Sorry about being off schedule a bit with my updates - I'm not exactly sitting around eating bon bons. So I believe my animal spirit just might be the horse - tho I haven't seen a single one up here I am always thinking about our similarities with the ability to sleep standing up. Here is the latest on Caleb and hopefully this will be the very last time I will be giving you disturbing news - from here on we go forward!!!!!
Caleb has a unique type of bacteria growing in his brain and spinal fluid. Leave it to him to always have to be different! This bugger is called Acinetobacter ; big name. Judging by my experience with big men I feel we will kick ass on this one. Big men are generally scary to encounter, but once you get past that,they are usually teddy bears inside. This acinetobacter, as we are told is "muy difficil" to get rid of and we have only two choices of antibiotics to fight with - the first is what he is presently on - the second can be damaging to the liver and not advisable ( only in extreme situations) I am beginning to feel as tho Kai, Max and I have somehow gotten ourselves into the programming of a Nintendo game and we are participating in a colossal fight for the "Lebster". Kai is the stealthy black clad ninja dude, arms and legs flying at the speed of light, sword as straight as 6 O'clock; intensely focused and Zen like never before. Max is the Southern Billy; bazookas in both hands and 2 more strapped to his massive thighs, ammo wrapped 10 times round his waist and neck..I am stabbing away with my cocktail forks ( a hold-over from the Stepford days) - going for the jugular and arteries of those who dare to get near. Do not fear our friends and followers-we will prevail - we will wear down and ultimately defeat the big bad "Bactor". Do you think maybe I need more sleep? I do! He is saying the course and I will be anxious to report to you in 24 hours of his remarkable recovery. I feel confident! I know that Cedar didn't want to make a big deal of this but I feel it is worthy of mentioning. Caleb was to be Cedars best man in his wedding this October. Cedar called and said they were putting the celebration off till next year because as Cedar put it " I have known Caleb was to be my best man longer than I knew who I was going to marry"! I am so touched by this. I am also proud to say that Caleb admitted a time when he and Cedar were more afraid of the "moms" then they were of the cops. Anne and I spent many a night chasing those two down.... We are fine - holding up in spite of it all and grateful as always for our close friends and our new friends who I promise we will meet at some point down the line. I wish I could address each of you with a personal message because each one is so precious to me. So kids - get out the big guns and join us! Love, mumsie
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
59 comments:
Sharyn,
You continue to amaze me on a daily basis. I am in awe of you and your boys.
Fight on, Sharyn, fight on...go get 'em, get the bad guys so that you can bring your good guy home.
Sending strength your way today-
Audrey
ARGGGHHH!!! Good work mateys! Stay tight to the course! more love and prayers, Andrea
We are with you daily and all the way.
Simone & Gracie
My heart breaks each day as I read your words of strength and wisdom. Why does the road have to be so damn dark and twisted sometimes? I have every confidence that there will be a long and beautiful calm at the end of this storm and the light will shine and the road will straighten I just pray that that day will be very soon. My tender heart is with you all.
Just a little quote from caleb while in the parade on the 4th:
"Maties....dead ahead! We're gonna break through this show here! We're gonna get ye! You don't stand in my way! Arrrrrr!"
Don't let this stand in your way Cabes. We are ALL behind you!
With so much love,
sky
Hello all from Sapokonish Way. We are certainly praying for Caleb that everything will go lots better now. Was looking at the moon and stars last night in our brilliant clear sky and thought of a quote: "Shoot for the moon and even if you miss, you'll land among the stars!" God Bless you all. Hugs - N & P
Dear Sharyn,
I agree...stay the course... will work out. Gail
SKY, I DON'T KNOW HOW MANY TIMES I HAVE RE-PLAYED HIM SAYING THOSE VERY WORDS.
FOR ALL. . .JUST GO TO PART THREE OF SHAYE & KAI'S MOVIE AND HEAR HOW STRONG AND CLEAR CALEB SAYS THOSE WORDS. THAT'S HIM WHEN HE MAKES UP HIS MIND. BLESS HIM.
