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.

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

surgery

Dear Ones, Caleb's surgery is now moved up to 7:45 this am. and I am grateful - the waiting is only adding to the all too many lines on my face. Richard just gave the Doc's the last words before he goes " Caleb is my shot at immortality - take good care of him." Richard has been Caleb's friend, father figure and mentor for a good many years now and they are soul mates - they even look alike! I am eternally greatfull to Richard for always being there for my son. The surgeons have told us that this will be a very long and complicated surgery which will require hours and hours of work - so probably we are looking at around midnight to wrap things up - I will let you all know ( my friends and now my extended family) as soon as I can. Look for tomorrow's happy news on this blog. I spent the night curled up next to the Leb in his bed with him patting my head on and off all night. I dozed off and woke to him making a smooching sound with his lips..we kissed and I sent him off with a passion of good wishes......and my heart tucked in his sleeve!

68 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

I am glad they moved up Caleb's surgery time. I am sure you know waiting in a hospital is a drag. There was a rousing circle for Caleb last night. EVERYONE is praying for him. Hang tough and we will have you guys back soon!

Kevin

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

What a long day this will be for you, waiting to hear the surgeons' news. If you can, I hope you'll go outside from time to time to absorb some sunshine, maybe even take an hour to get your hair or nails done somewhere nearby.

The surgery will do much for Caleb in the long run. But we'll all be prepared for the next couple days when he will seem to be struggling again. Seeing someone you love after major surgery is such a shock, isn't it? Then slowly the body starts to shake off the effects of the anesthesia and the trauma. And THEN the pirate will be back.

Is there an address for you at the hospital? Our family has something small we'd like to send to make you and Caleb smile, and I bet a lot of others might as well.

Sharyn, have you thought of assembling a kind of scrapbook for Caleb on all of this? Imagine, 25 years from now, Caleb showing his own child the record of his victory and the incredible documentation of how he is loved by so many. It's the kind of thing that Caleb should donate to the town historical society in 75 years, when he is an old, old man. ("Local Pirate Donates Story of his Great Struggle"--I can just see the pictures in the newspaper.)

A long day ahead, but many, many waiting with you. Go, Caleb, go!

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
I am praying extra hard right now for Caleb and will continue to do so all day. I also am sending you peace and strength on this very important day.
You are a shining star in this universe and (I know it's been said many times on this blog by others and I wholeheartedly agree) an amazing mom! Thank you for all the updates and the honesty. Life is connection and I am just so glad that through the course of my life I've ending up here, drinking a cup of coffee, reading this blog, and deeply caring about others, ready to start my day with all the promise and hope that only a new day can bring.
Take care,
Kara K. Duff

Anonymous said...

All of our hearts are tucked into Caleb's sleeve this morning.

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you and praying for you, Caleb, and your other boys on this day which is sure to be long. Please take care of yourself.
Mom from CT

Anonymous said...

My Dear Sharyn...I knew there was a reason I awoke at 5:15 this am.. I have spent my morning in meditation and raised up prayers of healing, comfort, patience and Love abundant. Caleb is in the hands of the healers of the planet, and in the Almighty's ever 'lovin arms....what better place for wonders to take place. Wish we were closer by so that we could take you out to breakfast, feed your body and soul and give you all our love and support....you have it ALL. When you start feelling anxious today (or any day), just start humming AMAZING GRACE how sweet the sound....and you WILL make it through. YOU are NOT alone, we are all with you, supporting, loving, and standing right there next to you.....Believe it. ALl our Love and affection, Melinda and MAri in Greenfield.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

A long day for sure but am so glad the surgery has been moved to AM. I hope you will be able to "relax" with a walk, a cup of Joe, a massage..... while the experts take care of your Caleb. We are all there with you Sharyn......Margie

Anonymous said...

I am wrapping Caleb in white light. Good thoughts go a long way, as you already know. Sharyn, you are so strong, and so amazing! Our thoughts and our love are with you and Caleb today!

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
Best wishes to you and Caleb for his big surgery today. I don't know either of you personally, but feel like I've gotten to know you through your wonderful blog which I follow.

I'll be thinking of you both all day today, sending along positive thoughts and energy your way!!! Stay strong. Kristen

Anonymous said...

zack and I woke at 5:00 automatically and squeezed each others hand. It was so nice. Our energy for the whole day will be directed toward YOU and CALEB.

Ella Mae sleeps late this morning, she is exhausted from being at prayer circle until 10! She lays on the grass in front of us with her blanket of course.

