14 February 2004
 
Today is Valentine's Day, a day when we pay tribute to that most treasured of all emotions, love.  So I want to tell you that my heart is overflowing with love for you Roy, because of your gentle spirit and your love for creatures of all kinds.  On this Valentine's Day, I give you my heart Roy, fully and unconditionally.

19 February 2004
 
If you are sad Roy, I wish for a smile to spread across your beautiful face.
If you are angry, I wish for you to let it out and move beyond it.
If you are frustrated, I wish you to be sure that all your hard work will pay off.
If you are impatient, I wish that the difficult moments pass quicker and the more rewarding moments last for hours.
If you are thinking that you are alone, I wish for that thought to vanish into thin air.  We are all with you, if not in body, certainly in heart and spirit.
 
But if you are happy, I want to think of you smiling and laughing.
If you are hopeful, I want you to believe in your vision of what your life can and will be.
And if you are waking to each day stronger and more sure of yourself, I can wish for nothing more.

21 February 2004
 
Start by doing what's necessary;
then do what's possible;
and suddenly you are doing the impossible.
~ St. Francis of Assisi
 
Roy, I believe your life has proven that you have always lived by these words.  Now more than ever, you must believe in them, and you must believe that they foretell your future.

26 February 2004
 
On my drive to work today I spotted a misty rainbow floating over the rain soaked hills.  I don't know why I thought of you Roy.  There was something so ethereal about it, and I pictured you in white again, with that misty soft ribbon of color wrapped around you.  You looked so happy in the middle of all that blue and yellow.  I wish I could send that image to you to lift your spirits as it did mine.  May you have rainbows often, even without rain !

7 March 2004
 
There is a Hindu story of the child in the womb who sang,
"Let me remember who I am"
And his first cry after birth was,
"Oh, I have forgotten"
~ Anon
 
Roy, at this time of year when the earth comes back to life, let each new day remind you who you truly are.  You are the boy with the laughing eyes, whose delight at the world around him is evident in his wondrous smile.  Your inner beauty has enriched all our lives, and your shining example of love for the creatures around you has served as our inspiration.  May the energy of this season of spring renew and refresh your spirit.

13 March 2004
 
Today I wish you a cloudless blue sky, trees with fresh new leaves on the horizon, the sound of water rippling in a stream, birds chirping in the distance, and a hand to brush your cheek like a gentle breeze.

18 March 2004
 
My wish for you today Roy is to share with you my vision.  In this vision, it is a bright clear day.  You are walking in an area of lush green rolling hills dotted with flowering apple and cherry trees.  You are wearing white silk and carrying a carved staff.  Beside you is Sitarra, her fur glistening in the sun.  Every so often, she nuzzles your hand as you walk along.  Suddenly, you stop in a patch of tiny white flowers, spread your arms and turn your face to the sun.  You stand there soaking up those lithium rays and they energize you.  You start to run, Sitarra padding after you.  Faster and faster you go, until you disappear in the distance.  I can't see you any more, but I can hear your laughter.
 
I guess what I am wishing for you Roy is pure, simple happiness - today and every day.

21 March 2004
 
I met a woman today selling polished stones.  She was explaining to me that the stone I chose was known to gather energy.  I said "good, more for me to send to Roy".  We got to talking.  She is from Nevada, and has seen the show many times.  She explained that you were always so full of life, and that your love for the animals just poured out of you.  She asked what connection I had to you, and I told her I was aware of none before October 3rd, but that now I send you healing energy every day.  This made perfect sense to her.  She said that I should be proud to have been chosen as one of your "angels".
 
I wish you many, many angels Roy.  To watch over you, to guide you, to send you strength and love.  Angels for an angel - that makes sense to me.

26 March 2004
 
Today I wish you a melody Roy.  A melody so full that it drowns out any fear and doubt.  A violin soaring like a hawk in the sky.  A flute as sweet as the nectar of a flower.  Horns soft and low that leave your body swaying with their rhythm.  And a chorus of angelic voices that float like a feather in the breeze.
 