POST MENO
Sharyn,
The sun will shine and the brightest you can imagine for Caleb I feel it in the deepest part of my heart. Sharyn you are an imspiration to all, more than you know. Margie
Wow..... by now you know... continued prayers and best wishes to all of you.
And I must add - I wish I had a friend like Cedar. What a loyal friend. What a class act.
Keep the news coming... good or bad. Hopefully it'll all be good from here out.
Peace-
Jerry G
Sharyn,
a friend of mine took to saying this quote from Christopher Jogn Farley's book-"Kingston Starlight"(about a female pirate)I think it is appropriate, and I think Caleb would enjoy saying it...
"...Go ahead, you shite-a-bed scoundrels! you slabberdegallion druggles! you heirs of mongrel bitches! remember the words of christ the lord-he who slows at his task is a he- whore catamite who should be buggered up the porthole!"
so, no slowing at the task of praying for Caleb, or of Caleb fighting for Caleb...or we all suffer the consequences.
also, it is a bit late for the Eastham blood drive (yesterday)but giving blood may help people feel that they are doing something to help Caleb-if not directly then indirectly....from a well wisher...
All we say to each other in town before we even say "Hi" is "Have you heard anything new since this mornings blog?"
We are right there with you guys. . . holding our breaths and praying.
xoxox,
settie, zack and Ella Mae
Stay strong. We're with you.
NY mom
"Above the cloud with it's shadow is the star with it's light!"
My prayers are with you ALL!
Every day, my heart opens up a little more, and breaks a little more. Unable to do much from here, my family sends our thoughts and prayers to you and the family, as well as to the most magical, beautiful place I know: Wellfleet. The community there is unbelieveable and I feel lucky to have spent time there, and to have soaked up some of the magic.
Caleb, stay strong and fight with the love and strength I know you have inside of you. Sharyn, you constantly amaze me. Kai & Max, I hope with all of my heart that my sons will love each other the way you love Caleb, and one another. Jan, it's been too long and my thoughts and love travel to you as well.
Alex xxx
GET YOUR 6 GUN PILGRIMS>>>>>IT'S TIME TO BATTLE, AND 6 GUN NEVER LOSE!!!!!!!!!
YOU ALL WILL PREVAIL>>>>>>>>>>
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS AND A FIRM BELIEF!!!!!!!!!!
Sharyn,
I can not say enough good words for all your courage! Stay strong! I am so taken by Cedar's gesture. His love for Caleb speaks accollades! You guys are all beyond special! Hold on to that thought for sure!
Hang in there,
Kevin
the big guns are out for sure, and we're with you all the way!
Your army is vast and powerful!
You wrote the other day that you're choosing life for Caleb, and it sure seems to me that he's also chosen life for himself...
his mighty will is the strongest weapon in your arsenal (even stronger than your bad ass cocktail forks)!
You (all) have been feeding and nurturing his will so absolutely...I can only believe that while he may appear weaker with this infection...under the surface he is getting stronger and mightier.
Sharyn-are you hallucinating from sleep deprivation yet?
Hi Sharyn and Family. A friend of mine lead me to Caleb's blogspot the other day, and I'm so happy he did. My name is Laura and I am the nurse who admitted Caleb to the I.C.U. at Cape Cod Hospital after his first surgery. You all have been in my thoughts since that early morning I met Caleb for the first time. I am so impressed and moved by the incredible support your friends, family and community have generated for Caleb. However, I am even more impressed by Caleb's strong spirit and willingness to overcome this battle he has been fighting since July 4th. The last time we met was when I was coming into work the following evening after Caleb was admitted to the hospital. The elevator door opened and there you all were with Caleb and the "flight" crew taking Caleb up to Boston. I have read the blogspot from "bottom to top" and I'm so impressed by the strength, support, and guidance that you all have provided for your "Yellowbeard" over his difficult journey. I just want to let you know that Caleb has been in my thoughts every day since I met him. "Hey Caleb..Keep on fighting Champ. You have one heck of a team working behind you, with you, and for you!" I'll be checking in daily. Once again my thoughts and prayers are with you all...Laura, R.N.