I think of you lying next to Caleb all night and it makes me cry. . . . I think I will go upstairs and curl up next to Ella Mae in her bed.

thank you for being you,
settie

Anonymous said...

I will be keeping you and Caleb (and the rest of your family) in my thoughts all day today! Glad to hear that the surgery was moved up, he is in the best place with a great team. They'll work their miracles on him backed up by all the prayers and positive thoughts that have been comming his way from many different states.

It is sure to be a long day, but know that is a good thing. They're getting him all set and doing all the important work that needs to be done. You're at such a great hospital that he is in good hands for sure.

Hang in there today. Sending hugs, prayers, and thoughts about wine your way!

Lauren in CT

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn,
Just adding our thoughts, prayers and good wishes to you during this very long day. We were talking last night with a friend in Wellfleet about not only the extraordinary support from all around you, but how lucky Caleb is to have you there and right next to him. What comfort he must take in it. Big hugs from Bob and Kathy in Newfoundland.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
Your family is very blessed. Try to step back from Caleb a bit today to allow some other folks with his best interests to move to the forefront. You can momentarily take care of yourself because the healing space for Caleb is being held by so many. There is much for you to do in the days ahead. All my best thoughts and prayers.
Mom in PA

Anonymous said...

We're with you heart and soul today. My family sends all our love, strength, and healing thoughts. My day's journey around town will be a walking meditation for Caleb, for his sweet fighting spirit, successful surgery and recovery. Love, Elaine

Clance said...

I am so content on hearing Caleb has already been whisked away to surgery! Our candles are lit here at home, and luckily I have ALL day to be home so all my good intention, wishes, and strength will go towards prayer today for Caleb!
I drew some excellent cards first thing this morning all about rebirth, stilling the chatter within to see the true path in life, & that friends are standing by Caleb closely, to shield him from life's adversities!
Ahh.. Richard.. what a wonderful man. Caleb and him are like brother soul mates... I am so happy they have the support from one another!
Sharyn, a million + prayers your way today.. and I hope you have a relaxing day, as much as possible anyway! Love you... sending smooches your way!

Anonymous said...

Thinking about you all this moring.. Sharyn thank you for your strength and amazing words that keep us cape kids that are far away informed!! I check for updates everyday and send extra warm wishes and prayers today!! Lyndsy

"Life is like a blanket too short. You pull it up and your toes rebel, you yank it down and shivers meander about your shoulder; but cheerful folks manage to draw their knees up and pass a very comfortable night."

Anonymous said...

Just letting you know that our prayers and postive thoughts are going to you and yours....Heart felt and with the deepest respect for the great efforts you and your family have shown us to be possible. May all the Guardian Angels be with you... Flying our Pirate Flag High! LDC, MDR, AGC

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

Not a moment of any day these past weeks have gone by without thoughts of you, Caleb, Ksi and Max. Caleb is so strong....after this surgery.....nothing but good news and progress to come. We love you guys, stay strong. "Hottie pottie cottie fishkin"..."havn't got a pot to #*@! in"!!! Let's play a round of "telephone when you get home and press some ham in the van! love, jodi

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

May God's blessing be with Caleb and his family this long day, but also guiding the hands of all his surgeons. I log on to this blog first thing each morning and before going to bed - I am indeed "hooked" on the Pirate's journey which his mother so eloquently tells that the reader feels right there in the hospital room. Be kind to yourself today.

Wellfleet Grandmother

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
Simone and I are holding you and Caleb in our hearts all day long.
Love,
gracie

Anonymous said...

Dear ones in Boss-town.....as was said.... we had a rousing circle at town Hall last night..Settie sang so sweetly from/with her spirit...we all joined in...finishing up with some verses from LisaB, sky and and and the whole crew..and some brother BOB ...too!..and of course a LOUD MaaaaaaaaaZunga that morphed into a "YYYYAAAAAAARRRRRGGGHHHHH --- CALEB...." before the circle broke up and headed to reggae night at the comber....I have only incidental stories from THERE....and the beach fire afterwards....but/and we joined Sky...ethan...GB.... Barbie...soleil anne and cody down in front at Lecounts for " going back to Denmark" muffins and donuts...for SKY.....we thought of you and caleb and and and...a BIG DAY @ Mass general...our candles are lit...soleil and I are off to horseleech for a swim...and then Chair rock for a row /sail.....HOpe to share with you all when you can get back to town....WE ALL LOVE you....here's a little south wellfleet sand ...and blackfish Creek mud to remind you of home....digitally speaking ...of course....light!ly...ch/dad and soleil for sunspirits....all!!! (-;

Anonymous said...

