Tomorrow, I will be flying home to the Netherlands to stay, help and spend quality time for at least one month with my family. My mom has stage 4 melanoma and it has metastasized in her right lung, started in left lung and is in lymph nodes and most likely her liver.

She is 83 and has lived a wonderful life and she is ready to go “home.” She is the fitness queen of the Netherlands and doesn’t just want to “just live.” I knew this day would come, I just didn’t think it would be this soon.

First of all, I want to thank my husband, Kevin Marsh, who was the driving force for me to go help my mom and dad and will take care of everything else here.

I want to publicly thank the YMCA of Rowan County to support me 100 percent. As most of you know, I have worked for the JF Hurley Family YMCA, formally Salisbury YMCA, for 21 years. Not many jobs will let you use your sick days for immediate family. Our YMCA does. I am able to go help and cherish my mom and family for at least one month and get paid during this time. 

The YMCA, the staff and its members are my family in the U.S. I get emotional with the love and support I have received from my leadership, my colleagues and especially my “Esterettes,” the people who have taken my classes and have become part of my life.

Which place will have you find your best friends forever after you move here? Our YMCA.

Which place will become like family to many of us who do not have family or has a family that lives far away? Our YMCA.

Which place is so much more than a gym, aquatic center, basketball, volleyball and pickle ball courts and climbing gym? Our YMCA.

Which place will be there for support, financially, spiritually and mentally? Our YMCA.

I have worked for 35 years in the fitness business, 21 of those for the YMCA. Going from “for profit” to “not for profit,” what a wonderful journey it has been and still is. I have never see so many people being helped with their health, spirit, mind and body as I have seen these past 21 years working for the YMCA.

We have helped children through our after-school and sports programs, and the families and individuals we have been able to help keep their family unity by their ability to use our facilities and programs. We are so much more than a gym — we are a place where anyone can feel safe, where people can meet new people and where spirituality is top priority.

Healthy spirit, mind and soul, and I am living proof. With my family living in the Netherlands, it’s hard, but I have found that my American family absolutely has filled my cup — the majority of my American family I met through our YMCA. So whether you have family near or not, surround yourself with people who support you, love you, help you and are there for you no matter what. They become true family whether by blood or not. My mom has one to three months to live. I have gained great strength through our YMCA, family, friends and colleagues and this Bible verse which might help you too.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.”

— Deuteronomy 31:6

 Thank you for your love, strength, support and prayers. All will be well… hug your loved ones and family extra tight. Rekindle lost family and friend relations and most of all, live your life to the fullest and count all your blessings. Life is just too short, enjoy every minute.

Ester H Marsh, thankful to be the health & fitness director at the JF Hurley Family YMCA