Hi Sharyn,
You probably already have this info. If not, it could be helpful.
I found this list on emedicine.com. If you want to read further go to:
http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic3456.htm.
As summarized by Go and Cunha (1999), medications to which Acinetobacter is usually sensitive include the following:
* Meropenem
* Colistin
* Polymyxin B
* Amikacin
* Rifampin
* Minocycline
* Tigecycline
Sharyn
Keeping a daily watch over this blog and finding strength and inspiration from your experience.
Love, light and prayers for you and your boys.
Patty
... fighting back the bact. with super white blood cells- energized and ready to clear the way to healing . trust your gut- you all know him best. You're all amazing. cedar's strength and determination have been beyond words. gentle loving arms are holding you all. ann m
sending every last bit of posotive energy up to boston...use your strength caleb to mash up this dirty bacteria! YARGH!!!
We'll light a candle for him tonight and look forward to good news from you tomorrow...
Sharyn,
Once again you rock! I never doubt Lebba will get better.. keep the faith, and know there are ups and downs to recovery.. also.. write when its good for you, we all are anxious to hear of course about Caleb, & to indulge in your witty way of "Sharyn Sharing" but seriously, please don't feel like any of us are let down it you don't post every 24th hr.
Love ya BIG time.. blessings to Caleb.
XO..Clance
Sharyn,
I agree with so many others... bring on the book.
Better yet, I see Caleb fully recovered (in time) and "Hollywood" looking to make his amazing journey to recovery (read:sharyn, jennie, kai, max, jan, shaye, town of wellfleet, dennis, doctors, nurses, etc...) a touching, box of "kleenex" style movie of love,strength,prayer,small town support, and so much more!!!
From what I can tell, Caleb is the modern day pirate. The only looting he does involves the heart, the mind, and the soul.
Long live Yellowbeard!
XOXO Jodi W.
PS. Go for Dennis... what's a couple of years :-) He sounds like a true gentleman. If you're not interested, and if he doesn't mind... auction him off! I'd bid :-)
ARRRR.. Sharyn,
Forgot to ask where I (and others) might be able to send mail for you and Caleb.
I'm very close to the hospital, so if you need a friend, call me: 617 355 2444.
XO, Jodi W (hint: ex- leftbank gallery employee)
Sharyn,
If you wish,I am prepared at your call to come to Boston to tx Caleb. At your service
With Love Arthur
Sharyn, While it's true that we all wait for your post everyday, it's also true that you have more to do than to post us. We can wait. As wait we do, for the antibiotics to do their work, for Caleb's body to respond and throw off the infection. We have to get used to waiting, as Cedar is willing to wait. We stand with you, Kai, Max and Jan.
jack
I know how much of a perfectionist you are - so I am going to correct the quote which is "break through the shoal" which is what he will do!Love , mum
ha! thanks love...glad someone can decipher that piratey language!
Dear Sharyn,
Love to you from yet another stranger, a visitor to Wellfleet in early July, and now completely devoted from afar to you and your family. Your pirate is in our hearts and hopes, and you are more of an inspiration than you could possibly know.
Forward ho!
with love from all of us out here in Western Mass,
Catherine, Michael, Ben, and Birdy
dear sharyn,
i will try and make a long story short. i was driving home from work(which is in the mountains of new mexico) a few nights ago when i hit a deer. the events of how i ended up with a bleeding head wound and many lacerations and bruises on my body are still a little foggy. i think i jumped out of my truck to see if the deer was okay and took a major fall on the pavement. when i was in the ER, i guess they opted to Dermabond the head injury(something like super glue!) instead of stitching. my friend came from california to help me recover and one of the first things she said to me was " are you trying to compete with Caleb .... NO WAY!! i don't think there is anyone who could compete with his strength and win the battle!!!
she doesn't even know Caleb but has been following the blog everyday since i sent it..
as for the Dermabond,i think you should add that to the "Lebster" video game, put it in a sling shot and FIRE AWAY!!! just incase the cocktail forks need alittle back-up. it seems as though it will stop anything in it's track....
and always, sending peaceful thoughts, energy and love
I got my guns out and blazing for your boy. I will be shooting out shots of strength, healing and love your way to kick some acinetobacter ass.
