“She went into the
hospital on 13th June
for an operation on her
neck which should have
been over in 4 days,
but…” ~Penny-V
This is not a post about polymer clay. It is about a friend who very much needs us right now. Those who have been around the community for a while… know her as Ritzs.
After reading today’s sad news, please take a few moments to show you care… by sharing in the comments section at the end of this post. Your thoughts, stories, inspiration, blessings and prayers, will be printed out and given to our dearest Ritzs, and her supportive husband John.
Here is what happened…
Cindy – you put on your blog that you were concerned about Ritz. I emailed her and got a brief reply from her husband today. It seems she went into the hospital on 13th June for an operation on her neck which should have been over in 4 days, but it went wrong and paralyzed her and she is still in hospital in a therapy unit and will be there until at least October. It seems she has no use in her right arm (and she is right handed) and has very little use in her right leg, and is exceptionally weak. She is permanently in a wheel chair.
When I rang John, her husband, I discovered that he is not really computer literate – he reads through her emails to see if there is anything important and sent me a one liner. I think it would be rather good if you published this news on your blog (and incidentally I did ask for his permission) and if we get lots of greetings for her, that I lift them, and put them into a document so they could be sent to him to print off to take to her. She is in hospital in Cardiff which is almost 100 miles from where he lives (in Wales, where I live too, there are very few hospitals and that, for Britain, is a very long way to travel). What do you think?
~Penny Vingoe (ClayAround, UK)
Penny – Thank you very much for reaching out like this. It is so sad to hear about the complications that happened with Ritz’s surgery. I agree… this definitely definitely needs to be posted. I’ll make it a priority.
~Cindy Lietz
Here are a few links to where Ritzs has shared some of her thoughts, insights and photos here at the blog…
August 21, 2009: Makins Extruder, Modified Handle
August 30, 2009: Lazuli and Malachite Beads
September 25, 2009: Dogwood Flower Cane
October 7, 2009: Copper Wire Jewelry Findings
October 24, 2009: Chandelier Wire Work
November 29, 2009: Mica Shift Jewelry
March 19, 2010: Swirling Left Over Mica Shift Clay
March 29, 2010: Cracking Beads
Jun 13, 2010: Surgery Scheduled for Wednesday
I have to admit I am not looking forward to the surgery. As you said, Kat, one hears so many things but I am a very determined character and if half the pain is taken away at the end of it that will make it all worth it. I think the cause of it was 45 years of machine knitting also heavy lifting as we have a small holding, alas no animals anymore. We just got to old to do it. Now its all leisure LOL. I will at least be able to look forward to all the video’s etc I feel like you are all my extended family. It’s wonderful! ~Ritzs
If you want to read more about Ritzs, just type her name into the search box. She has over 15 pages of links to click on.
And… please do take a few moments to write some words of support and encouragement in the comments section below. Your thoughts, stories, inspiration, blessings and prayers, will be printed out and given to our dearest Ritzs, and her husband John. Thank you so much for doing this. It is important!
We all love you VERY MUCH Ritzs!!!!
Dearest Ritzs,
How does one respond to such sad news about a friend we care for except with prayers that our concern and caring will give you strength as you struggle toward recovery.
Love,
Elizabeth S.
Ritzs- Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you right now. Stay strong and positive and keep in mind the support and love you have here from your claying family.
Love,
Carrie W.
Ritzs – hang in there. Know that thoughts and prayers are being sent in your direction (and vibing machines are on full blast). I can only echo the sentiments above, with love to you and your husband, John too.
Judy XX
Ritzs, I don’t think I can say anything better than Elizabeth S. did, above. My prayers and thoughts are with you also. ~ Tanya L.
Dear Ritzs, How does someone express their feelings over this, “sorry to hear this” is beyond inadequate, all my hopes and good wishes are with you to make a total recovery, remember you are being thought about!
Dear Ritzs,
My heart goes out to you and your husband. Stay strong and keep your fighting spirit. Know that we are all here for you, thinking about you and I will be praying for you and the doctors and staff that will be helping you through your recovery. I hope as you read these comments from us that you will feel a gigantic hug and know that we miss you!
Melinda
Ritzs…my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Keep the faith!
I was so sorry to hear about Ritzs…prayers are going out right now for her and for her family. Praying for the Lord’s miraculous healing and of hope.
Ritzs – I am so sorry to hear about the complications from your surgery. I wish you and your husband the very best and hope the therapy helps in every way. Try to stay positive and strong. Know that you and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers…………
Linda B.