You are in my thoughts always but I will be sending out extra healing energy all day today to aid in Caleb's surgery.
Love,
Kim Harris

Kendra said...

Sharyn,
Amidst the tears streaming down my face-- you make me smile. I have such adoration for you. I can honestly feel your strength and wisdom through your words. Thank you for continuing this blog. It does make us feel connected to you and Caleb. Keep feeling our prayers and positive thoughts.
Love you!
Kendra Lindberg

Anonymous said...

You are and will be in my heart all day!

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,

I am so happy that the surgery was moved up to early this morning. You and Caleb must be exhausted. My prayers are in full force as I write these words. As Amy always says in times of stress--"take deep breaths and let them out slowly." It works! Perhaps while Caleb is doing his job in the operating room you could take a walk by the Charles river and just "be." You are an amazing woman with stength that goes beyond any so-called limits. Just a little longer,Sharyn. I send my love and prayers to you all. Penny on St.John.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,
It's just after noon and I just logged in to give you my love before he goes in and I am so pleased to hear that they took him in early, waiting is the hardest thing.
I had a dream last night that we had a girls night and all of us were there holding hands around calebs bed. We will always be there with you in our hearts.
I'm so glad you got to stay with him last night. Tears flow when I think about it. much love, xo Carrie

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
Thank you for sharing this journey with us (your new extended family)
We are each beside you today and every day -just close your eyes and feel our love, strength and support. Today we power Caleb through this surgery - tomorrow on to rehab and the future.
Carol O

Anonymous said...

great circle last night...lotsa people and then dancing at reggae night at the 'comber then a huge fire on the beach..and i didn't get home til three ( deirdre got out of bed, came down to the beach and got me...what a wife!) . so much great energy out there for the boy today.. i am keeping his picture next to my heart in my pocket til he comes out the other side of this one. i have never seen such sustained committment and force with such a number of people who are all focussing on the same thing always... wow. it takes my breath away. love you guys.

Anonymous said...

i have one bead in my dreads for the ocean, one pirate salute for caleb on my wrist, and the wonderful but peculiar knowledge that everything and everyone has a way of finding their way back.

love

abby

Anonymous said...

Sharyn

Love, light and positive energy to you and your son on this day. Caleb is blessed to have such an abundance of love in his life.
I send a prayer and healing energy for him once a day from Connecticut.

I wish you all the best on this day that is filled with so much hope.

Patty

Anonymous said...

You could not step twice into the same rivers;
for other waters are ever flowing on to you..

Anonymous said...

Great spirit, that nourishes us, holds us tight when we are down and uncertain and vulnerable and engulfs us like a warm cloud- be with Caleb on his journey through surgery today. Be with his surgeons and caregivers as they work the talents you have gifted them, be with Sharyn, Kai and Max as they hold vigil for Caleb to return to them healed and again on the road to full recovery.

Let them know that (like the Verizon commercial) there are many many unseen who are with them today in community and with Caleb.

Anonymous said...

All that they've said above, and more. Caleb is in good hands. It'll be a long, long day but it's just one more leg in a longer journey. I'm looking forward to good news in your next post, and I'm looking forward to the day when I can shake Caleb's hand and see his smile. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jerry G (at work in Exeter, NH)

Anonymous said...

Prayers of healing and strength to you and Caleb and all who love you, both known and unknown. I too have something I would like to send...I think even beyond the scrap book, Sharyn, you could write a book of hope and healing and guts with the wonderful sauciness that you naturally bring to all your writing. He'll be back soon giving you those head rubs!

Anonymous said...

I am leaving for NH and will be gone until Saturday. I hope when I come home there will be nothing but positive happy news.
I will still light a candle each night while I'm gone and make sure my husband does from home on the (upper) Cape.

Peace and love surround you, may joy strengthen your life now and forever.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,
You are such a great teacher about what it means to be a Mom and to love someone so deeply.
May your love and the Light of all good things shine on you and Caleb today and onward.
Love,
Peg

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn, Good news that the surgery happened early. Unceasing prayers for you all. Nothing will ever be this hard again, Sharyn, nothing, nothing! We love you all. Time is going to be very important for healing, sleep, also. Good things are worth the wait, right? You are an awesome mom and lady. Caleb is an awesome bright light of a young man. Our prayers are unceasing. love, Andrea, Geoff and Ben

Anonymous said...