Buck! Buck! Buck! Now scram you bacteria!
Cedar and Ennie what a noble sacrifice you made for your dear friend. When the time comes for your wedding it will be an even more special union and celebration of love with Caleb by your side.
Love,
Kim Harris
Dear Sharyn,
You are as the old song goes "Riders on the storm"....The seas will calm and we pray that this too shall pass. As ever...We are thinking of Caleb, you and all!!!
Patty,Fred,Jeremy and Heather
Sharyn,
I wanted to write to tell you that Caleb is in my thoughts daily. I do not know you or your wonderful sounding family. I spend time in Wellfleet every summer and since the first time I was there it felt like home- it is my favorite place and I only wish I could be there more. This July I heard about Caleb and saw all the well wishes all over town. When I returned home I found your blog and have been checking it several times a day since. You are truely an inspiring brave and strong woman. Reading all of your wonderful posts has inspired me to try to be a better person- to be happier and calmer and a better and more patient mom to my two young kids. You and your children and extended Wellfleet family are so lucky to have each other and all of us out here in cyberspace are lucky that you have let us into your lives-especially at such a difficult time. You will all continue to be in my thouhts as you continue on the road to recovery together.
Sharyn,
You and the boys are in my prayers and thoughts every day. I was at the Cape again last weekend, and it was so nice to see all of the continued support for Caleb. I've never met any of you personally but I have been following your story this summer on here after seeing signs on a few visits. You and Caleb (and the rest of the kids) have touched so many people, and have so many people pulling for you - that speaks volumes on how great you guys are as people! I've never seen such support out of such a huge chunk of a state and beyond.
Hang in there, and know that he will fight this new hurdle just as hard as he has fought the others. His recovery will come, it's just taking a winding path. We're all here walking it along with you in our own ways, and you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Hugs and positive thoughts comming your way from CT (along with prayers that you are blessed with some sleep soon, you must be missing out on so much of it!)
Lauren in CT
Sharyn,
My great grandfather was a sailor from Italy who spent many a month out to sea and on return he always said to those offering a good meal...
"Sleep is better than bread' Of course he always had some great bread 1st.
Please eat and most importantly sleep. Caleb needs you to stay strong and well rested. You are amazing and your strength is making all the difference! With love,
A friend I hope you will know someday.
It's time for a big ole' can of
WHOOP ASS!!!! jodi
Oh, Mumsie!!!
He will indeed prevail. Caleb is a strong little bugger, and after all the other SHIT(Pardon my language, but that's exactly what it is!!!)that he has gone through, this is just another speed bump in the road of life for him. No biggie!
Never doubt the Lad. I know that you don't doubt him, and that you have the ought most faith in your Dear Son....but if you ever find yourself doubting him just remember that you this is CALEB POTTER that we are talking about here...Warrier of strength!!! Yellowbeard will live on to do great things and to bless us all with his presance for many a years to come. A true survivor he our Caleb is.
We love you, Sharyn, and hope that you are taking care of yourself up there. We are here for you always.
Hugs and kisses for the Lad!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
~Nicole and The Miner Fam.
Every night I lay down to sleep with my 1 year old son I say a prayer for Caleb's health and I reflect with the hope that I may be as strong and wonderful of a mother as Sharyn is to her children.
