FAMILY MEDIACAL ALERT

I'm sure by now most of you of you have heard that the Marsh Family is having some medical issues at this time. The purpose of this posting is to clarify what is going on and how we are dealing with it.

First is Stephanie. As you might know, and I'm sure you do, Steph was expecting to deliver her baby around Thanksgiving and Kim was going to Norfolk in September to help her since Aaron will be out to sea on and off until Christmas. Step was coming back here for her 21st birthday tomorrow and a big baby shower was planned to be held at Phil and Ilene house this Sunday. At approx. 26 1/2 weeks Steph suddenly experience an abnormally high blood pressure that the Dr.s were concerned enough to admit her to the hospital putting both her and the baby at risk. Kim flew out the next day to be with her. After 5 days in the hospital the Dr's were not able to get the blood pressure down and it was determined that if the baby was not delivered then and there that Stephanie could be in extreme danger. So at approx. 3:50 AM on Sunday August 25th "Kairi Ann Compton" made a sudden appearance on the planet. The very tiny "premie" weighed all of 1lb 13 ounces and was all of 13 inches long. WOW. So far on the whole so good. After 10 days the biggest bump in the road is a small hole in the heart ( not uncommon in premies ) which is being treated with strong doses of meds. They are pretty sure that this can resolved in the next few days and everybody is confident of that. ( My belief in the "The Secret" is working overtime). Worse case scenario is heart surgery which can fix the problem but of course at that age the risks are certainly higher. I know it goes without saying to all that I send this to that you keep Steph, Aaron and Kairi in your prayers.






Prior to all this excitement, I have been having some very slight chest pains from time to time, and I hate to admit this now, for the past year or so. I can just see my families reaction to this hearing this for the first time today. I just know how pleased they're going to be. Well, in my defense, I thought it was probably indigestion from the fine nutritional diet I have been accustomed to ever since I was informed of my diabetes a little over 2 years ago. I guess that's what hot fudge, stromboli's and various chinese dishes can do for you. I figured hey, my blood sugar is under control and I flush the system with the lemonade flush every 3 months so I'm just fine. Well about the beginning of August I also noticed that any bit of exertion also gave my left arm a numbness that I knew immediately could only be the result of some heart problems. (See, I'm not that stupid ) No snide comments here please, I'm not done. So I immediately went to see the Cardiologist and he told me what the next three steps would be. The first would be stress test which can tell you immediately if it's abnormal that you have heart valve problems. It can't tell if you have artery damage. That comes next when you have an Angiogram which I had two weeks after the stress test. In my mind, that was a good sign because it appeared that since there wasn't a big hurry to do this, I would have perhaps just a little problem. With that news, I went back to work for the next 2 weeks, thanks to Joe, my boss, he allowed me to come in late and go home early. Not a bad gig. The Angiogram was supposed to last 30 to 45 minutes at the most. If there was a clog or two if it was less than 70% they send you home and treat it with medication, blood thinners etc. If it was more than 70% they perform right there an Angioplasty which litterally "blows" the clogs away away. If it's worse that then it's by-pass surgery, which seriously, was the last thought I had in mind. So there I was in the OR feeling great because they give you this happy juice that I was hoping they would give me a prescription for, when the Doc and believe me, he was no "DR PHIL", gave me news in all of 10 minutes into the procedure. He said and I quote, " Mr. Marsh, I have good news and bad news for you". Feeling no pain, I said right at him, "Give it to me straight Doc, I can handle anything you got". He said, "The good news is you're going home today, the bad news is you'll be baaaaaaaaaaaack"." Oh shit, are you talkin to me? Are you serious? You have got to be kidding?". "No", he said, "Your arteries have multiple clogs and they are over 90%". "Holy shit". Well, by the time Jaime got me home I was still I still in a state of shock and quite frankly complete denial. However given some time to think about this and doing some serious research my initial bravado about Kim staying in Norfolk was starting to ebb rapidly. With all due respect to Jaime, Phil JJ, and Matthew who would be there as much as they could, obviously I need Kim to be here and she will be this Tuesday a day before the surgery. I am not going to bore everyone with details of this procedure and it's recovery period but as long as the METS don't combust and self destruct ( sorry Gary, they will win the division and your Fighting Phillies will once again come up short for the wild card as well) I expect to watching the pennant races come down the stretch. I do love my baseball.

