Is kytrad okay? Jean Ritchie UPDATE 30 Jan.2010

Subject: Is kytrad okay?
From: Barbara
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 09:41 PM

I just got a post on another list to the effect that she was very ill. Anyone know anything more?
Blessings,
Barbara

---

Jean's son Jon Pickow started a new thread here (click), so I'm going to close this thread. Please post to the new thread.
Thanks.
-Joe Offer, 3 Feb 2010-

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 10:06 PM

I just got a call from a student of mine who said that he had heard that she had had a stroke and now she is in the ICU. That's all I know right now.



Mark Ross

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Rabbi-Sol
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 10:09 PM

My prayers are with her for a complete and speedy recovery. She is truly a national treasure.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: catspaw49
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 10:50 PM

Whatever I have going is going her way.............

Spaw

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Janie
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 10:51 PM

Oh dear. Visualizing golden warmth and healing light to her and her family.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 11:15 PM

I was just thinking it was time to check on her the other day. That one post she made last summer, was it, sounded so stressed and concerned.

She is a wondrous lady and friend. I give thanks for her recovery and join in visualising her surrounded by healing light and energy. We love you, Jean!

kat

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: GUEST,999
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 11:17 PM

She's a great gal, and you're right about her being a national treasure.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 11:17 PM

Peace and beautiful, clear light.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: MGM·Lion
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 11:29 PM

Indeed, an INTERnational treasure: all wishes for her good from this side of the Pond —

- Michael -

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: katlaughing
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 11:29 PM

86 years old when she wrote this extraordinary piece back in May: CLICK.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Alice
Date: 14 Dec 09 - 11:35 PM

I invited Jean to join mudcat years ago, and I'm so glad she did find the time to come here and provide her insights.
Absolutely a treasure.
If you are reading this, Jean, all the best to you in a speedy recovery.

Love,
Alice

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Francy
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 12:14 AM

you're in my prayers Jean........Frank of toledo

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Little Robyn
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 12:44 AM

Lots of love from New Zealand.
Oss oss,
Robyn

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 01:05 AM

Love and good wishes from Texas, Jean. And for your family.

SRS

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Lonesome EJ
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 02:05 AM

What a profound letter, Kat. I didn't see it before, so thanks for bringing it back.
As we grow older we see friends fall by the wayside, we see the world change in ways that are nearly unfathomable, we watch our children become adults and take the world on their shoulders, and then have children of their own. It is all a nearly inexpressible joy, and an unfathomable sadness at the same time.
I wish Jean well in her journey, and hope she can come back and join us here again soon.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Genie
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 03:22 AM

Beautifully said, Ernie.

Jean, you are indeed a treasure and a beloved musical soul. Our thoughts, love, and best vibes and visualizations go out to you in your hours of distress. Be well, our sister!

Genie

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: GUEST,Derek Schofield
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 03:53 AM

all best wishes from the UK for a speedy recovery.
Derek Schofield

Subject: Any more news re Jean Ritchie?
From: GUEST,Sandy Andina
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:45 AM

I read a Facebook post tonight by Cathy Fink that Jean Ritchie has suffered a stroke and is in the ICU. I have been unable to confirm this on Google or Google News, and nothing has come through yet on the Folk Alliance listserv. Anyone have further and updated details?

Subject: RE: Any more news re Jean Ritchie?
From: GUEST,Sandy Andina
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:48 AM

Hadn't realized she posted here as kytrad. (Found the thread below). Add my prayers for her comfortable and swift recovery.

---

Transfered Sandy's messages into this thread. ~Moderator

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Wolfhound person
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:49 AM

And from the republic of south Scotland....

Paws

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: maeve
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 05:16 AM

You have been a blessing in my life. Jean. Your joy and faith inspire me to give my best. Thank you.

Blessings and strength to you and your family,

maeve

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Bonnie Shaljean
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 05:38 AM

Kat, thank you so much for posting that link. I have saved Jean's message and will read it over and over again. How bravely she faces up to her fears.

I only ever met her once, in an informal evening at Roger Nicholson's (a lovely British dulcimer player) 's house. I had my harp with me, and we all sat around pickin' and singing' and just talking. And now he's gone from us, just a few weeks ago.

Jean remains a shining beacon of artistry and integrity and beauty, and she is in my thoughts.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Will Fly
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 05:53 AM

It was this time last year that I wanted to get in touch with Roger Nicholson, whom I hadn't heard of for many years, and Jean took the trouble to help me (a complete stranger) contact him. Which I did, and received a very nice letter in January this year - he'd been in hospital with pneumonia and wrote, rather ruefully that he was still alive - just.

Best wishes to Jean.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: JennieG
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 06:00 AM

Best wishes from Oz...some years ago I wrote to Jean about photograph on one of her songbooks, and received a lovely reply. Let's hope all goes well with her.

