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.

Thursday, August 9, 2007

Thursday - late afternoon

So the sob in the back of my throat has dissipated and we are looking forward to moving onward and upward! For all of you who post, light candles, say prayers, stop by a hurt child in the road; your are invited to a glass of wine in room 2232! I had heard that someone was with Caleb on that day - God Bless You - it is so good to know he was not alone. They have located the leak in Caleb's cerebral fluids and he will have surgery towards the beginning of the week to close that up. This will be a big event in so many ways - the leakage is dangerous to him and once closed up he can begin the process of healing. We are excited! Caleb is weak and sleeps through most of the day except for when he fidgets. I put a rolled up magazine in his hand to help with his frustration and he whacks Kai in the head with it - Nothing changes , does it! He is trying to form words and sometimes they spill through. Max says " Rest Caleb" " I will" says Caleb and we look around the room to see who said that. I do believe that Caleb will get through this surgery just fine,he will roll up his sleeves to his hospital gown and walk home - he has had enough! As for Kai and Max - well I just couldn't do this without them They are equally incredible personalities. So I must sign off but just know that at night when I hold his hands, I whisper into his ear and yours " Good night my love. Mumsie

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's a date for the wine. Glad to hear the good news. Tell Caleb to hit kai in the head a couple times for me. Word for tonight: RELAX
Love to all
Uncle judi and the fam

Alexandra Grabbe said...

You all are really awe-inspiring! Sven just got home from Sweden, and didn't light any candles - because he didn't go in any churches - but he was so very glad to hear things are going better for Caleb. His message is that this can only have a positive effect on Caleb's future as he goes through life, having lived through such an experience. (Hope I got that right!) As for you, Sharyn, being a mom, too, I read your blog every day, several times a day, and so admire how you have risen to this challenge and are there by Caleb's side, helping him through this.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, You write beautifully. Thank you for sharing this journey with us. I never met Caleb or Max or Kai but I met you over February vacation (at a jewelery party you hosted) and I know your sister, Carol because she was my son's fifth teacher. There is something very special about your family, and I'm glad to know you even on the small scale that I do. I'm keeping you all in my thoughts daily.

Also, kind of off topic but I think it's really cool that you have free roaming chickens!

Take care,
Kara K. Duff

Unknown said...

Come on Caleb! So glad to hear more good news. I'll light a candle, drink some wine, and send happy healthy thoughts your way.
~betsy

Anonymous said...

I'll bring enough wine to fill Room 2232 and the rooms to either side of it! I'm glad to hear the Potter brothers can still "hit" it off!

Cheers,
Kevin

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Sharyn-you're doing great! I stopped by the Sparrow today and someone asked me about Caleb's progress...Thankfully you've kept us posted and I could spread the word of his progress, set backs and challenges. Thanks sharing Caleb's reports with us!

Anonymous said...

I'm addicted to this blog. I check it four times a day and I must cry three times a day. Tears of joy and grief and compassion and laughter. Wow. . . this is exhausting and I'm not even hurt or family. Sharyn, I want to give you the invitation to absolutely loose it. I cannot help but worry about you. I know Caleb is doing so great and you are holding a great space for him and all of us but we need you to be as strong as you are now for a long time. So I guess I'm saying it's o.k. to freak and cry and shake up every cell in your body. Maybe now maybe later. Let er' rip. It is so cleansing. Just thinking of you and your energy. Your remarkable and we want you to stay that way. You dig?

big long hugs,
settie

hatfield said...

Great news! I would love to join you for a glass of wine...I'll be there in spirit. I knew he would pull through this one, he is so lucky to have you guys as his family....he couldn't do this without you. Sending my love always...

Anonymous said...

You go girl...a glass of wine and a toast to you and your boys...peace be with you.
-Audrey

Lori Clancy said...

Well I have to admit that the glass of wine at the end of a long day at the hospital was a welcome sight! Didn't matter what time of night it was either! Kate and I will toast to you all right now!!!!!!xo Lori

Anonymous said...

Great news...of course the surgery will go well. I will believe in nothing else. When I started researching this leaking spinal fluid thing...it is amazing how many people have this happen...I mean regular people...walking around people...who have sinus problems...who knew? Who would want to know...it sounds appalling...but it is quite fixable and that should stop the pathway for infection. It is going to be a long haul but by Christmas I think life will be a lot better.

