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.”
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.”
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.”
Peter sends Helen some assorted vitamins and such for her birthday.
A get-well-soon card from Peter.
A thank-you note from Jay, plus discussion of baseball predictions.
Peter writes about work, and once again plans to start a business. “I wasn’t using the time [away from work] very constructively; basically just resting & thinking & reflecting & reading & relaxing & relating & reflexing & reeling & writhing & rhythmatics & refluxing & inviting my soul ... hmm I guess it was constructive after all”
Life updates from Jay, age 11. “Peter just got a really neat toy. It’s kind of like an electric organ except it is hand held and you can program so it sounds like a flute or violin or some other instruments.”
Helen writes us a couple of weeks after an apparently hasty end to her and George’s visit. “Sorry about so many things - wanted to sample Joaquin's pizza and cheesecake, fix an up-to-date phone and address book for you, get bed-spreads for the boys”
Peter writes about work, and a sad death in the community, and a computer that Uncle Dobe had bought. “Now, if I work very hard, this stock will be worth something.... if not, it will be good only for wallpaper....”