On the fourth of July, 2007 Caleb Potter was involved in a skateboarding accident.
He suffered serious injuries and continues to need all of our positive thoughts and prayers.
This blog is to serve as a space for updates on Caleb's journey of recovery.

Sunday, August 12, 2007

Sunday Morning

Whew - another surgery under his belt - he had to have the treach tube put back in for this Wed.in order to have a secondary means for air passage. I have never seen anyone so poked and prodded as he is now..but finally after 2 long days and 2 even longer nights, he sleeps. I managed to remember that every time I get a manicure I nod off - so out came the nail file, the warm water and the lotion.. and it worked. When Caleb is wide awake, so am I. I am finding that this sleep deprivation is a marvelous thing - you go a little crazy and people pay more attention to you - I'm workin it, workin it! I am humbled by this son of mine. Last eve when he was restless I actually climbed into the bed next to his side to just hold him, but he instead comforts me by rubbing my head. Caleb has always been so compassionate, so caring. He was always reminding me of people's names as we approached them on the street. ( people I should have remembered) At best,I tolerate the human race, whereas he folds his arms eagerly around every person he encounters and drags them into his world of laughter and pure fun. Those of you who are on the blog who don't know him yet are in for a delightful treat. We hold steady as we are and I am looking forward to the healing which will take place on Wed. I will let you know as soon as I can when he comes out of surgery . P.S. A question I would like to put out there -- does anyone know of a place I could rent for a good part of the autumn..I think we will be here longer than we first anticipated and that great Doc who gave me his apt. has to come back to work sooner or later. I want to rent - not stay for free - so if you have any leads, let me know. Thank you for being on this journey with me - it means ever so much to repeatedly hear the wise, comforting, funny words you pass on to me and to Caleb. I shall no longer just tolerate the human race - I too will embrace, like my son. Love, Mumsie

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

I will try to tap my sources for apartment leads.

Kevin

Anonymous said...

we might have a lead..deirdre's got a sis..lisa

Anonymous said...

Hello My Dear Sharyn,
Good Morning! You say that you, at best, only tolerate the Human race? I have had nothing but love, compassion, and fun times around you everytime I have been near....and I truely believe that you are much more like Caleb than you believe. As I said a few posts ago, you are a wonderful person and Mother, Sharyn. You are doing a wonderful job at the Hospital and in life at the moment. You are so strong and an inspiration to all. And hope that one day I may be able to be even remotely close to the GREAT person that you are.

As far as Caleb goes. Amy Ramsdell brought over a voodoo(is that how you spell it???Hahaha)doll of Caleb that she made with Pirate attire on and shillings in his hand. I make it a point to give it a gentle kiss and rub it's arms every morning in hopes that Caleb may feel the LOVE and comfort that we are sending his way. Hope it is working.

Love you both.
~Nicole and the Miner Fam.

Clance said...

Good day,

I too have learned from Caleb about being more tolerant.. so much we have learned?!?!
What a sweet boy he is to comfort his Mama, I am sure inside he worries for you, the way he always has..but soon come he will be asking you how you've been! Healing is in the works.. I hope you are enjoying your time in Boston, maybe cruise around some of the museums, when other family is there with him, set up a massage, or just check out the babes!! hehehe...
Love ya..XO!

Anonymous said...

hang in ther old lady he is going to be just fine. Sleep is over rated anyways. Just catch a cat nap on Caleb's lap every once in a while. Plenty of time for sleep later. MUCH LOVE
Judith

Anonymous said...

hi sharon, wow what a morning.. 100+ people running/biking&walking for caleb. brings tears to my eyes the beauty of this community... soleil and I were amung the volunteers giving out water for the runners/bikers/walkers and what a sight of community... love... concern.. commitment and determination.. I am so glad to be a part of and a witness to this whole healing process.. and commitment of community.. It's a beautiful thing as the Hatch's crew says often. Arianna is a doll to pull this one out of the healing / community hat.. and thanks to hatch's for the fruit.. So much help involved.., Becky, Jody, Sue.. 100+.. Soleil, karen rosenbaum (daughter kate went to school with kia) and I held down the turn around watering post with chris the cop.. tracy, fred ,symon ,reese and margret anne at the cental watering post.. and 100+... don't know all the names but do know all the faces and know that we are a wonderful little town out here in the scrubby pines and sand.. pulling for you all.. I am newly adorned with a Black pirate T and a wrist band that says pray 4 caleb.. The little town that does... love you all. We are visualizing caleb and you all healing with rapid speed and at "The wedding" in october.. what a blessing this precious life....hang in there. peace cody