Anonymous said...

hey Sharyn and sweet family...
Letting you know that the Stow's -
Maryann, Cody, Gabe, John and Andrew Kinder in Oneonta NY hold you in our hearts!!!
ARRRRRGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

sharyn and all... Susan Hutcheson, Pat Raney (Doc. Raney) and Maryann Lucas are watching, waiting, hoping, praying- you are all in our thoughts every day- just wanted to let you know we're out here - also, my Mother Beth Hutcheson- 91 year old Methodist in Douglasville, Ga., is doing her part-this can't hurt. with love from main st. wellfleet. susan

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn - Think of you, Caleb and family every day. The wine thing works quite well and I'm told that red is better for women. The Lord made women of the world so strong because we 'carry' so much of the load from conception on. It's no fun having a sick or injured child no matter what age. You are one strong woman! Crying is a wonderful outlet, so go for it, whenever. We are praying for Caleb and all the family. Hugs, too. God Bless!! Mumlee

Clance said...

Buenas Noches..

Ahhh...it is always such a wonderful thing to check in, first thing in the morn, a quick break in the afternoon, or after a loooong hard day (such the case at the moment) I was welcomed home with a big ol' glass of wine, and toasted to you my sweets.. glad to hear things are brighter today! May they stay so..
XoXo..

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
I have never met you or Caleb but after a visit to fleet in July have been following your journey every day. Your strength and that of Caleb and of the friends and family are inspiring and your writing is eloquent.

Many many people who you have never met or may never met are along with you on this journey. We send our prayers each day and try to channel good thoughts, strength and peace your way.

You will experience days of celebration and days of frustration and fear. On the ups and the downs feel the invisible hands of the great spirit holding you and Caleb.

Peace be with you and Caleb.
Jeff

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn, Caleb is a big beautiful bright white light, a catalyst for love, beauty, and strength, as are you, my friend. Please know that my prayers will not stop. Tell Caleb that I rock him gently in the beautiful aqua sea, for calming and healing. My motherly side thinks sleep is the best thing right now, that is when the body rebuilds and renews itself. For you too! Time helps. My love to you all, Sharyn, Caleb, Kai, Max, Jan love, Andrea

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

Just wanted you to know that both of "Judith's" siblings had this spinal leakage thing in their 20's. It was caused by spinal taps coincidently given to them, for different reasons, a month apart and the hole didn't heal up in either of them. They had to lie flat or have a migrane come over them and had difficulty walking. It took a couple of weeks for the Doctor's to figure out what was wrong. They were bedridden. I was scared sick both times. They were in a lot of pain and totally incapacitated. They each had a "patch" done to repair the hole and the results were almost immediate. The difference was night and day. After being cautious for the first couple of days,they were both back to normal. No more pain, no more trouble walking and as good as new! You watch, it will make all the difference in the world. Take care. Please feel me sitting beside you holding your hand.

Judi's Mom

Anonymous said...

all of our prayers go out to you and your family through this rough time. Caleb will get throiugh this . caleb has been a fighter ever since he was a little boy I remember him as a child at my nephew Ian's house. He has an amazing spirit and I know that he will fight till he wins. My family
prays for him everyday and my heart as a mother too prays for you. take good care . rita c

Anonymous said...

There are angels filling Caleb's room Sharyn and I hope you can feel them. They are from Ireland, Paris, Italy, Hawaii, California, Oregon, The Carolina's and more.
I think Wellfleet is sending the bulk of them, but we all care and we all pray for you and your family.
I even have my husband saying Caleb's name when we light a candle at night.

Peace be with you and yours, and bring on the merlot!

Anonymous said...

Sharyn & Family,

I woke up this morning with Caleb on my mind and the thoughts were incredibly strong. You are all in my thoughts and prayers, and strength is the name of the game today.

Joan

Anonymous said...

its so amazing how caleb is breaking on through, unbelievable. Last night we made sure to send you some love and healing too. I'm sure it shook you up quite a bit, You need all the support you can get right now . I will be sending bill some mail this week and mabe you could give him a kiss for me too. I just wish there was some kind of magic wand we could wave to make him come home. for now the rain is pouring down and giving us all a good cleansing, now a new day begins to move foward and get closer to recovery. your a great mom sharyn... to all of us. emmy D

Anonymous said...

Love, thoughts and prayers from England old friend, Flora and Anna xx

finding freedom said...

I know Kai and Max are up here a lot now, and they most likely have a place to stay and/or tons of invitations, but I just wanna share my own! If either of you need a break or somewhere to crash, or have a drink or ANYTHING[mom too], I am right north of the city [only about 5 minutes] and we have more than enough room!! seraphinekelley@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

Wow, that brought tears to my eyes. My prayers are with you! LOve grace

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, thank you for sharing Caleb's progress and your thoughts and feelings too. It keeps the loving energy flowing and I so appreciate knowing what's going on. Caleb is on my mind every day and I update others in the community who are not reading the blog. Stay strong. I look forward to seeing you in the gym soon with your gorgeous lipstick on!!! Elizabeth Bridgewater

Anonymous said...

