Rita’s Story

Site created on July 23, 2019


***Please note: THIS IS NOT A FUNDRAISING SITE. It's just for us to update you about Rita. We are not soliciting donations here, but support for the non-profit Pathfinders in Aspen which is helping our family and so many others, is certainly appreciated. (Any donations in Rita's honor should be made directly to Pathfinders:  https://www.pathfindersforyou.org/homepage)


On June 12, 2019 our Lovely Rita was diagnosed with the motor neuron disease ALS (Lou Gehrig's). That diagnosis was confirmed with a second opinion at the Mayo Clinic on August 29. This devastating diagnosis will not define her, however. True to her character (that we all admire so much), Rita is marching on with courage, determination, and a positive outlook. She plans to enjoy her life, maintain as much normalcy as possible, and be with the people she loves.
We'll use this site to share updates on her condition. She welcomes your words of encouragement and all the love and support you want to offer. There may be times she won't feel like talking about her disease, preferring joyful topics instead.  Please ask, and she'll let you know what she's up for.

In June Rita's daughter Christy, son-in-law Nathan, and beloved granddaughter Clementine moved in with Rita, bringing a whole lotta love and support, and to be sure some chaos! There is no question that Rita, Christy, Nathan and Clementine will need the support of their friends and family through this. They have already been humbled by the kind and generous acts of many friends. They will try to be proactive about giving you ideas via the Caring Bridge journal posts, and please click the "Ways to Help" tab for ideas as well.  They are always beyond thankful for your thoughts, prayers, texts, calls and notes.

Rita has spent the last 50 years building community in Aspen, and we know her community will be there for her now in this very difficult time. THANK YOU!

Newest Update

Save the date for Rita's memorial and celebration of life

Journal entry by Christy Garfield —

Dear friends,

Today marks 7 months since we lost our Rita. I've been missing her more than ever. The six month milestone on January 1 was particularly difficult for me. A new year has come, but this one will be wholly without my mom. It has been so disorientating to lose my North Star, and I am still trying to find my way anew. It's not been easy, and I know I have a long grief journey ahead of me. But as much as I can, I am trying to have patience and self-compassion and to view my uncharted new reality with curiosity and hope. It's a practice. (Do you want to talk about or learn about grief?? I'm your gal.)

I have some news to share. We have set a date to mourn our loss and celebrate Rita's life: Sunday, June 2, at the Aspen School District Theatre in the afternoon. Everyone is welcome. More details will be forthcoming, of course.

I also wanted to make sure you knew that we closed mom's PO Box. That address was her portal to many of your lives. It was proof of her 50-year residence in this community which she loved so dearly. Salt on the wound, but it had to be done. We get our mail at 675 Brush Creek Rd., Aspen, CO 81611. I keep trying to muster the courage to cancel the phone service for 923-3327 but I'm just not there yet.

Finally, I am looking for some help. I have not been able to make any progress on a grave marker for Rita. I am not sure how to choose words that will do a life so brilliant and remarkable justice. And because the words will be set to stone for eternity, they must be perfect. So maybe we just crowdsource this and go with what feels the most true to most of us? Will you text or email me words that you think evoke Rita's life and spirit? I can't wait to see what you have to say. Thank you!

Please don't hesitate to reach out. I've realized that without Rita, I have lost a current and vital connection to so many of you. Rita kept me connected to your lives, whether you knew it or not. I miss hearing all the latest news from Lake Wobegon! I also love to hear when you are thinking of Rita, the times and reasons you miss her, a memory that made you smile. I will never ever want to stop talking about her, despite the inevitable tears it brings - they're just proof of my most profound and everlasting love for her. 

Sending love and light to all of you.
Christy

Read More of the journal titled "Save the date for Rita's memorial and celebration of life"
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