Dear Ritz and John -My hopes and wishes for a full recovery. Here’s to better days ahead You are sorely missed
Sending healing thoughts and positive energy your way.
Dearest Ritzs;
Prayers and loads of Reiki are going out to you at this most major time of need. I can sympathize with you and John on the mountain of changes that are in store for you. With the flood of love and energy coming your way, I hope that it helps heal your body and lifts your spirit. Remember that you have a large loving family call on us for morale support.
Dear John and Ritzs,
In this time of trial for you both my heart is aching. My prayers are added to all the others for an inspired medical team that can bring you to a full recovery. There may be many steps (some so small that one might not recognize it at the time) along the way and it may be a lengthy journey. We are all hopeful and walking this journey with you full of love, thoughts, and prayers, energy to share, wrapping you in warmth of a gigantic hug. We know, from your own writing, that you will not give up. May our love and His blessings bring you back to good health soon.
A claying sister,
Lots and lots of love,
Joyce M.
Ritzs, I’m praying with all my might that you recover completely. Keep the faith lovely lady, we’re all pulling for you..!! I only wish I could do more to help…
Love & Prayers,
~Lisa xoxo
Dear Ritz and John- words seem so inadequate to convey what I feel. Just wanted to let you know you will be in my thoughts and prayers. Hang in there ritz and stay strong. Will pray for the Lord’s blessing and healing and a miraculous recovery and for the doctors to be guided in their treatment. Love you. Hugs & blessings.
Cheryl
Dear Ritzs, I am beyond sorry to hear about your current situation. I pray that it is only the ‘current’ situation, and that the power of the positive thoughts and prayers headed your way will heal you. Ditto what everyone else has said…and I have missed you! You’ve always offered so much of your wonderful self. Lovely personality, friendly and helpful, artistic, and so much more. I wish there was something I could do to make things better; I’d do it in a second! I’ll do the only thing I know to do, and I’ll not stop! I know you’ve got that fighting spirit — please keep it and do not give up. We will keep you in thoughts and prayers, and for your husband as well. Bless you, and keep believing. Love, Kat
Dear Ritz, I wish you and your loving husband strength and much patience to get through this ordeal. Please know that we, your brothers and sisters “in clay”, are here to pray for your speedy recovery. Love, Maria
Gosh Ritzs what can I add? You are definitely in my prayers and thoughts. I believe in the power of prayer. I believe you are a fighter and won’t give up. It will be a hard process but I think you are the type of woman to overcome this phase in your life. Just remember we are all here for you. Much love and hugs.
Andrea
hope and prayers for your recovery your spirit will endure
God bless you Ritz. I also suffered lots of pain from machine knitting. My husband truly believes in the power of healing stones so if you would allow Cindy to pass on your address to me I will send you some.
Love
Josie
Dear Ritzs and John,
There are no words that can express how sad I was to hear about your operation. I just want you to know that you and your family are in my prayers. Stay positive and be strong. Wishing you the best. Love ~ Jeanne
Ritzs, during the past year I have come to know you by your posts to the blog. Through those words we learned of your strength – you refuse to give up; your loving supportive husband; your warmth and good humor; your endurance (you have worked so hard over the years). These are the qualities we have missed since you’ve been away. These incredible things will be what will guide you through this ordeal. You have so many here supporting you through prayers and healing thoughts. I pray that you and your family can gather strength from our community. We are far away, but with you in caring spirit. Please take care.
Danette (DJ)
Ritzs and John, you may be many miles away from all of us, but caring never stops in distance. My thoughts and prayers are with you during your trying times. Stay strong and keep fighting back.
I see how important this is and wish to add my voice to the many messages already written and thank both Penny and Cindy.
@Ritz: I have missed not seeing your happy picture showing up in the comments and by rereading the list that Cindy provided see how many wonderful ideas and the enthusiasm with which you participated in this special community. My thoughts are with you and your husband at this difficult time with the hope that we will see you here again very soon.
Ritzs, I know they are working you hard in rehab, but keep at it, every bit helps. Tell the occupational therapist she has to help you find a way to do your clay work again. We miss you! Prayers going up for your healing.
Hugs,
Lin
Ritzs, I am normally a quiet clayer who enjoys reading these wonderful e-mails and working with my clay. When I heard the news of your surgery I knew I had to jump in and let you know that I also am sending you love and prayers for a complete recovery so you can come home and enjoy everything you hold near and dear to your heart. Many prayers are being sent your way.