Sending you powerful thoughts of love and peace.
cocktail forks for sure! but what about your pruners, and the garden shears!? i remember you wielding those garden tools, sharyn! they make fine weapons against shrubs AND bacteria!!!
i have no doubt that caleb will pull through. his strength~ and your strength~ is pulling together the strength of hundreds, maybe thousands of people, many who don't even know him. strength like that might rest, but will never fade. it will grow and inspire forever. i love you. from afar, but in the heart always.
jen
cocktail forks for sure! but what about your pruners and garden shears!? damn, girl! those are tough weapons too. i've seen you wield them!!
i have no doubt that caleb is going to pull through this. his strength, bolstered by your strength, is feeding the strength of hundreds, if not thousands of people....many who don't even know him! strength like that might rest, but will never fade. it will grow and inspire forever.
i miss you. and i love you...from afar, and as close in the heart as ever. i can't wait to lay eyes on you all again soon. real soon! xoxox
Dear Sharyn,
a few words about sleeplessness, thoughtfulness, love, generosity, healing, touching single lives and communities - in other words - you...
"if you pass your night
and merge it with dawn
for the sake of heart
what do you think will happen
if the entire world
is covered with the blossoms
you have labored to plant
what do you think will happen
if the elixir of life
that has been hidden in the dark
fills the desert and towns
what do you think will happen
if because of
your generosity and love
a few humans find their lives
what do you think will happen
if you pour an entire jar
filled with joyous wine
on the head of those already drunk
what do you think will happen
go my friend
bestow your love
even on your enemies
if you touch their hearts
what do you think will happen"
rumi must have known you in another life...we send healing thoughts for Caleb and continue to hold you all in our hearts in Provincetown
Hi Sharyn,
Thinking of you every day, mom-to-mumsie.
Victoria
Dear Sharyn-
The seas have to calm someday, it's the law of nature. As I read my eyes fill with tears, but my heart knows he will pull through. Caleb is a fighter and he will continue to fight. I just want to recap to you how amazing the Cape truly is. How one young mans journey to recovery has united this place we call home. Growing up you always say you want to get away from here. The Cape as we all know has long, cold, winters and as a child they seem even longer. But as it be we all grew up and relized we could never truly leave. I see now what a wonderful bond has formed with old and new friends (brought together by accident) but truly brought together. To see how supportive, kind, and caring perfect strangers can be. Is truly warming to the heart in such a cold world. I feel as though I've known you my entire life and your family is some extended branch of mine. I know it sounds strange but I feel I am not the only one. I hope that you know you have such a strong support system standing behind you and how many people truly love you and your boys.
Caleb is strong and always has been I see now where he gets his strengh from.
As always, tonight there will be a special place in my prayers for Caleb.
xoxox
P-Town Girl
I think of you, Sharyn, crawling inside Caleb's mind, body, soul... standing beside him valiently fighting off the next onslought. A Mother's love is the greatest weapon of all, along with the brotherly arsenal of Kai and Max, and flanked by the thousands of friends, old and new, known and unknown who stand by your side with daily prayers and thoughts of you all.
We are fighting the good fight the only way we can from afar.... Spreading the message of the blog, spreading healing thoughts, spreading the love that you share in Caleb's name. Because of your openess, his journey is enlightening so many. I now believe in this virtual community, it is possible, it does work.
We will continue to visualize a healthy, whole Caleb joyously returning to his beloved family and friends, and to an incredibly re-energized community.
a South Shore Mom
Prayers are a given. Think ahead to next July 4th, do you think the town will be able to handle all the people that will attend the parade to see Caleb once again as Yellowbeard?
I for one want to be there, and I think I can speak for everyone on the blog when I say, WE ALL WILL BE THERE!! J
Sharyn and boys----we hold you in our hearts and want you all back in Wellfleet --your collective strength and love will stay Caleb on his course--every day I think of how you and Caleb have united a town and beyond.. If only this magic could be worked ( all the caring and understanding) to this weary world we live in. GBU. Carol
Remember lads- we are all in this battle with you guns drawn, cannons out, cutlass in the air ! Pirate flags flying from the top of all masts you've got an armada of pirates fighting by your side. Pirates, Ninjas, Hillbillys battle on we will prevail!
Dear Ones all,
What a testimony to the collective consciousness this is -- and to be part of it -- such gratitude flows! This is how it works, folks! Still, feelings come and go, don't deny them; just know in your heart of hearts that all healing is for the highest good. Thanks to everyone who posts their comments, and by doing so becomes part of the beautiful tapestry that Caleb is weaving in this world. He is doing mighty work -- Caleb, Sharyn, Jan, Max, Kai, family and friends: we are wrapped in Love and this is what it feels like! Call on one another for support.