It's a melody so natural that you feel it inside you, as if it's a part of your breathing.  And it brings you peace and calm even while the world around you is twisting and turning.  Hear it now Roy.  Let it hold you, let it sing to you, let it illuminate your being.  Above all, let it tell you how much you are loved.

3 April 2004
 
Our greatest glory consists not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.  
~ Confucius
 
Roy, may this six-month milestone serve to remind you that you have always risen to every challenge you have faced, and erased them all.  I know you are working hard, and will continue to ask more of yourself than anyone else will.  I know that you will never give up until you master the impossible again.  I wish that each day bring you more success than the one before, I wish you all the love and support you may ever need, and I look forward to the day you bless us all with your smile again.

8 April 2004
 
Every night before I close my eyes to sleep, I speak to you quietly, dear Roy.  I ask you to have faith and patience.  I ask you to take my love, energy, and strength, to help you in your continued healing and recovery.  These past few nights, I have had a strange sensation - I have felt as though my energy is reaching a barrier.  I think I know what this means.  It means that your own life force is growing stronger and stronger.
 
So my wish tonight is to keep sensing that barrier, because I know it means you are making your way back to us.  Please know that we are all here.  We will never forget you, and we will never stop longing for the day you walk out of the shadows and light up our lives again.

13 April 2004
 
Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.
~ Leonardo da Vinci
 
Roy, your life has been spent flying higher than most people could imagine.  And you have the spirit of the restless hawk in you still.  I know that you will reach for the stars now, and pull them down to shine for you.  I wish you strength and courage in your quest to fly again, dear Roy.  May your eyes turn eternally skyward.

17 April 2004
 
It's a rainy day here where I live Roy, so I wish that every day you wake there is one less cloud on your horizon.  May every day bring you more freedom of movement, greater strength and endurance, and a more complete sense of well-being.  I wish you a peaceful soul Roy, and a mind free of doubt.  You are working on your greatest masterpiece right now.  The hearts of all your admirers are filled to the brim with love for you, and you have made us all so proud and happy.  On the day you step out into the world again, no cloud will dare appear in the sky !

23 April 2004
 
I am constantly inspired by this season of change.  Flowers are blooming, grass is getting lush, bees are creating hives.  Each day is distinctly different from the last, except for one thing - you still occupy a permanent place inside my heart.  I cannot wake from my sleep without wishing you a good morning. I cannot walk without hoping that you find your steps stronger and lighter today.  I cannot laugh without wanting you to be happy and surrounded by loving friends.  You are always in my wishes, hopes, and dreams Roy.  May your days be filled with blooming flowers, warm sun, and cool breezes.

Roy, how I wish to see you fly !  I know you will settle for nothing less.  Please have the peace of mind to know beyond any doubt that in life as in magic, anything is possible !

4 May 2004
 
Another vision for you, my dearest Roy.  Imagine a small bubbling pond filled with the tiniest golden fish.  Each fish has eyes of opal blue.  I scoop them up into my hands and toss them into the air.  As they fall back to the earth, they turn into doves of the purest white, and fly off into the sun.  You can see them now as they land on your balcony.  Each one of them carries an opal, and they lay them at your feet.  As you reach for them, they turn into tiny golden hearts.  You hold them to your ear and you can hear the bubbling pond.  My vision represents my fondest dream for your life Roy ~ that it be filled with wonderment and magic for all of your days.
All my love always and forever,
Ambo

9 May 2004
 
Courage doesn't always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, "I will try again tomorrow."
~ Mary Anne Radmacher-Hershey
 
Roy, I know you are doing your very best to make the fullest recovery possible.  I know there are days you want to give up, days when it seems too long and hard a journey.  But you will come through this, you will be fine.  That is why each night I whisper to you - I believe in the quiet depths of your courage.  I believe in you.

