Hello friends, family, and even acquaintances who have kindly been keeping Marce in your thoughts and prayers and continue to ask about her and her family.

I’m sending this email out to several different “lists” I have for Marce. My apologies if you are receiving it more than once.

It’s with an unbelievably heavy heart that I come to you all with this message. Marce and I spoke on Friday and it was her wish that I convey this message to all of you. Here goes…

Marce’s breathing has become quite an issue over the past several months. She has recently started using her breathing machine (previously used for bedtime only) full time…24/7…as her ability to breath on her own has become very difficult for sustained periods of time. It was at this point that Marce needed to consider going on a ventilator. Though her original plan was to take all measures to prolong her life, she just made the very painful and heartbreaking decision to vote against taking such measures. Since I am at a loss for words, I think it’s best to leave the “talking” to Marce… In her own words, typed out on her computer screen during our visit on Friday, she typed… “Have decided against vent. My body and heart tell me it’s time. I have a couple months if that. It’s OK. It’s time.” Ladies…she seemed as “at peace” as one could be with such a decision. Her mind is made up. She’s doing it “Marce’s Way” (what a surprise!). I didn’t know if Marce’s timeframe was just a guess on her part or if it was truly reality so I called her sister who is a hospice nurse and she was able to confirm the truth of Marce’s statement. Based on her experience and knowledge, Diann believes that Marce has a couple months at best. …I know!! I can’t even believe I am writing these words!! It’s surreal. It’s heartbreaking! The only action she wants taken is to be given sedation (morphine), as needed, for comfort, when the time comes. She and Harvey have spoken with the girls and Marce believes that Rachel fully “gets it” but Meg and Han are still coming to grips with this truth.

Tuesday Mornings. (For those of you who don’t know, Marce’s home is open every other Tuesday for anyone who wants to visit…front door unlocked…just walk on in). Her wish is for all of you to know of the decision she made before you see her.  She adamantly stated that she does not want a pity party. Though tears are SO appropriate at this time, shedding them only causes her to have a terrible time breathing and sends her into a panic state. So, ladies, I realize it seems totally unnatural to NOT cry but, for Marce’s sake, let’s do it AWAY from her. It is TRULY what she wants. One last message straight from Marce… She kindly requests that if you talk to your kids about her situation; please also advise them to be tactful with Megan and Hannah. It’s troubling her to imagine her girls being bombarded at school with questions of their Mom’s pending death. If Megan and Hannah should reach out, it’s a “green light”. Otherwise, Marce would like the kids to direct any questions they might have to their parents if at all possible. I’m sure you all would have advised along those lines anyway but I promised I’d pass along her wish.

Thanks for your friendship…all of you!! Thanks for listening to me (and my MANY words) as I pass along “Marce News”. She loves you all so much and is so thankful for your friendship, support and love. I am too!!

For those of you who think you received this “out of the blue”, just know that I sent it to you because you’ve expressed concern and love for Marce over the years and I thought you’d like an update on her condition. Thanks for continuing to keep her and the Pasternaks close to your heart.