Cheers
JennieG

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: nickp
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 06:12 AM

Best wishes from one of the many UK folks interested in old time music. Nick

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: gnu
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 06:13 AM

Thoughts and prayers to a grand lady.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: GUEST,Kendall
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 07:12 AM

And from the frozen north a big pile of the warmest best wishes for a great human being.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Severn
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 07:40 AM

Best wishes for recovery to a great singer, writer and world class human being and one of my favorite performers in ANY genre and amongg my heroes in life.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: SINSULL
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 08:13 AM

Rest Jean. It is time for someone to look after you.
Mary

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: The Sandman
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 08:15 AM

my best wishes too.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: RoyH (Burl)
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 08:20 AM

Miss Ritchie, my thooughts and prayers go out to you from this side of the pond. Here's to a speedy recovery.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Art Thieme
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 10:54 AM

Jean and George-----

Old friends, be well -- and easy -- in this hard moment. You have done this folk thing of ours with extraordinary beauty and dignity. -- For me, you have always been a treasured informant and mentor who showed monumentally well what the tradition truly means as the roots and basis of all that has come later.

Love,

Art

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: katlaughing
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 10:56 AM

LeeJ, you summed it up beautifully. I am glad to have shared what I think is one of the most profound things ever posted to Mudcat.

I hope they are playing/singing music for her. It was a tape of Jean's sister, Edna, that got me through the first night after heart surgery. Her high, sweet, calm voice, just like Jean's, singing to me, calming me, giving me something to hang onto.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: mkebenn
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 11:08 AM

My prayers, also. Mike

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Bill D
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 12:49 PM

In a few days it will be the Winter Solstice....here's Jean singing her song for that time of the year

WINTERGRACE

we hear you, Jean...

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 01:24 PM

What I keep thinking is that Jean is already so blessed that even in her present situation, I bet SHE's blessing US. Thanks, Ms. Ritchie, for teaching a lot more than you probably realize. It's all coming back your way, now! :~) I hope you will come tell us all about it, or send word.

~Susan

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 01:42 PM

All our best wishes for a speedy recovery. The more I learn about you and your music the more I love it.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: GUEST,Michele Callaghan
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:06 PM

Best wishes to Jean and her family. Her songs have provided me a lifetime of beauty and peace and connection to the inmost part of the soul.

Michele C.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Joe Offer
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:11 PM

Jean, I wish you the best. Thanks for all you've done to help and instruct our little community here. It's a pleasure to know you here, and I hope some day we'll meet in person. Get well soon.
-Joe-

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:22 PM

Thanks for posting that, Bill.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:35 PM

This is from Cathy Fink's Facebook page. It was posted eight hours ago.   


News update from a relative: Jean has been in intensive care the last few days. The stroke occurred a week ago Friday. Initially, she seemed to be pulling out of it, and the doctors were hopeful of applying medication to break up the clot. She also was able to speak a little bit. However her condition declined again with more bleeding on the brain... and consequently the medication cannot be administered. Her condition is very serious. Her husband George continues to be in fragile condition with dialysis three times a week.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Janie
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:38 PM

Thanks, harpgirl, for sharing what news there is.
Hoping for the best possible outcome.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: IvanB
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:38 PM

Jean and her music have been inspirations to me since I first became aware of folk music back in the late 50's and early 60's. In 2006, I told of one way in which Jean's music influenced both my family and me. I don't know if Jean ever saw that 2006 message since I seem to have killed the thread with it, but the incident I related was one that I remember with special fondness and thankfulness for Jean's music.

Here's hoping we'll find you're actually quite healthy Jean, but, if not, I add my spiritual strength to all the others here wishing for a speedy recovery.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: GUEST,hg
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:38 PM

Jean is getting better, it also says in a later post from Jon via Dan Schatz. She is moving her arms and legs. Her son Jon will be posting an update sometime in the near future.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Kim C
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:45 PM

Thinking of Jean & George.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: GUEST,Jon Pickow
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:48 PM

UPDATE

Hello all,

Thank you so very much for all of your concern, prayers and good wishes at this time. Dad has read all of your messages as well, and wanted me to tell you all how much he appreciates your concern as well.

We are going to see her in a little while. When I get home, I'll post an update. For now, we're not sure how much she will recover. She suffered a pontine stroke (in the pons area of the brain stem). Last week she was in a regular hospital room, and was spelling some words with an alphabet board. She was able to say a few simple things. She then took a turn for the worse and became less responsive. We just heard today that she was following requests to move her limbs, and that she opens her eyes and is able to follow with them, which is a big improvement over yesterday. We remain hopeful and optimistic.

Thanks again for all of your good thoughts, Jon

P.S. More later.

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: maeve
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 04:52 PM

Jon- Thank you so very much for taking time to tell us some of what's been going on. Your whole family is in our thought and prayer in this household.

maeve, in Maine

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: Amos
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 05:02 PM

We're behind you all the way, Jean.

Fondest regards,


Amos

Subject: RE: Is kytrad okay?
From: gnu
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 05:15 PM

Yes, thank you Jon. Continued thoughts and prayers for Jean, her family and all those that admire this grand lady.

Subject: Jean Ritchie hospitalized
From: dulcimer42
Date: 15 Dec 09 - 05:29 PM

I just received this message from a friend in Kentucky.
I bring some sad news today - Jean Ritchie has suffered a stroke and is in intensive care. I am in contact with her family and will post updates as they come to me. We all need to send our prayers and love to Jean and her family during this difficult time. Cards may be sent to her New York address, emails to [e-mail].