14 May 2004
 
After over 7 months, I think I am finally finding a peace with my relentless concern for you.  At first, I tried to find a reason, and failing that I simply waited for it to pass.  What I failed to credit was the amazing strength of your life force.
 
You are a being so full of light and love that it is impossible that some of it would not overflow and reach our hearts.  Even though I lived in relative ignorance of your existence, my heart could not resist forever, and so I became one of the many many souls that were drawn to you in your time of darkness.
 
So here we are, a tribute to your radiance.  We shine like little stars that were born to mimic the twinkle in your eyes.  We sing our songs to you, waiting for the day you can dance to our melody.  We are not going anywhere.  We have come to mirror back that light which you have given us.  We are shining for you, Roy.

18 May 2004
 
Roy, I wanted to write with such eloquence what seeing your face today means to me.  But mere words could never adequately express the depth of my feelings.  I can only thank you from the bottom of my heart for letting us see for ourselves how well you are doing, and for showing us that you have not and will not let this incident conquer you !  I remain steadfast in my belief in you, dear Roy.  You have the heart of a tiger, and I vow not to be surprised at anything you accomplish from this day forward !  I know you have many days of work and continued improvement ahead of you.  May the coming months bring you much happiness and peace as you grow ever stronger.  I love you more than I can say.
Ambo

20 May 2004
 
Now that I have seen you again, my meditations for you can be so much more precise.  Now, I can picture your face before me as I concentrate, and it has inspired these wishes:
 
For each of your eyes, the softest kiss.
For your forehead, a cool and fragrant mist of water.
For your lips, a taste of vanilla and rum butter.
For your hands, a soothing massage.
For your body, every ounce of energy and strength I have.
 
And for your spirit Roy, I continue to send waves of love and admiration.  Keep fighting, keep smiling.  I love the vision you have given me to live with !

Always,
Ambo

2 June 2004
 
Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.
~ Ghandi
 
It's almost as though this quote was written for you, Roy.  You have shown the world the meaning of true strength.  You have demonstrated what a determined spirit can accomplish, and proven all the doubters wrong.  I know you will continue to amaze us with the sheer power of your will.  I feel as if I am reading a book not yet written, and I already know how it will end !  I am grateful to be a witness to your recovery - it is truly your finest achievement.

14 June 2004
 
Of all the earthly music, that which reaches farthest into heaven is the beating of a truly loving heart.
~ Henry Ward Beecher
 
Roy, perhaps you feel as if your melody has been cut short.  Without the stage and all its thousands of lights, you may feel as if you can no longer be heard.  I'm here to tell you no such thing has happened.  I can hear you Roy.  And I know that your heart beats strong and true, still pure and still full of love.  There are those who cannot hear your tune ~ they probably never could.  For the rest of us, the music you are making rings in our ears.  Don't stop being you Roy.  I can't think of a sweeter song.
Lovingly,
Ambo

18 June 2004
 
Always
for you dear Roy
I am filled with wishes
I wish you moonbeams
dancing on a rippling lake
Stars twinkling in a velvet sky
The sleepy hum of crickets
and the hooting of the owls
I wish you peaceful dreams
from which you awake
renewed and alive
I wish you sunrise
over the hills
A new day
full of hope
I wish you
life and
pure love
Always

30 June 2004
 
The wings that allow the birds to soar above the earth are fashioned of hundreds of feathers.  A feather is such a light and fragile thing, yet without it there would be no miracle of flight.  Your recovery is the same, sweet Roy.  Each short step you take along this path brings you closer to the end of your journey.  They may seem small and unsure now, but they are the feathers in your wings.  Take them proudly, and treasure each one.

4 July 2004
 
In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins -- not through strength but by perseverance.
~ H. Jackson Brown
 
I'm wishing today that you find the motivation for your ongoing therapy in the continued admiration and support of all those who believe in you.  We love you very much Roy, and we know that you can accomplish anything you set your sights on !

