I lean over Caleb and kiss him several times on the bridge of the nose - this is something which always comforted all 3 of my boys when they were little. Caleb was a restless little lad and often when I would want him to quiet down I would click my fingernails together next to his ear and tell him he had bugs in there. ( The measures we mothers go to) Then and only then would he lie very still and I could rub my fingers inside his ear, cleaning out the bugs, which always put him to sleep. Funny how at age 25 the tactics still work.
I have been contemplating, as all of you have been, this wonderful connection which has bonded us together - Name the glued that has friends of all ages and strangers alike stuck on this journey with Caleb and with each other? Initially I think that we all might have feared an ending to Caleb and somehow one thought to the contrary, which grew, made us realize it was instead, a beginning. Caleb's story is universal, a tale full of hopes and dreams, a collective germination of willpower in a time of adversity and those of you on the path with us are the cream of the crop - true believers in the human spirit. I have only this to say - thank you for being there .
I will be returning to Fleet this Tuesday to be there with Shaye during his hearing for the accident. I look forward to seeing all of you at the circle. Perhaps you will light a candle if you can't be there.
Caleb remains as he was yesterday - improving and safe. His white blood cells continue to drop. I have seen more scans of brains this week then I care to see in a lifetime. I can honestly say that I will never be able to eat cauliflower again. Love to you all. Mumsie
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38 comments:
That was nice Sharyn. Very nice blog indeed. The cauliflower coment was the best. Hahaha.
Love ya, and I'm so happy that the Lad is doing well.
See you this week maybe???!?!?!
Nicole Miner.
Sharyn
I had to go out and buy more candles today. We should have a candle fundraiser for Caleb! Won't be back on the Cape for two weeks (boo hoo) so will continue to light candles and think positive thoughts in NJ. I don't think I will ever look at cauliflower again without thinking of you.
Denise
So wonderful to see another positive post today! I have wondered often what keeps me, someone who loves Wellfleet deerly but does not know you or Caleb, so glued to your story- so worried about him and you and so connected and in awe of you both. I guess in life these connections just sometimes happen- I do know that I learn from you both everyday and this connection has been changing my life in small but meaningful ways. Thank you again- for allowing so many of us into your lives and congrats again on more wonderful news!
To all the Potter/Lindsay family - So glad to hear encouraging news. Just wanted to echo the sentiments of an anonymous blogger of a few days past. There is indeed a very large and mostly silent community out there who keep you all close to their hearts, logging on daily to keep abreast of all the news and sharing with those without internet access. Most of us who are fortunate enough to call Wellfleet "home" find our conversations with everyone we meet coming back to Caleb. So many each in his or her own way, sometimes very publically, othertimes very privately sending their love and best thoughts to you all. (On a lighter note, the auction tomorrow night has great items, and great energy. It has been a reunion of sorts for some of us old auction moms from our preschool days.) Nancy Winslow
I definately think that caleb had bugs in his ears...boys are dirty!!! :) So good to hear he is still stable and having his nose kissed. carrie Rushby gave me some fabric markers for you so you can rock your gown and mask with a bit more style!! Maybe you can start a fad with the nursing staff.....who knows? looking forward to seeing you soon...give caleb my love....amy stj
Dear Sharyn,
So good to hear the news that the WBC is dropping. You sound a bit more rested - that's good, too. I'm sure it helps having Carol there. She's another amazing Lindsay woman who has personally endured accident, trauma, recovery and survival with style and grace. Her strength must be a wonderful support for you - and an inspiration in her own right. You're fortunate to have her by your side.
Still holding Caleb in our hearts in Provincetown.
My sons, ages 26 and 24, and I will be lighting candles on Tuesday here in California for the continuing good news on Caleb and for his friend Shaye as well. Bugs in their ears, indeed!
Dear Sharyn and family, What a relief to read for 2 days now, that Caleb seems to be gettng good rest. That's got to be near the top of what he really needs now, and for a while, so his strength can grow back. God bless you Sharyn for your true grit and grace. Our prayers keep coming. I hope you can get enough of a break in the Fleet to recharge those energizer bunny batteries that you have found! God bless, Andrea et al
Arrrrgggg-right!
