Hi Debra

Do you have either an "a tempo" or new Tempo mark positoined where you wish the original tempo to resume?

I've often found that rit. works best by having a 'target' tempo to slow to, followed by a new tempo mark.

So:

In your music place a "rit." expression. Where the ritard section ends, place a hidden tempo mark indicating the required 'ending' tempo. Just after that, place another hidden tempo mark indicating the resume tempo. Optionally place an 'a tempo' marking (not hidden)

Cheers...

Daz :o)