17 July 2004
 
There are better things ahead than any we leave behind.
~ C. S. Lewis
 
Dearest Roy, my fondest wish for you is that you find that the days to come are fuller and richer than you ever imagined, and that you continue to find happiness in each moment that you live, just as you have brought so many happy moments to so many of those you have touched throughout your life.

24 July 2004
 
Nothing splendid has ever been achieved except by those who dared believe that something inside them was superior to circumstances.
~ Bruce Barton
 
You have proven time and time again what your determination and persistence can produce.  Your belief in yourself will get you through this too, Roy.  Keep focused on what you want to achieve, and I'm confident you will produce something splendid for us all again.

30 July 2004

I'm sure there are days when you wake and your first thoughts are sad ones.  When that happens, it's okay to cry Roy; to let your tears drain that sadness from your mind and body.  Have a good cry, and then....
 
Look at all you have ~ you have lived such an extraordinary life.  You have friends that love and support you ~ you have so many admirers, strangers that have never even seen you in person, but who love you more than you could ever know.  You have an amazing animal family and an awesome talent that allows you to communicate with them.  You have beauty all around you.
 
You get to see another sunrise today, and a sunset.  You get to smell the sweet air.  And if you close your eyes and concentrate very hard, you can feel your body healing and growing stronger every day.
 
So cry Roy if you feel like it, but remember to smile afterwards.  Remember that you have a full life, and a future that you can shape.  Every day is a gift, especially to all of us who are thankful that you are on this earth.

8 August 2004
 
Roy, I wish there were always rose petals beneath your feet so that each of your footsteps was met with their sweet fragrance.  Maybe then, you would have a small reminder of how precious each of those steps is to us.  We are all behind you Roy.  We are all still here ~ we know you are working very hard, and we love your fight and spirit.  Please don't be sad.  You have so many wonderful days ahead of you.  I know it may not seem like it now, but please don't stop believing in the magic of life.  There are roses around every corner !

12 August 2004
 
There is no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.
~ Ella Wheeler Wilcox
 
Your future has yet to be written Roy.  Your determination makes all the difference, and there is nothing stronger than a persistent dreamer.  I wish you every success at the Craig facility.  I know you will give it everything you've got.

18 August 2004
 
Roy, they say your recovery is a miracle; they say the fact that you are still with us is one all by itself.  Well, I don't know very much about miracles.  Where do they come from ?  Who decides how many each of us is to have ?   Do they ever run out ?  What I do know is that I wish there to be miracles for you today, and every day.  For what it's worth, and if it matters, I gladly give up any I may have coming to me ~ you can have them all.  All I want is for you to be well and happy, and to have all the choices you can handle for your future.

Please don't give up Roy.  I'm sure this past 10 months has been hell for you, and I can't pretend that I have any experience to compare with what you've been through.  But you have come SO FAR, and you will go EVEN FARTHER !  And there are miracles Roy ~ you know there are ~ you have seen them with your own eyes; you have held them in your arms !  Don't lose faith; don't stop believing.

23 August 2004  
 
Mix a little foolishness with your serious plans. It is lovely to be silly at the right moment.
~ Horace
 
Roy, I hope you are finding time in each day to laugh and be silly.  I think it is every bit as important as your therapy sessions.  Besides, you need to keep that beautiful smile in good shape.  We are all waiting to see it again !
 
Some suggestions for exercising your laugh:
> Marx Brothers
> Tiger cubs chasing their tails
> Bugs Bunny
> A good old joke
> Charlie Chaplin
 
Smiling at the thought of you smiling,
Ambo

30 August 2004
 
I am here for a purpose and that purpose is to grow into a mountain, not to shrink to a grain of sand. Henceforth will I apply all my efforts to become the highest mountain of all and I will strain my potential until it cries for mercy.
~ Og Mandino
 
May you never lose sight of your goals, Roy !