So, that's about it for the end of an interesting summer in the Marsh household. I do want to take a moment and thank the academy for a fine turnout of family and friends who have already sent their best wishes and prayers for both Kairi and myself. My plan is to see her graduate High School at the least and hope to be around for many a fine posting on this tremendous means of communications for the 21st century, THE BLOG.

SUMMER IN THE CITY VEGAS STYLE

There are definitely 3 seasons in Las Vegas just in the summer alone. There is hot 90-100, there is very hot 100-110, and then there's "ARE YOU KIDDING ME"? 110+. We have seen them all so far in 2007 and "they say" it's a dry heat. OK, but so is an oven and I don't put my head in there either. If you should take a dip in a pool in this heat, when you get out you would think you were just getting out of the water on New Years Day at Coney Island. You are sooooooo cold you may think that the ER is not such a bad idea. The upside ( and I always look for the upside) is that your swim wear is dry in 4 minutes.What a tough life. It's funny here, when the temperature drops below 80 people swear that an Arctic cold front just came through and when it's really cold in January, when the temperature hovers around 60, people are complaining that they're freezing. Whats up with that.

I don't miss the ice, cold, snow, rain and dreariness that the Northeast can bring so it's understandable why Las Vegas has always been so appealing to me. I've done some fun things so far this summer. I met with Gary in Denver over the July 4th holiday and watched the Colorado Rockies beat the Mets and the Phillies 2 games each. Denver is a great city. Just in the downtown area alone there are great restaurants, clubs, shops, shows and the ballpark, Coors Field, is a fabulous place to watch a game. Gary is the ultimate baseball trip partner. He knows his stuff, particularly about the Phillies and always the arrangements for the activities are planned months in advance. I got to talk to some present and past Major League Baseball players at the hotel and that was pretty neat even if they were Phillies. Here's the two of us at Coors Field.




Kim and I went to San Diego last Wednesday as I continue to want to see the Mets lose on the road. This time, we watched San Diego beat the Mets 5-4, so this year I'm 0 - 3. Next year, I'd like to see my team play in San Francisco and go back to Denver with Kimberly. My baseball fantasy dream would be to be able to take part in the Mets Dream Week. This is where old guys like me actually play with other old guys and former Mets players in real live baseball games in Florida. I would have to work out to get back into my playing shape, and if there was any motivation that I would need to make that happen it would be Mets Dream Week.


to await little "The rest of the summer will be more work, more recruiting to build Phil's and my Sales Team and get ready for Stephanie's 21st Birthday on Sept 6th, her Baby Shower on Sept 9th and Kim and Steph returning to Norfolk on the 15thKairi's" arrival. Hopefully before the summer winds down Kim and I will get a chance to see Rex and Carli and tell them about the upcoming World Series between the Mets and the Sox. Give me just 2 hours with that boy and he will surely forget "Big Papi", and he will be singing "Jose Jose".

I sure hope that all my friends and family are having a great summer and as always, Las Vegas is the entertainment capitol of the world and Kim and I would love to see you here.

LET'S GO METS

Rich

A NEW ADDITION

JUNE 28, 2007

We got the news this morning at 4:30 AM PDT that our baby Stephanie who is expecting her first child in November saw that a GIRL will be entering into the family. Congrats to Stephanie and Aaron who have proved to just about everyone was wrong when they got married almost 3 years ago when he was 19 and she just turned 18. Not only have they made it together as well as I've seen by a young couple, they have seemed to make great decisions in their life choices. Aaron comes from a military family background so it really wasn't a great surprise that he is in the US Navy. If memory serves me correctly, and for those who really know me, know at times that can be a big problem,(CRS) Aaron's first choice was the Air Force, but Stephanie wasn't too crazy about the idea of Aaron flying around at Mach 2. Then when he thought about going into the Navy Seals, Steph almost had the baby right then and there. So, like any smart and great couple they compromised and Aaron is working with BOMBS. How special.

Since Stephanie was 8 when she came into my life Kim and I knew she would make a great Mom. She would play Mommy with her Barbies all day with Barbie (The Ho) carrying a baby around most of the time. As she got to be a teenager, "AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHH" she would baby sit all the time and whenever we went anywhere the littles ones would flock to her. Over the past three years I believe Stephanie was trying to please everybody but her. a little schooling, working, sometimes both at the same time, she just didn't seem to be as happy as when she was holding a baby. Very much like her Mother is today. My advise Stephanie is to continue to follow your heart and be the best Mom you can be. ( I Hope She's Just Like Herself and MOM.