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
Just to let you know Caleb has made his way to Newfoundland through more than us. We met a journalist from the capital, St. John's, last night, who was up near us for a literary festival. Turns out she'd been vacationing with friends in Wellfleet recently and what did she talk about? Caleb Potter and how everything in town is reflective of him, whether it's shop windows, the prayer vigils, or, of course, pirate flags. We were able to fill her in on some of the background and we all smiled at the small worldness of it all. It is hard to write something because you try to think what would be helpful and it's sometimes daunting. But at least if it's helpful for you to know how many people are thinking of you all then you've got it.
I will also check w/my brother who lives in a large communal house in Allston near Harvard Square and have openings from time to time. (and he's at our house in Wellfleet right now). and let you know.xoxoxox kathy

Anonymous said...

It feels like life is on hold for all of us. . . nothing seems to matter anymore except your letters on the blog and any word of Caleb from people that have visited. I guess it put things in perspective for me. FAMILY is all we have and is all that matters. Since July 4th my job can go to hell for all I care. I know you are felling the same and it is almost a relief. It's great to have purpose as pure as healing Caleb. All these trials and tribulations are a life lesson for me. I know a lot of people feel the same. Thank you for keeping us updated and uplifted.

XOXO,settie

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,
Well, I must say that this journey that Caleb and those close to him are on, has taken its share of twists and turns on a stormy sea. I pray that the waters will become calmer very soon and the ache in our hearts lessens. I have not had the honor of meeting Caleb yet but soon come! Knowing him thru Amy and some of his other friends and feeling the love and positive energy that shines thru them is just overwhelming. We all must stay strong. My love and prayers to you Sharyn and your sons and all who are close. Penny--St.John

Anonymous said...

I may have a good situation for your housing needs. You can reach me at 781.264.2313 Jackie

Sky said...

I picked the "healing" angel card this morning. I know this is what is taking place. The pain, the frustration are all side effects of the transformation that is Caleb's healing process. Much love to you Sharyn; you are dearly missed here in this beautiful town. And much love to each one of you that find yourself checking in on this page each hour, each day or each week. We are one another's support. Our saving grace.
Love, sky

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,
I am greatly relieved that you are finally both getting some rest. I hope it lasts. Soon this dreadful phase will just be a bad memory...and I think that you will be the one to carry that memory more than Caleb as nature seems to be merciful that way...we often don't clearly recall our most painful moments. I hope that Wednesday brings a swift change that puts him back onto his path to recovery. Two of my own sons three sons will be joining their sister's, Haley and Shannon in Wellfleet on the day of Caleb'e surgery...they are making their way to their grandmother's house on Long Pond Road. I will be thinking of you as they fly off and hoping that by the time I get down for Oysterfest, life for you has greatly improved - Suz

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, You might sometime remind yourself that Caleb got that openness and caring for people from his family. Apples don't fall far from the tree, etc. It's a cliche, but the reason things are cliches is often because they're true. We are all holding you both in our minds and sharing our concern with many others. People are constantly asking who Caleb is and are v. moved with they find out. jack

Anonymous said...

We were just visiting Wellfleet for a week, and were so taken by all the signs, pictures, prayer groups and thoughts of Caleb that fill the streets and beaches of your wonderful community. After we got home, we were compelled to see what we could discover about his condition and what we could do to help. Caleb is truly a spirit of the sea, and he is surrounded by love and compassion. We lost our daughter last winter to an accident, and we know how much the words of friends as well as strangers meant and continues to mean to us. Blessings to all who support you with their love and prayers. They DO make a difference. Miracles happen every day, we only have to open ourselves up to them, as you continue to do. Our thoughts will be with your incredible son, as well as with his entire family and friends. We hope to return to Wellfleet someday soon, and to see Caleb in his beloved community again. We will continue to send love and healing thoughts....

Unknown said...

absolutely not, Sharyn...You are staying! I won't have it any other way. Sorry.

Dennis

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn,
Did you know that prolonged sleep deprivation can cause hallucinations?...so if you can hold out a little longer you might get to see Caleb's Doctor ride into the room on a Harley with a big huge purple afro singing show tunes.
It's worth considering...

Heather from Boston

Anonymous said...

Sharyn-
You may not yet know us, but we are a group of friends who are amazed by the faith and courage of you, your family, and Caleb. Kassidy C. just took at trip to Cape Cod and came back with all sorts of information about Caleb. It is inspirational to me to see all the love and compassion that you have for not only your son, but everyone who comments and it must be great to know all the help and support that you have along this journey. These are all the reasons why all of our prayers and somewhat donations (were only kids)are going right to your family and Caleb. The three of us send all of our best regards to you, and we hope that Caleb is doing fine.