3 September 2004

9 September 2004
 
I just wanted you to know Roy how wonderful I think you looked in the photos just released that were taken at the Secret Garden with Maria and Siegfried.  I wish you could imagine how much each of these new photos means to your many admirers.  For those of us that have been thinking of you and wishing you the best each day since your accident, to be able to see how well you are doing is a true blessing.  You are in our hearts always, and to see your face is our greatest joy.
 
Love,
Ambo

How can I possibly put into words how the Maria Shriver interview affected me last night ?  First there was the horror of having to imagine what you went through the night of October 3rd, and my utter regret for the pain you and Siegfried had to endure in the days and weeks that followed.  Then, having it explained in such detail how badly you were injured, the heart sickening realization of how close we came to losing you.  And finally, the pain and sadness of hearing you say how much you have suffered, and the amazement at seeing how hard you are working to regain your mobility.
 
I am overwhelmed by your determination and courage, but mostly by your unending optimism and love of life.  I know that in your place I would not be so brave.  My heart is filled to overflowing with love and admiration for you Roy, and for Siegfried, your rock.  I know that you will both make something positive out of this devastating incident.  I am so impressed by your strength as individuals and as friends.  And I am so thankful that you let us see this unguarded portrayal of what you are going through.  I will continue to send you all the healing energy I can each and every day until you achieve your goals.

21 September 2004
 
The snow goose need not bathe to make itself white.
Neither need you do anything but be yourself.  
~ Lao-Tse  
 
Roy, every day you work at making yourself strong again.  You are determined, optimistic, stubborn.  And we expect nothing less of you.  But know that our love for you is based on what you have already shown us of your heart, your soul, your spirit.  These things about you have not changed, and for them we are humbly grateful.  I know you will never stop trying to achieve more - it is your nature, but I want you to know we admire you more than we could ever tell you, and we love you just as you are right now.
 
Ambo

26 September 2004
 
Dear Roy - you must be getting excited with your birthday a mere week away !  I hope you are polishing up that smile for your party.  What a wonderful gift your appearance will be for all those attending !  By the look of things, you are improving every day.  Your determination and faith in the future has paid off, as I'm sure you knew it would.   I hope you are relishing this improvement.  You have certainly worked hard, and you deserve it !  As always, I wish you joy and love each and every day !

3 October 2004
 
There was a star danced, and under that was I born.  
~William Shakespeare
 
What a glorious occasion - your 60th birthday, and the completion of a year filled with challenges you have faced with courage, and accomplishments you have made with unwavering determination and spirit.  May this birthday mark the beginning of a year filled with much happiness for you Roy.  May you find peace with your new life, and contentment every day.  I wish you all the things that bring you joy, all the colors and sounds of life swirling around you, laughter and delight, and of course love, always love.  The world was given a true gift on the day of your birth, and we are grateful for that dancing star !
 
All my love always,
Ambo

6 October 2004
 
I just want you to know Roy, that although you do not know me, I was there !  I was singing to you in German on your birthday morning.  And I stood out in that hallway listening to your voice as you spoke to your birthday party guests.  I couldn't always make out what you were saying, but the sound of your voice was music to my ears, and from the pictures I have seen, you looked so handsome and so happy.  And I joined as your guests sang to you.  I was not alone.  Others stood with me for 5 hours just to be as close to you on that special night as they could.  You are so loved, dear man.  And I know this coming year will be filled with wonderful things for you as you grow stronger every day.  I hope this was a very special birthday for you.  I love you Roy.
 
P.S. Could you please tell Mr. Siegfried that I think he is a gracious and gentle soul, and a wonderful friend, and that I love him too !

10 October 2004
 
We have entered Year Two !  What you accomplished in the past year was amazing, but I know what you will show us this year Roy will blow us all away !  I feel as if I am on this journey with you.  We are all with you in spirit.
 