Sharyn and family,
Good luck and God bless. Today will be a long day, but hang in there it will be for the best.
Thoughts and prayers will all of you.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

Emile Zola wrote:

"If you ask me what I came into this world to do,
I will tell you:
I came to live out loud."

You and Caleb, so perfectly, live out loud and have taught has all to do the same...and living out loud is what you will continue to do after this long cruel day is over.

Sending healing, nourishing, loving energy your way today and waiting...for the good news that your amazing boy will come through this with gusto.

Audrey

Clance said...

Caleb...

What do you do with scurvy spirits inside ya? Make em' walk the plank!!!! ARRRRRRGH Matey you are coming out stronger, I am sure this storm is rather exciting, there's no storm that this Yellowbeard can't handle..you got this here storm lad..she is out to sea..!! You're the TOUGHEST, RAWEST, BADASS BILLY PIRATE to ever grace FLEET! And I love you dearly..!!!!

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

I don't know you or Caleb, but having a son myself I feel your pain. Our thoughts and many many prayers are with you and your family. It looks like you have a great support system going for you there and we here in Wilmington, NC are here for you too! Word has gotten around down here and we just wanted you to know that many hidden angels are thinking of you all! Tell Caleb that his friends on WBlivesurf.com are feeling the sunshine for him!

Peace to you and keep us updated after his surgery today!

Much Love,
Christa, Jack & Noah Jones

Anonymous said...

hey sweet mamita,
sending you peace in waiting today, we are all there in spirit with you, kia, max, and caleb. I awoke early this morning, knowing you guys were all there prepairing for his big day. Next couple days might be a bit rough, but its just be the begining of huge things for Caleb, I just know it! Hope you can take a little time today to do somthing special for yourself. You more than deserve it.
big luvs weeks

blackbird said...

I was thinking of you at 1, but I'm thinking of you now too - 6:04, and hoping you don't have too long a wait.
Blessings to you all...

Anonymous said...

I'm sending our Daughter to be with Caleb through this long surgery....She will take very fine care of him, Sharyn.
Love, and Prayers for you both,
and can't wait to here to GREAT news tomorrow. :)
Love,
~Nicole and Judith

Anonymous said...

Hey Sharyn,
The breezes have been blowing today and white caps on the bay. Caleb's flag flying high and mighty up on the hill. We know it will be a long day/evening for you. Hang in there....Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Caleb and the family!
Patty and Fred

Anonymous said...

Very big skate community here in Va beach. God bless to all. our prayers to Caleb.
Geoff Martin/Photographer/skater/ surfer/Manager of Richmond Camera.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
The time you take to write us your thoughts and updates on Caleb's ever-changing condition is unbelievably appreciated. Our hearts and prayers are with you both. It's no doubt that with his strength, courage, and love of life he will back on his feet in no time.
Much love - Abby and Jake

Anonymous said...

A poem written by a doctor about the need for all kinds of healing help:

"The aroma of a highland rose pulsating against the wind
A warm bowl of ginger and lentil soup, carrot juice or a dram of whiskey.
Pharmaceuticals
Hormonal and emotional support.
Meditating by the ocean, diving in its deep cool calm.
Sipping Lemon water, so cleansing on more levels than one.
Mind having its Healing place over matter
we can all be strong and thrive.

Freshly picked comfrey tea from my organic garden.
The sages use sage.
These things are all medicine.
The highest energy we can muster from above, coming down like a cascading sensation of completeness. Are we grounded?
We chant, meditate, rebirth, reiki and sling crystals across our beings.
All for healing .
We eat, drink and breathe our medicine.
Lighting a candle to the flame of gratefulness.
Yogic, tantric, meditative, art therapies, elevated and surreal.
The giving of our Doctor's learnings, ritual is cultural.
The surgeons have their preciseness of skill. Trusting and complete.

Wherever it comes from? Herbalism, traditional cultural remedies, western biomedicines, chinese Traditional, ayurvedic, early vedic, siddha, reiki, yunani, crystal healing, spiritual, shamanism, homeopathy, orthodox, avatar, fox, a prescription from your trusted practitioner, or a pebble on the beach.
The aim is the same ...
To cure"

You are surrounded by so many ways of healing. We hold you and Caleb in our hearts and wait for your news...