Hugs
Adrienne
Ritz, Dear friend you hang in there. I will keep you in my daily prayers for a fast recovery. Sending you lots of hug & kisses oxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxooxoxoxoxoxoxox……..
Is there an address (maybe of the hospital or a post office box if they don’t want to give-out the home address,) so that we can send actual letters or gifts/flowers/polymer clay jewelry? Or would international packages be more of a problem because of customs? I just want to do whatever I can to help and inspire our dear friend at this difficult time…
Dear Ritzs, I’m keeping you and John in my prayers. Please, God, help Ritzs to overcome the pain and paralysis that she is dealing with now.
Ritz, I’m visioning you fully recovered and pain free. Claying like crazy and loving life. I’m looking forward to seeing more of your creativity and inspiration. I will hold this vision until you’re back with us. Much love to you and John.
Thank you Penny and Cindy for the news and letting us add all of our positive vibration to Ritz recovery.
I wish you the quickest recovery! I’m sure you can over come this. Positive thinking will get you far! My prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. This group has given so much to me and has made a hugh difference in my life. We truly are a family! Have faith that your recovery will happen soon. We are all behind you and pray for the best! Sending you a cyber HUG!!! xoxoxoxox
Dear Ritzs, I hope by the time you read all these wonderful prayers and wishes for you that will be back home and enjoying life again. Our thoughts are with you and John and I’m sure we all wish we could be there to you help you both.
Penny, thank you for letting us know. If you think it would help to send cards, we will if you can get us an address.
Dear Ritzs,
Wishing you and your husband the very best as you recover from your ordeal. Hang in there… we’re all hoping for the best possible outcome, and look forward to enjoying your company again here in cyberspace.
Hugs,
Sue
Words fail me as the tears fall. My heart aches for you and your husband during this more than trying time. You have been such an inspiration here and I long for the day you will be with us again. Miracles do happen … you know they do. Trust in a miracle for yourself. We are storming the gates of heaven for you. You are loved, special lady. Hugs & prayers, Carolyn
Dear Ritz and John,
I’m so sorry to hear that the surgery gave more problems – instead of solving them. Words are so inadequate!
With your gumption though, I can see you getting your body to work again!
You said in your last message on this blog that you easily get bored. Is there anything I (we?) could send you to help with that boredom? CDs, DVDs, books (about clay ;-) ) or ……..? Please don’t hesitate.
My thoughts and very best wishes go out to you.
Hanne
What does everyone think about a “card shower” for Ritzs? Cindy, would you be able to post the address of the hospital or rehab where she’s staying?
Tanya, I think the card shower is a wonderful idea.
Ritz, you are in my prayers, and so missed here. I wish you and your husband the best for a speedy recovery.
Ritzs, you are in my prayers. And thank God for such a wonderful treasure John is. It is hard to find any words to comfort you but know that we are all thinking of you.
Thank you so much everyone for the outpouring of support. Keep the comments coming. Penny-V will be printing out this page for Ritzs as soon as it looks like the comments are slowing down a bit.
In regards to getting a mailing address for Ritzs, I chatted with Penny this morning via email, and she is going to talk with John to see how he feels about this.
Lots of healing thoughts and prayers are flying your way dear Ritzs. It is difficult to add to all that has been said before on this thread except ditto. Sincerely hoping to hear from you on here in the not too distant future.
Dal ati!, Daliwch ati!
Pob lwc
Lawrence
wishing you a full and speedy recovery Ritz ,we all miss your helpful advice
and cheery presence .
@Tanya, Jocelyn, Penny: I’m in for a card shower, or whatever I can do to help let Rita/Ritzs know we’re thinking of her…missing her…sending positive thoughts, prayers, energy flowing her way. I’m not sure exactly how it works, but I’m in anyway! Maybe post the how-to details on a Facebook post instead, though? Or another thread, maybe the last ‘Open Mic’?That way this page can remain being only about the positive messages to our friend. Just an idea…
I’m a little late getting my words in because we’ve been attending our granddaughter’s graduation as Doctor of Physical Therapy. Hope you have a doctor like her to help you in your journey to wellness. May you keep a positive attitude for each small step you take. As you can see there are a lot of people cheering you on.
Dear Ritzs, I’m so sorry to hear this…..With all these prayers going your way, you’re bound to recover….Mine included. I am so shocked and speechless to hear this. Please….fight hard to come back here. Miss you…….Love, Honey
Dear John and Ritzs, we will hold you in our hearts and our prayers, wishing you all the best love the world can bring your way !
