago

2) girl

3) yes and no

That legit happens in that exact sequence at least 3x/day, sometimes an hour. Now I have 0 problem with those questions. Really I don't. Seriously, I think they are genuine, curious and legit and I will answer them all day long. It's not those questions, it's the extra color comments that kill me ... and one in particular.

"Ya better sleep now because you'll never sleep again!"

or

"Hope you're getting some rest because life will never be the same!"

Like, are you serious? Do you honestly truly think that we do not know that? Is there a tiny shred of need to say something so blatantly obvious? Nope, no there isn't.

I don't know if it's other parents trying to digress their lack of sleep on others or it makes them feel better knowing that their suffering will be shared soon. Maybe it's single/non parents trying to brag about how they can sleep until noon on Sunday if they want. But either way, shut up! 

Sorry that's harsh, but I mean it. Please shut up.

Clearly, we are fully aware that infants, babies, and toddlers tend to wake up at all hours of the night. Clearly, we are fully aware that we will be less able to lie in bed (like right now) for as long as possible. That comes along with the whole idea of raising a human. Bottom line, we know! And if you say it to us or anyone else, we are only going to be annoyed by your very being (probably delete your FB comments on otherwise positive and cute pictures) and I'm going to leave SMH. Not angry.

We were at a party around the 4th and a good friend, father of two, caught us just after witnessing a similar conversation. He said it best as he came up mimicking shaking someone and said "don't you just love the positive opinions out of everyone? Don't you just want to tell them to shut the fuck up? I wanted to strangle every person that tried to scare me or enlighten me by attempting to take away from the greatest moment in my life. There's nothing like having your first and raising them every hour of the day - no matter what time it is. It's your baby! You made that! Just start telling people to bite it." And he walked away shaking his head.

So for the record, I understand I will be sleeping less, MUCH less in the coming days, months, years. I kinda signed up for that when deciding to recreate. I just don't need to be told about it like I didn't. The challenge is to really think about if a parent-to-be, whether 1 month pregnant or 10, is not aware of that fact they will be tired soon before shedding your eternal wisdom upon them.

Again, not angry, not even a little bit, just trying to make us all better people by following two tried and true parental pieces of advice:

1) Think before you speak.

2) If you don't have anything nice to say, bite it.

Father tip #1 and not even a father ... YET!

Happy Sunday,

Marshy