1980, January 7: Letter from Peter to G&H
General life update from Peter. “we now have [a] really nice [housemate]: Ed, who’s an ex-Alaskan ex-helicopter mechanic, now going to massage school & Stanford pre-medical classes”
1980, February 14: Valentine from Jay
A valentine made by Jay, featuring a doily decorated to look like a pig.
1980, Spring: Poem for Jay
Marcy didn’t often write poems. This one, about flying dragon kites, was for my brother. “My heart longs for the green hills[…]”
1980, May 11: Collage from Peter
Appears to be a Mother’s Day card/collage made by Peter, for Helen.
1980, July 19: Letter from Marcy to G&H
General updates from Marcy: missing Peter (who was away at a math class); seeing friends; notes about the flowers and birds; finding out we didn’t have to move; summer school; swimming lessons; more. “I’m beginning to learn to breathe.”
1980, August 4: Letter from Helen to Marcy
Helen writes to Marcy, about three months before Marcy’s death, suggesting a plethora of activities, treatments, etc. “How happy we are that your blessed minister insisted on your eating, M.”
1980, September 22: Card from Marcy to G&H
A brief postcard about Jay’s baseball photos.
1980, October 3: Letter from Marcy to G&H
In her final letter to George and Helen, Marcy describes our new piano, and invites G&H to come visit. The invitation gets a little silly. “We’d all love to see you, and hope you will accept this fine offer, Mr. and Mrs Hartfelt.”
1980, November 10: Card from Marcy to Paul & Linda
The last known letter that Marcy wrote, written and postmarked the day before she died: a notecard, written to my uncle Paul and aunt Linda about the impending birth of my cousin. “I guess I’ve come to Orcas Island to be healed, but whether or not the physical healing takes place, a growth in spirit is already evident.”
1980, November: Marcy’s obituary
Marcy’s obituary. “Marcy Hartman, a freelance editor and Palo Alto resident, died Tuesday in Washington state at Health Institute Alive Fellowship, to which she had been admitted three days earlier. She was 37.”