So that's the story. Updates to follow.(Nice call Jaime)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

Good Evening Everyone, (it's actually after midnight PDT) but I thought it would be real nice to wish all you Dad's out there a Happy Father's Day. Those above the text are just some of the Dad's I know who give their hearts and souls to their children and the rest of their families. If you care to share some of your great picture moments, just send to me at rsmcloser@cox.net or send a picture text to 702-743-8098.

It was tremendous hearing from all my children today and spending some real quality time with Matt and Jaime as we made our first venture into the "Kohen's" sacred swimming area this year. Usually we find Phil throwing Matt into the pool but he escaped his yearly beating when The "Big Guy" and that's not me, decided that Jaime might enjoy being flipped over a couple of times.

It felt good calling Russ to wish him a Happy Fathers Day before he could call me. He is truly a great Dad, and all his and Dani's efforts for Rex and Carli are what I hope Aaron and Steph, who will be celebrating all sort's of firsts this year, go in with the same comittment as they have.

Thank you Barb for your call and lengthy conversation about the do's and dont's from a complaing, somewhat middle aged, fool at times. Your advise and comments were right on and followed to the letter. Again Thanks.

Stephanie, my favorite mother to be, was visiting her grandparents in South Jersey. Father's Day for her and Matt will come each year with a never ending period of grief since their Dad and my friend Michael passed away a year and a half ago. I could never replace Michael, nor would I want to, but both Steph and Matt know where I stand with them and as long as I'm still kicking and screaming, I've got their back. My Dad has been gone for 43 years and there hasn't been one day since then that I can't recall what my last words to him. "Happy Birthday POP". He died on his 50th birthday, just one day before my parents 25th wedding anniversary. So, Matt and Steph, if you read this, you know I share your grief. Remember on his birthday you celebrate his life, not his passing.

Last but not least, I also heard from my favorite niece Laura, and my almost daughter Valerie. I talked to Chris on his birthday Friday, I thought I missed the day and from my brother Happy who missed my birthday for the last 2 years, I really didn't expect to hear from today, but I wish you too brother a good father's day, not a great one, because I know that can never be. I'm so sorry about that you can not imagine.

For, Randy (dad) my oldest friend in Vegas, for JJ my (dad)partner in so many ways, for Scott(dad), where's the beef? for Gary(dad), I won't root against the Mets in Denver,and of course for Phil(dad) who will find the "Secret to the Conspiracy", I bid you all once again a Happy and Healthy and Wealthy Fathers day 2007.

Rich

IT'S BEEN A WHILE

Hello to all. Yes it has been a while since my last posting. Actually close to two months have past since the "Birthday" blog and it never ceases to amaze me that so much happens to this family in such a short period of time. The funny thing is that every time I plan to sit at the computer to do this something else interferes with the posting. Where to begin. Let's start with my favorite topic, "The Little Ones" and now the "Other Little One" on the way. First Rex and Carli. May 11th Carli turned two. Unfortunately her Dad has already trained her to say "Yea Big Papi", and for those of you who don't follow the "SOOOOOXXXXXX!" Big Papi is not me. It's David Ortiz of the Boston Red Sox, the famous "Evil Empire" haters from Boston, Ma. I am also Big, and I am also known to some as "POP-POP, but certainly not Big Papi. I sure hope when I get to see Carli real soon, she will be able to see that I am younger, stronger, better looking and I can switch hit ( ooh that sounds terrible ) from both sides of the plate. (Gees, that sounds even worse). Rex, my big boy, is already 4 and 1/2 as of April 27th, and he already knows that New York has a better team than those hated Yankees. My goal is for Rex to say "Lets Go Mets" before the 2007 World Series, Mets vs. Sox, which we will be watching together!!!!!!!

My baby Stephanie felt her baby for the first time this week. Probably scared the ____ out of her. We will find out at the end of this month whether we will be buying pink or blue. Jaime, has looked into the future, as only she could, and predicted a girl. So everybody who is going to attend Stephanie's baby shower here in L.V. on September 9th should all get "BLUE'' gifts. Kim will be going to Norfolk on or about October 15th to prepare for the big event. More likely than not, Aaron will on deployment at that time, so Kim, don't twist her arm, will be there for assistance, and everybody who knows Stephanie, knows that she will need all the help she can get. Love you baby.