Take care
Tina Adams
Katy Texas
Dear Ritzs,We will miss your observant, eager, & talented posts on the blog so please hurry back! Praying for you & John!
Dear Ritzs and John,
You are both in my thoughts and prayers.
Please BELIEVE Ritzs! Believe with all your heart and soul that miracles happen in this very age that we live in. Please read James 5:13-16 and believe it, do it, trust HIM. Hold tight to His promises for you Ritzs. Know that He has a plan and He loves you more than anything. I have taken this from Psalm 37 and I hope you will read it often and that it will bring you peace – Trust in the Lord, Delight in the Lord, Commit to the Lord, Rest in the Lord. You are so loved.
God Bless You and Strengthen You,
Cheryl V.
My thoughts and prayers are with Ritzs and John. May God bless and keep you strong.
Update on Ritz: When I rang John I of course asked him how Ritz is. He saw her yesterday and she was not so good having had a series of x-rays and scans. The latest is that they think (but are not sure yet) that she has cracked her shoulder when she fell back one day in the hospital. She can surely do without that! Poor John is finding it very tiring (and I guess expensive) traveling the 200 mile round trip to the hospital – I am sure he won’t mind my telling you he is 81 years old!
I feel for them both.
@Penny: Hi Penny, this is such a wonderful thing for you to do not only for Ritz and John but for all of us also. I just found this out about Ritzs 10 minutes ago. I have been ill and away from my computer almost completely for over a week. I read what I could, it is just to sad when someone so kind has to face something like this. She is so very kind and sounds like she has a wonderful supporting husband. She will be in my prayers continuously till better. I have a few questions I would like to ask you if I write a note for John and Ritz and give you my email address at the bottom of the note would you please send me your email address so I can contact you with a couple of important questions I would rather not bring up to everyone yet. I would very much appreciate this.
Thank you, Peggy
So sorry that you have been feeling ill, Peggy. I’m glad you finally got chance to see this message.
@Everyone-1: Just an FYI that Peggy and her husband are celebrating a their 33rd Wedding Anniversary today. You can wish them well over this post.
@Everyone-2: Penny sent an email saying that yesterday, John was able to get the print out of all the messages here over to Ritzs in the hospital.
@Penny, if you end up hearing anything back from John or Ritzs, please do post a quick update here to keep us in the loop. Thanks so much for everything you have done to help bring a bit of joy to our dear friend Ritz.
ritzs. So sorry to hear about your troubles. I’m praying for wisdom for the drs. and for strength for you and your husband as you go through this trial. God bless you.
Thank you Cindy for the Anniversary wishes. I read my message and I really messed it up. I should never try to post any messages between midnight and 6 am. Who am I kidding I am confused 24 hours a day now. But I had read the message from Penny and I have wrote to her a couple of times. She is the sweetest. Right now I will just continue to pray for Ritzs and John as they both need our prayers and if you are not religious then just put them in your thoughts, it all helps. Thank you again Cindy you are a great teacher and a wonderful friend to us all.
Miss you all when I’m off in lala land, Peggy
I am new here and really do not know Ritz and John but my prayers and thoughts are with you both. Keep the faith. PEACE CHAZ
update on Rita: As a result of a request from Elizabeth S for an update on Ritz I rang John today. She had a bad weekend because she had a blockage in her intestines. It turns out she has osteoarthritis in her shoulder (not a break), and she is, John tells me, constantly tired as a result of the pain and the medication.
However, she has started using her right arm a little and they are optimistic although she, predictably, gets very ‘down’ at times. They are having a ‘goal’ meeting (in the UK everyone in the National Health Service who is involved with treatment, family as well, get together to discuss the future of the patient) very soon and the provisional date for her relase from hospital is 29th October.
@Penny – Thank you so much for the update on Ritz! What wonderful news that she is using her right arm a little. I have faith that before we know it she will be using it a lot. I continue to pray for her full recovery, freedom from pain, encouragement, and faith. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for keeping us in the loop. You are in my prayers as well. Have a blessed day.
That is wonderful and encouraging news! I’m also praying for the same things as Cheryl V. Thanks so much Cindy!!
UPDATE ON RITZ… She is back home again… YAY!!!