Sharyn,
Thats so awesome you will be with Shaye on Tuesday.. Caleb wouldn't want it any other way I am sure.. Shaye (or Katy) if you read this our prayers are with you here, & will have candles lit!!
Miss u all...xo, Clance and family.
What beautiful words and thoughts! As I kissed my wee grandson on the nose tonight, I thought of Mum Sharyn and Caleb. My daughter was told a few years ago that she most likely would never bear children.....Miracles abound. I am honored to be one of those reading your words and sending love your way.
I'm a candle-maker, and there are several of them burning here for Caleb each night. And a special one near our sea shrine, built mainly with stones and shells from Wellfleet.
Pam K
Pam K in VT
Tonight I light two candles, one for Caleb in Boston and the other for Shaye. I don't know either boy but I know they are good boys.
Sharyn to have the strength to come back to Wellfleet and to be there for Shaye is AMAZING. You are a strong woman who I admire and strive to be just like! I'm sure you are rocking the hospital gown and mask with some hot red lipstick underneath.
Blessings as always from the Upper Cape. J
Hi Sharyn, Caleb and family,
I'm another silent reader who waits earnestly for your blog updates and can't comprehend the amount of compassion, love and hope that Caleb has spurred. I was walking down the sidewalk in Wellfleet a few feet away when the accident occured and have been sending my thoughts and prayers since that moment. Keep the good news coming, we're all listening.
Thanks again to Sharyn and the entire Potter/Lindsay clan for sharing this difficult journey. You have brought together folks all around the Cape who are strangers to you (like us), as well lifelong friends far and wide. We all share in the collective hope for Caleb's recovery. You are all so sincere and real - we are learning lessons from you daily.
We will light candles for Caleb and Shaye tonight and every night at sunset to shine the way.
Love from The Eldredges
Sharyn,
You should write a book when your all back in Wellfleet. I do mean that! It is truly amazing to see all the love and compassion extended to you and the Potter men from all over the country. As you know some of the people don't even know what any of you even look like!
Cauliflower is on sale at the Marketplace this week. I think I'll tell them to cancel their order! I look forward to your visit back to Wellfleet. I might suggest you have a police escort for crowd control when your here!
Kevin
So happy to see Jan in the water Saturday afternoon and I heard Kai was out earlier too. Then I read you've had a manicure Sharyn??? Thank God you're all recharging. And I want to borrow your hospital get-up when you're done with it.
Thanks for coming back for Shaye too. He is in our hearts as well.
For others reading this: Xmas Tree Shop has bags of tea lights, cheap.
Love to all.
Keep pluggin away!!! As for the cauliflower it never had much flavor anyway!!
I am also one of those "silent majority" -- I have never met Caleb, but after more than 30 summers in Wellfleet I feel an indescribable connection. Not a day has gone by that I have not checked your blog...but I have never left a comment. For every person that posts a comment, there are another 20 -- or who knows, 100? -- who are thinking positive thoughts for Caleb and the entire family.
Sharyn, I continue to be amazed by the compassion and loyalty that your family and so many others have shown and continue to show... the glue, as you put it. That you are making the trip back on Tuesday to support Shaye speaks volumes about your personal integrity and determination. I'm just ^&$^&$! bummed that I had to leave Wellfleet behind again today, and so won't have the chance to actually meet you at the circle. Please know that I tried my best to beam good thoughts toward the MGH complex as I drove north through the Zakim/Tobin loop today, and that there will definitely be a candle lit for Caleb in our home Tuesday night.
Jerry G
You are all loved by all.
Sharyn,
Sharyn,
The glue that draws folks here is amazing. I think that often as I am drawn every day. You are ever so right that this is a story of hope, determination, challenges and steadfast unwavering love and committment to a child. In many ways I see in Caleb my children, who are thankfully safe and healthy. Yet how delicate is that thread that keeps them safe and protected.
I see in your messages all of us as children looking to find our way and understand and deal with the challenges we are confronted with gracefully and with tenacity.
I continue to light candles for Caleb in my thoughts and meditations.