Much love-
Madeline D.
Abby M.
& Kassidy C.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharon,
About your rent question - When my dad was sick a few years back, Mass general had some apartments for rent, my Mom ended up renting on -- they're only a couple of blocks away and really quite nice. I'll get some more info and let you know... oh yeah, they're pretty cheap as far as that section of town go!
Keep your chin up, Caleb is in the best hospital in the world (not to mention the best wing, Ellison - my dad stayed there for about a week and it was plush!) and if anyone can get better from this it'll be him :)
xoxoxoxo from sunny Wellfleet
Allison Paine + Chopper

Anonymous said...

Ok Sharyn,
talked to my mom - she found out about the apartments through a social worker at the hospital. She thinks that it was only about 39 per night, and there's a shuttle that picks up and drops off quite regularly. Also, check with the Ronald Mcdonald house, which helps with housing for parents of children in the hospital :)
Also, Craigslist.com is a good place to check out!
Lots of luck + Love!
Allison P

Anonymous said...

apartment already rented @ my sis's...sorry! she's checking out other options though...it'd have been FUN!!! she has 3 boys (and a girl) ages 10-3...not that i'd have made you endure actually dealing w/ them bcz the apt. is separate...but it's the 3 boy thing & they're GOOD good sweet boys...& then the princess...anyway
lisa & i ate @ "the patio" in p-town last night after checking out arvid tomako peters @ art strand... -what a cool kid-doing his "very own" music thang...so our waiter, a beyond lovely kid from mexico... who we did an "insta" bond with told us "his story"...not knowing anything about caleb...before he told us he said "ok get out your kleenex you are going to cry".
2 yrs ago when he was 25 he was driving 5 peeps & crashed the car. he had head injury, slim chance of survival & was in a coma for a month & 1/2 (not induced). he exited the H about a year later. he is a singer, dancer & contortionist...performing similar routines as circ de sole. now he has been working 2 shifts daily since may 10 here & when he goes back to cancun in sept. he will try for the first time to return to his performances. this kid was a ball of LOVE. it was pretty freaky listening to his story as i felt like it was caleb talking...and the results alberto has acheived are the vision we are holding for "our" fleet boy. it certainly felt like some kind of cosmic circle being connected.
sharyn dear sharyn... when you are ready, just say the word & lisa & i will hop in our car to you...i'll reiki or rub you while lisa prepares your favorite food. or we can do it here or whatever.. whenever. you need to be touched, caressed and cared for as much as your boy. when you are ready...
onward my dear potter- lindsay's. big & soft hugs...
dakota has been @ his cousins all week & when i picked him up today the first thing he uttered was "how is caleb?"..love my boy...love your boy(s)...deirdre

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn,
When Dave had surgery there we used a list on the MGH website to find
a place nearby. They have their own places plus deals at private places listed, in many price ranges. It's at: www.massgeneral.org/visitor/accomodations.html. Their shuttles make it easy to get back and forth. We hope you both can get some sweet sleep to build your strength. Hospitals are the hardest places to sleep...
Sending prayers and love on ocean breezes--
Janet and David - Eastham

Anonymous said...

Buenas Tardes Sharyn, Glad to hear that Caleb came through this most recent procedure, understand the need to put the Trach back in..I know how the "poking and prodding" feels, my daughter was a 2 lb. premie, and I was always thinking they could never find another spot to take more blood, or start another IV. Some how it worked out, and she pulled through, and is now looking at her 15th B-day. Caleb is a fighter! Sharyn, I ran both the sleep and pain programs yesterday, and all night. I am happy to hear that he has been able to sleep! This is GOOD! I'll call to speak briefly about the results of this last session. Things are "happening" for the good....he just keeps sailing through.....no small wonder. You take good care, my Dear. Oh, and I lived at the Ronald Mc Donald House for three months when my Mari was teeny weenie, and it was a life saver. They were wonderful, and ever so compassionate. I highly recommend them and the service they provide. Blessings my Dear....Melinda from Greenfield

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,
When my son was having several surgeries at Mass Eye and Ear (right next to MGH), at the times when staying in his room wasn't an option, I was able to get a single room at the Nurses' Residence across the street - free of charge.

I continue to send healing thoughts and prayers your way. You are an inspiration! Caleb certainly feels your strength and love while he's on this journey.

Take very good care of yourself.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
OMG, you have to be the strongest person that God has made. I have been through an ordeal with a child, but you are amazing. I was quite young, and so was he (6) I only wish I had your stength and disposition, I came out a stonger human being and so did Rob. I pray for all of you each day. I know God will keep you in his care.