Earlier this morning, Pollyanna posted a comment about Ritzs in another thread (see the “How is Ritz doing” link by my name above). And coincidentally, almost at the same time, an email from Ritz appeared in my in box. Here’s what she said…
“Dearest Cindy & Penny and all at the blog. Thank you all so much for your kindness and gifts, it brings tears to me every time i look thru it all, I came home on the 29 Oct and still a long way to go, I am typing with my left hand it seems so strange i can now walk in the house with a frame and a wheelchair to go out as i cant walk far I thank all your prayers for getting me this far I am told it will take at least a year but never be as before my surgery love to you all Ritzs.”
Ritz – wonderful news that you are home – I am assuming that younow have access to your computer and will be reading this. I am sure that everyone of Cindy’s community will be so relieved that you are a little better now and will be watching your progress for the forseable future.
Ritzs, Welcome home. Sounds like you’ve come a long way and still have a ways to go. We are all pulling for you and hope you continue improving. We all miss you.
Andrea
Rita, thank Goodness you are home! I’ve thought about you so much, and I continue to pray for you and send positive energy your way. You have already been through so much, but it will get better, slowly but surely. You say you’ll never be “as you were”, but you WILL get to a point were you can do things yourself, things that make you happy, and you won’t have to rely on others forever. Keep that fighting spirit alive…that’s what will get you through this and make you strong again.
That left hand will probably get a workout now; I’m guessing you’ve been itching to roam the internet & see what’s happening here at the blog and in Cyberspace? If you ever want to talk, contact me on Facebook (that’s a great place to chat and communicate with others, if you feel like it.) Name: Gianna Spelling; my icon is the same as my Gravatar image here. If you prefer NOT to start a Facebook account, you could message me with your email, then I’ll write back from my email account instead of Facebook.
I’m happy for your husband, John, too…he no longer has to travel miles to see his wife! I hope he’s getting a bit of rest, too. Best of luck to the both of you in this journey! I hope you heal rapidly, Rita, and that your pain levels are low as can be. Stay tough…you can overcome this! Sending love your way (just checking my ‘Wales’ geography to be sure the flight path’s right, LOL.) Take care, dear lady! Kat
Welcome back, Rita!! I pray you will have a speedy recovery. We missed you very much. Join us on FB at More Than Clay. Linda set this up where we can talk about off topic subjects. Plus, you can see how we all submitted our beads for your necklace of love. Take care and take it easy!
Dear Ritz and John, How wonderful that you are back home, Ritz. It sounds like progress is being made and that is so wonderful. Just keep looking forward, the sun is shinning and the Lord walks beside you. My immediate prayers are ones of “Thanks” for the progress you have made, and for continued strength to reach your goal. We are all in your corner, Ritz, routing you on as we also know is your beloved John. Love is also powerful and there is so much going your way. We will love having a note from you now and then when circumstances permit. Love and a fuzzy hug….
Rita, so glad to hear you are at home now. I think people heal better when they can be at home, and it sounds like you are healing. I will continue to send my love and pray for you. We all have missed you very much and we look forward to seeing you around again!
God Bless You Ritzs, and Much Love,
~Lisa (((((HUGS)))))
Dear Ritz
So glad to hear you are back home and recovering even if it’s a wee bit slow. Right now, my prayer is a prayer of thanksgiving and praise. Will continue to prayer for a full recovery.
Oh Ritzs,
I can’t tell you what it means to us that you are home and have reconnected with us. Like Cheryl, my prayer of the moment is one of thanksgiving but I will continue to pray for you complete recovery as well.
Love,
Elizabeth S.
Yay, Ritzs! It’s wonderful that you’re back home. Continuing to keep you in my prayers…that your recovery continues and you’re able to do the things you love.
Great news, Ritzs!! Glad you are back home. I will continue to pray for the Lord’s miraculous healing and His strength to pull you through each day of your recovery.
Hugs,
Lupe Meter
Hi Ritzs. So lovely to have you back here among us. We’ve been worried, but the love and prayers coming your way has been unwavering.
Come and see us on Facebook when you can.
Judy XXX
So glad to hear you are in your home now Rita!! We’ve missed you…it’s wonderful that you are healing and that you’re improving, bit by bit. Take things one day at a time, your strength will guide you through (as it has already!). Looking forward to hearing more from you now that you are at home, take care. = )
Welcome Home Ritz! I have two family members that have been through the same surgery they are doing well. yes, it took them about a year to fully recover. You hang in there and keep moving. You will be back to yourself before you know it. *hugs*
welcome home!!!!a new friend,rita hammock
Welcome to our claying community Rita. You’re going to enjoy.