Anonymous said...

sharyn
we think of you and caleb often. I pray that this surgery goes well caleb deserves a little break now.
they are forcing the sleep but its still sleep, God bless you both

Anonymous said...

hope everthings going well. we've been thinking about you guys all day! robin & priscilla

the zurlinden/roderick's said...

Caleb and family,

Anonymous said...

Prayers to you and Caleb forever! Love ya, sweetie!
Sue

Linda said...

Sharyn,

i have never met you or Caleb but i wanted you to know that you have touched my heart.I am praying for you and Caleb and look foward to tomorrow when the surgery is done and your angel is on his way to a fast recovery.When i am on the Cape next year i hope i will be lucky enough to meet such an amazing mother and son.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

We've been thinking of you all day, all week, all month. Would love Caleb to know that Alex (full on 10 yr old surfer) wears anything and everything "Caleb" he can get his hands on... sticker, pirate Tshirt, bracelet... b/c Caleb, who he's never met, has become his favorite celebrity and he wants to be a pirate too (and an oysterman) (and Chloe O'Connell's husband) -- (just kidding if Jim is reading this) -- Just want you to know how Caleb's-- and your -- courage has infused our summer with meaning and hope for his recovery.

All our love,
Beth W.

the zurlinden/roderick's said...

Caleb and family,

We send our faith and hope to all of you. Basic faith that things do work out in the end, though it will be a long road to travel. We are sure Caleb will walk the July 4th parade next year, in full pirate gear. Hope you find some restful sleep, even if only for twenty minutes. Mary Lou

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,
I bought a Pirate Mood Ring in Orleans today. It has been glowing the blue of Calebs eyes all day! It now shows love, calm & peace. Keep up the good work Caleb... You are in every fiber of Wellfleets spirit. Sleep well my gentle Godbaby. Love, Susie

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
I don't know you, but I met your sons one day long in ago in Brewster, they were with Jan, who one of the builders of a friends home.

I remember calling them "ball of boys" and they wrestled and tumbled together so happily on the lawn. My heartfelt thoughts have been with you.

Take Care

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,
I raced home today to read your update on Caleb. My family and I spend summers in Wellfleet and we have followed this blog since Caleb's accident. I am so proud to be part of a community that cares so deeply about its members. I truly believe that the prayers and thoughts of all those in Wellfleet and elsewhere will help Caleb through the surgery. My family is with your in prayer and spirit through this long day and night. God bless.

Anonymous said...

Hanging our wishes on the stars and sending our prayers across the bay, waiting to hear good, strong, healthy news...Much love to you and your family -
Terri Frazier and boys

Anonymous said...

Thought of you and Caleb all day. Sending forth healing and peace to Caleb's recovery. Caleb is the "magic" that surrounds us in Wellfleet today! Love to you, Caleb and all the family. Roberta,Melissa and Evan

Anonymous said...

In my thoughts all day.
Jay

Anonymous said...

Caleb is being held in so many loving hearts today! Bring on tomorrow ...and healing. Peace to all of you up in Boston,
With love,
Janet and David

Anonymous said...

Caleb is being held in so many loving hearts today! Bring on tomorrow ...and healing. Peace to all of you up in Boston,
With love,
Janet and David

Anonymous said...

love

Anonymous said...

Much love and peace to you

squirrely said...

Sharyn, Kai, Max, Jan,

I just got home from the longest day and all day I was itching to get online to check the blog. Seeing that I'm the 61st post, I guess I'm not the only one. So I just want to be the 61st person (times a million and a half that already have posted/prayed/meditated for caleb) to let you know that you're on my mind and in my heart.

Sincerely, lovingly, and anticipatingly,

Morgan

Anonymous said...

Trying to stay awake, you all have been in my thoughts every minute of this very long day. I know we'll wake up tomorrow morning with good news.
Claire

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
On one of the toughest days of my life (I had my second miscarriage) I came across your blog. I have read what you have been going through since Caleb's accident and feel as if I have been reading about kindred spirits... you are not alone! I truly understand the love between you and Caleb, it is beautiful! I have a five year old son who loves the ocean and skateboarding, wants to learn how to surf and makes me join him in dressing up like a pirate. Sounds familiar doesn't it?! His name is Christian Kai ...he is my love, my strength, my hopes and dreams. I too have watched his chest rise and fall as he sleeps and wish all good things in the world for him! So as I have read you letters it is as if I have been reading about us. Just know that from this moment forth my thoughts and prayers are with you and Caleb. You have truly touched me...your love for each other, your strength, your spirit. I will be checking in on you two daily. Be well and God Bless You!