Blessings,
Anne
REMINDER
Anything that has brought a smile to your lips, joy to your Heart, or a lightness to your step is a Blessing.
Anything that has made your life more comfortable, has lightened your burden, or has brought warmth to your home is a Blessing.
Anything that has supported your body, increased your endurance, or opened your Heart is a Blessing.
Anything that has made you look deeper, has expanded your understanding, or has increased your compassion is a Blessing.
Anything that has tested your strength, fortified your commitment, or forced you to grow is a Blessing.
Anything that has reminded you of how precious life is and has taught you to treasure your Relations....is a Blessing.
The Creator reminds us that Blessings are counted in the way that we choose to look at them.
-- From Earth Medicine by Jamie Sams
Echoing Anne's great message with a loud AHOY and AMEN. arlene
Hi Sharyn,
I haven't posted a comment yet, but I just wanted to let you know that I have been reading these blogs from day 1 on a regular basis. I send my heart out to you and caleb, kai, and max, and the rest of your family. You are such an inspiration and your strength and courage and your perseverance are without a doubt going to pull caleb out of this. I so so so wish I could be in wellfleet with everyone right now, during this period of time, to help in every/any way possible..but instead, i am stuck up here in boston studying and taking classes at northeastern 24/7. However, that being said, I wanted to let you know that I have been working on&off at both MGH and SRH, both as a physical therapy aide and a physical therapy student/co-op...and you are in the best hands possible to care for caleb. I have the utmost respect for both of these facilities- SRH thrives as such a great loving and caring rehab facility and MGH, well I cannot say enough about that hospital except that it is such a wonderful, excellent hospital,the best, a heaven on earth if you will. One of my professors calls it "God's Hospital". Also, I know the staff of PTs both at SRH and MGH, and they are all so intelligent, the best of the best, full of expertise in many areas, I have learned quite a great deal from them! So again, you are in such good hands, I would not wish it any other way for you and caleb in terms of healing and recovering and support. I send my best wishes and all of my love and support to you and the family, and I am in boston from here on out, it is my new home, so let me know if there is anything, anything at all I can do to help. Again, you and caleb are such an amazing inspiration to me, your strength and love is unbreakable and invincible, you will prevail!
Thinking of you guys always,
love love love,
~Molly Krumpelbeck
mkrump21@gmail.com
508-237-4689
8 wigglesworth st. apt #4
boston, MA 02120
NINTENDO!!!!
and people say I have an over active imagination!!. but I can see it now just as plain as day you guys battleing this one eyed creature with ten legs, four arms
three hands a claw and one big tooth!the fleetians standing at the gate with oyster rakes in thier hands and they are all yellin ARGGGGGGGG!The doctors are shooting big syringes full of bac killer at the creature. its surrounded and it knows its time is short.
who needs nintendo
give em hell kids
FRANNY
The love continues to flow from the streets of Wellfleet to the depths of the Whydah and beyond. We are with caleb, in our hearts, all hours of these past seven weeks. We are the strength he, Sharyn, Jan, Kai and Max need and will be here to celebrate with our beloved Caleb upon his return. Many thanks to all who continue in prayer, as we have moved boulders in the beginning of all this; and need to manifest another miracle now. Be well and Jah bless.....
Jan,
Hang tough. You seem to be submerged and almost subliminal under the mounds of good wishes on this blog, but I know you are there providing another bulwark for the boys. I remember you at a jobsite with the boys and they were running around and you coralled the most rambuctious, lifted him up, and hung him by the pant loop off a 16 penny pounded into a stud. The funniest thing was that he appeared to be so pleased to be suspended there, smiling as if to say, "that's my Dad."
"For the most part, fear is nothing but an illusion. When you share it with someone else, it tends to disappear."
-Marilyn Barrick
Psychologist
Holding you all in my heart as this difficult journey continues
Mom in CT
Post a Comment