Another piece of good news is the return of the youngest son Matt from completion of his studies at Job Corp in Reno NV. The highlight of his stay according to him,was the vocational training that actually kept him away from the facility. He says the place is like a "Detention Center" away from home. Most youth that are placed in Job Corp are court assigned. We didn't know that, so he tells us that at times, it was a pretty scary place. However, he certainly did learn how to take care of himself, complete his program, get the credits for his GED and prepare him for a great future. His immediate plans are still are a little unclear, There's a girlfriend in Pahrump, but one thing is certain and that is, the young boy who left here in January has come back a young man whose head is on straight and is going in the right direction. I'm sure Michael, would be as proud of him as we all are here.

Russ and Dani are fabulous. They recently sold their home in Chandler and can now finally settle in their new home in the northern part of Phoenix without having to pay 2 mortgages. Now, maybe Russ can watch his beloved SOOOOOOXXXXXXXX in his own home rather than sneaking outside his neighbors window and watching the highlights on ESPN. Dani, be careful where you step from now on,you guys don't need any more casts this year. Kim and I should be visiting in the next few months and we hope to give you guys a little alone quality time, well deserved.

Barb's birthday is coming up this month on June 25th. She will be 34 but doesn't look a day over 21. That's a good dad for ya. We haven't talk to each other a whole lot lately but if she is as busy as I have been so long it's taken me to do this posting, we really understand. Happy Birthday Barb from the Vegas side of the family.

Jaime is coming off her own birthday celebration, her 24th, this past May 5th. She flew back to NJ for a short visit and some home cooking. She eats here a lot, because number one, it's free and number two, the traffic is miserable coming home from work at that time of day. She also says the foods not too bad here either. It's been a difficult first part of the year for Jaime at work. After setting and breaking most of the company first year sales records, this year has been just a little tougher. However, she seems to be back on track and it wouldn't surprise me to see some more records broken by the end of the year. Jaime has become my movie partner and we see many more movies than most people. We don't always agree about each movie but one thing is absolutely for sure, nobody makes Kettle Corn better than the South Point Cinema.

Kimberly has found a new hobby. She has starting to crochet everything in sight. She started with baby stuff for Steph but is now doing everything from sweaters to rugs and shawls and whatever anybody asks for. She is on summer break from her Judiaism classes and Bugsy,Doc,Sandy and Closer plus about 20 tropical fish keep her plenty busy. Besides it's a better hobby than palm tree dancing. She did however make a another attempt at the podium position at the Grandview which I believe she will ultimately get and end up working there by 2009. Maybe I'll retire then, and let her bring home the bacon.Hmmmmm.

Speaking of the Grandview, many changes since April. I now have my own "Line" and continue to hire and train new people as we speak. Phil and I hope to have 15 people on each of our teams by no later than Phil's birthday on July 5th. This will be the first time in a quite a few years that I won't be soaking in his pool on or around "the 4th". I am going out of town for a few days of R&R. Working in Timeshare takes a lot of patience and dealing with rejection. Personally, I find it a lot easier, than my buddy Phil, who stresses may outweigh the pleasures of it's financial rewards. He introduced me to "The Secret", the widely popular book by Rhonda Byrne that is sweeping the nation. In it's most simplistic form, it's the way you approach your life. The "Laws of Attraction" says, that what you put out to the universe is what will come right back at you. Nothing new here to anybody who already has a positive outlook on life. The secret to "The Secret" is to practice the secret, which is I must say is easier said than done. If you want to know more about "The Secret", there is a direct link to the secret on www.lakeskiwanis.blogspot.com. That site was created by the multi- talented, the same Phil Kohen, whom I mention here from time to time. He and Ilene are the founding members of the Lakes Kiwanis Club in Las Vegas. They started it in 1999 and Kim and I have been members for the past 5 1/2 years. Kiwanis, for those who do not know, is a worldwide service organization to improve children's lives all over the world one child at a time. We have weekly meetings, service projects, and social get together's'with some really great people. Check out our most recent posting at the address above and feel free at any time to post comments or suggestions or events that you would like Las Vegas to know about or anything else you would like, but sorry, it must come with a "G" rating.

Well that's about it for tonight. Don't miss Shrek the Third at a theater near you. Once again, they asked me to play the lead role but I was too busy selling those Timeshares to anybody who would listen.

Good night all.

Rich