Hi Sharyn-Went up to Put-in-Bay over the weekend and saw a young woman on roller blades being pulled by a golf cart. I immediately thought of Caleb and how unfortunate that an act as common and innocent as that resulted in so much pain for so many people. Very happy to hear he is improving! God answers prayers so keep them coming everyone!! I pray things work out for Shaye in court. Hope the sun shines bright for everyone tomorrow!
Love ya,
Sue and kids
Sharyn,
So glad to hear Caleb continues to do well...he is one that has true human spirit (I think he gets that from his Mom)!
You go Caleb!!!
Good luck to Shaye on his hearing...he will also be in our thoughts and prayers. I won't be seeing you in the circle (I am in Miami) but I will surely be lighting some candles! you all continue to be in our thoughts and prayers! God Bless!
Sharyn,
You continue to be a mother beyond mothers!!!!!It is no surprise that you will also be at Shaye's side---I feel the bright sun is truly starting to shine on the Potter/Lindsay clan. Cauliflower will never be the same here in the Fleet. As always my love and prayers for all.......Margie
Hi Sharyn,
I've been following your blog since Caleb's accident and have been sending many prayers and good thoughts for Caleb, yourself and your family.
I was chilling out in my backyard today in Los Angeles trying to do the the LA Times crossword puzzle. I was having a hard time concentrating as Caleb kept popping in my head. All of a sudden my pencil ended up on the following clue:
59 Across - PIRATES EXPLETIVE!! the answer of course was AARGH!!! through my tears I managed a huge smile. Sending Caleb and you/family lots of good energy from the west coast!
Sharyn,
Your strength amazes me every day when i read this blog. My thoughts and prayers are with Caleb and your family.
Remeber to Breathe
Allison B.
YEAH CALEB!!!!!!!!
Yargh Sharyn, an inspiration to us all. We miss and love yall around this here town of ours, but can't wait to be blessed with your presence again!!!! keep up the good work bill, we'll try to contend w/ your progress in our own ways!!!!!!LOVE LOVE LOVE YOU GUYS
Sharyn,
The secret is out...my kids have fallen for the "bugs in your hear" and have fallen fast a sleep...Thanks for Sharyn
YOu continue to amazze me.
Love from Ventura, California
I don't know Caleb or any of you but a professor of mine, Dr, Flomenhoft told me he shared my story of birthing a helathy baby boy vaginally against all odds. There were literally three miracles that took place to allow him to come into the world naturally (which I SOOO wanted)ANd I know these miracles could no have happened if I did not firmly believe they would. So I just want to say to all of you, keep your hope and faith alive! Miracles really do happen EVERY day, if we have only the faith of a mustard seed!!!
Just knowing that Caleb is stable enough for you to be able to leave to support Shaye speaks volumns. I'm sure all your friends in Wellfleet will be so happy to see you again, even if only briefly. This blog should be required reading for anyone involved in the hearing. It is a shining example of the way the world should work; and leaves no doubt of the love, support and respect those two have for each other, as well as the whole community. We hope all goes well there, and continues to progress in Boston.
thank you m'love...i am happy for the boy. and i too never liked that vegetable that much anyway..
you say you are returning on tuesday but i swear i see you either walking or driving about town almost every day...then i remember.
the "baker ave beach bums" (maura-mom, monica, chris & dawn) are to be acknowledged & honored for their level of participation...they are continually @ the prayer circle, at nearly every fundraiser either spending $$$ or helping out, selling lemonade, creating wrist bands (pray 4 caleb potter) or whatever their next idea is....and they have never met caleb...sharyn, you have a rival in the great parenting arena! it's all LOVE & what a beautiful thing...d
It is Monday morning and you have not yet posted so I write on...
A big day for "the Moms" as we are now be addressed. The Caleb Potter Benefit Auction is tonight at 6 PM at the Chequesett Yacht Club. There is much to do and, in the usual fashion, help is pouring out from every neighborhood. There are so many donations from such a diverse group of people wanting to help; it is just amazing.
So, we look forward to this gala and wish you were here to kick it up a notch, but we'll do our best, in heels and lipstick.
We love you all and may peace be keeping you strong all day.