You are taking the steps each day that bring you closer and closer to regaining your life.  And I still have so much energy and strength to send you, dear man, so if you don't mind, I'm on board for Year Two !
 
You will make this journey Roy, and you will make it something grand.  That light you can see at the end of the tunnel is your brilliant future.  And we are all around you to cheer you on.  We will not let you forget that light !

17 October 2004
 
Every blade of grass has its angel that bends over it and whispers, 'Grow, grow.'
~ The Talmud
 
Roy, please remember that you have many angels, always watching over you, always wishing for you everything your heart desires. One whisper may be hard to hear, but the voices of your angels make a resounding chorus.

20 October 2004
 
: : : A Poem for Roy : : :
 
Let the sunrise glow in your eyes
And the hum of the cricket vibrate in your ears
Of each new day, take the scents and the sounds
And swallow them whole
 
Draw in the beauty of every garden blossom
Deep into your chest, let it grow there
Take the drops of rain onto your tongue
And the stars into your fingertips
 
Make breakfast of every day's start
And dessert of every blazing sunset
You are kissed by the passing of time
Open your arms and embrace it

24 October 2004
 
I've dreamt in my life dreams that have stayed with me ever after, and changed my ideas;
they've gone through and through me, like wine through water, and altered the color of my mind.
~ Emily Bronte
 
Roy, I believe you are a master dreamer.  I believe that your dreams color your outlook on life in bold and beautiful strokes.  May these visions that you have dreamed continue to give you strength and a sense of purpose.  And may they leave you smiling often.

31 October 2004
 
When you love someone, all your saved-up wishes start coming out.
~ Elizabeth Bowen

Roy, you have given me a great gift, the gift of love without limits. This year has been one of incredible challenge for you. But for me, it has been a year of deep revelation, for you have opened a window into my soul I never knew existed. For all the command I have always had over my life, my intense concern for you has resisted control and defied all the logic my reasonable mind has thrown at it.

So I have surrendered to it, and now my sweetest wishes have a place to go. They leave me every night like rays of pure light, speeding their way to you through the darkness. If not for you, they would have remained locked in my heart. You have given them a home.

7 November 2004
 
How are you feeling tonight Roy ?  Okay, I hope.  I have been trying to think of something to write to you all weekend.  I am working on a gift for you, so of course you have been on my mind.
 
I find myself wondering if you are finding the time these days to satisfy your creative energy.  I imagine that you may be writing, creating a new show, or designing your next home improvement (or even a new home).  I know that you are an extremely motivated person, so I hope that you are finding ways to satisfy your passion to accomplish things.
 
Not that I think you need to accomplish much more, considering what you have done in the past year, and the challenges you still face every day.  I cannot begin to guess how difficult your life must be still, and I just hope that you are finding ways to let that Roy magic shine.
 
I wish you peace and love you very much.
Ambo

14 November 2004
 
Life does not accommodate you, it shatters you. It is meant to, and it couldn't do it better. Every seed destroys its container or else there would be no fruition.
~ Florida Scott-Maxwell
 
Roy, I wish for this day to burst open like a seedling from the soil, and for you to see all its possibility and beauty.  I wish for it to bring you intense joy and new meaning.  We are so lucky to have you in our lives.  May you feel as lucky each and every day, just to be.

21 November 2004
 
Every day, you wake to a life filled with challenges.  I cannot imagine how you find the strength.  I try to keep this in mind as I face the challenges in my life, although I know they cannot possibly compare to yours.  I think of you often Roy, especially when I feel like giving up at anything.  I find all the inspiration I need just thinking of how hard you are working.  I continue to wish the best for you every day.  I love you.

28 November 2004
 
In the quiet of this day, may you know the greatness of your spirit and may your hopes fly on the wings of possibility.
~ Mary Anne Radmacher
 
You are indeed a pure and vibrant spirit to have drawn so many of us to you.  May you find everything you are seeking in the months and years ahead.
All my love,
Ambo