Hi Caleb,
That's awsome about your WBC being down...Well last night we took our little pirate Noah to Jungle Rapids..it's kind of like Chuck-E-Cheese but on a MUCH larger scale. We played games for tickets and tried to win the great big pirate flag...well only a few hundred shy of the 1,000 needed, but we will try again soon. Noah wanted to win that and put it on his grand-daddy's trawler (The Top Cat) for you! I guess we will have to go back and try again this weekend. Never give up! Never give up! So your mom is going back to Fleet for Shaye...what a mom you have. She is teaching me how to be a better mom everyday. I have learned so much from her over the past few weeks. What would Sharyn do?..I ask myself. She has taught me to look beyond the now and see tomorrow for what it can be, not just what it will be, and for that I am grateful. We are going to watch Treasure Island tonight and light some candles for you and Shaye. You and your family have become a huge presence in our home, and everytime I see my little pirate, I think of you and how your going to pull threw this! There are lots of fish to be caught, and sunsets to see! Have a great day, and keep your handsome chin up kid! Talk to you soon!
Love your Wilmington Pirate Family,
Christa, Capt. Jack & Noah
Wilmington, NC
PS...Arggggggggg!
Dear Sharyn and all,
God bless you all. Keep your ferocious Lion Mama spirit.
Here is a poem for strength and inspiration. By Theodore Roethke (Pulitzer Prize, 1954.)
The Waking
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I feel my fate in what I cannot fear.
I learn by going where I have to go.
We think by feeling. What is there to know?
I hear my being dance from ear to ear.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Of those close beside me, which are you?
God Bless the Ground! I shall walk softly there,
And learn by going where I have to go.
Light takes the Tree, but who can tell us how?
The lowly worm climbs up a winding stair;
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
Great Nature has another thing to do
To you and me, so take the lively air,
And, lovely, learn by going where to go.
This shaking keeps me steady. I should know.
What falls away is always. And is near.
I wake to sleep, and take my waking slow.
I learn by going where I have to go.
with care from a mom in CT
Sharyn,
I don't know you and I only met your boys once or twice in my younger years vacationing 2 weeks every summer in the Fleet. But it's strange...I was likely 15 at the time (I am now 25)and I remember being so enthralled by your boys...their look, their energy, their 'spunk'. The names Kai and Caleb have ever since remained on the 'list' of names for my future children. Bear with me, this gets interesting. About 8 years ago my family stopped going on family vacations to the Cape. We had all grown and my parents vacationed on their own in September when my dad could get some beach to himself for stripers. Well, 4 years ago, my brother Philip, who SO loved the Wellfleet beaches, boogy boarding, checking out the local hotties...was killed in a car accident. He had a traumatic head injury and we were told he was killed immediately. I had not been back to Wellfleet, but for a short visit since. It broke my heart, those were our best times together...the Lobster Hut, Chocolate Sparrow...but I returned. I came back this weekend to find the streets filled with signs 'pray for Caleb'...I didn't know of the incidident but I immediately knew it was for your son. I jumped onto the internet my first chance and have read your blog; start to finish. What a journey...this is the journey that my mom would have taken if Philip had survived. Either way is so very, very hard for a mother...for a family. I am praying, harder than I have for a long time. Your words have inspired me in a way I haven't felt in so long. I had become numb to the person I was before the tragedy; swept up in getting a 'good job' and making money and being succussful...but that's not what 'it's' all about. It's about LOVE...here and now. Thank you for your courage, your strength, your love. For sharing it. Your young man, Caleb, he is with God no matter what...we all are.
Hi Sharyn,
I'm so glad to hear that caleb is kicking butt, keep up the good work! I thought I would just let you know that I'm actually working at MGH this weekend- Sat Sept 1st and Sun the 2nd I believe, and I wasn't sure if at this point anyone was coming in from physical therapy or no? If not, I would love to stop by and say hi if you're there, or maybe outside of caleb's area if it's too busy/cluttered in the ICU, which I totally understand. Just thought I'd throw that out there since I will be so very close to you guys! If it doesn't work out, no worries at all, just know that I am thinking of you guys, as always! Godspeed and lots of love, strength, happiness, and courage. xoxo
~Molly
mkrump21@gmail.com
508-237-4689
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