Can you believe what you and your family have been through in only one month's time? Amazing! May Caleb rest and heal in God's loving arms. You too, Sharyn! Hopefully, the last corner has been turned and he can forge staight ahead now! We knew there'd be ups and downs but enough already! May the Lord bless you and keep you ever close to Him. Love ya, Sue and family

Anonymous said...

Just a quick hello along with lots of bear hugs and kisses for all of you. I read almost every day and keep my pirate flag flying so you're never far from my thoughts. From my own experience I've learned that sometimes "babysteps" are what is needed. Your incredible strength and positive attitude are beautiful!! Keep it up! Oh,when is that book coming out-it will be a bestseller. Love, Aunt Judy

Anonymous said...

thanks sweet mama,
for your wonderful blogs, and your strength. We all know where caleb gets his power to thrive through his toughest challenges. He will do fine, it feels good to know any problems are being adressed and each day, good or bad, he is getting closer to home. Every day I say prayer and pick cards at my alter for leb, healing and strength are the most frequently picked cards. Each night I will drink a glass of wine for you my lady, sending you love and light consistantly. Your an amazing women, your endurance, and his determinatin are inspiring many.
big hugs and kisses for you and the fam,
luv weeks

Anonymous said...

so we had a drum circle the other night around the fire..and the rhythms and pulses of the night go straight into your heart, caleb my boy...we just missed tour crazy hand claps and dances around the fire! love you all...keep strong. i look forward to the day when i can drum with you again...and yes sharyn, tip a glass (bottle?!) or two with y'all.
love lisa b

Anonymous said...

Dear Mumsie,
Give Caleb a hug from me - an avid reader who, through your words, has grown to care very much about his journey (and yours). Here is a hug ( ) for you too.
Signed,
Jello

Amy St.John said...

Good job with the magazine and bonking kai!! See, caleb sees what needs to happen to remind us all that things will soon enough be " normal" again...whatever normal is. I've never really known the answer to that one. I'll be drinkin' some wine with you Sharyn!! I made a "pocket Caleb" lastnight, and left it over at Judith's so he could enjoy it for awhile. Sorry Kai...I know you were the original inspiration, but you understand. Love to all...tell Caleb I say hello and send him a gigantic hug. maybe 2 or 10 actually. amy

Donna said...

Hi all,
Just a short note to say we are thinking of you so much, glad to hear about progress with the fluid.
Good job Caleb, its encouraging your hitting your little bro, poor beat up Kai.
Cards will be coming,,, Aalyah sends baby kisses and so does Emmie D
Cheers to you"all and love
Donna and Franny xoxoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Nick is visiting and it brings to mind how difficult it was when he was laid up with two broken legs many years ago... I kept thinking then - how do I do this? Where is the book that helps you know how to handle this ? You have written the book here... What I have learned through this is the importance of letting others in and sharing the joys and worries. It helps to let some of the tension that comes with the territory out to make room for healing. Do this however you feel comfortable- laugh, cry, dance, run, scream, write, shiver, jump up and down- just do it often. then feel the energy we are all sending replace the tension with love, strength and joy. I too spend some time each day meditating for your family and everyone suffering. Caleb's face and energy and your laugh and smile always shine through stong. Going to hear Big Jazz with Nick and will raise a toast to you all tonight. nick, mike, kimmy,liz and ann all send you love

Anonymous said...

I haven't seen Caleb in over five years, but I still remember his laugh and his smile and his madcap, hopeless optimism. I know if anyone can find a way, Caleb can. My thoughts are with him out here in Pittsburgh.

Sean "chainsaw"

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
Your strength is awe-inspiring. The love, passion and strength that inside of you has clearly been passed you your boys. Caleb is so blessed to have you and everyone else out there around him, encompassing him with love and support. He is made stronger by this love and I know he will overcome every hurdle that is in front of him. As a Mom of one boy, with another on the way I am learning from you, and am so amazed by you.

Alex

rosie said...

Sharon and Family: I can't believe i just figured this out. I have been looking at this all along. I am so happy I figured it out. I just need to send my love in a way that you will hear it and see it. I know you recieve it every day via prayer but I want so bad to speek to Sharon and caleb and to wrap my arms around the both of you and give you a huge rosie hug. (I see the rest of you, and i love hugging each of you) Smuthering you both with love and more love : ) I am just beside my self at times with what is happening on this end of the world. It all seems sir-real. The inspriation and awe that has been created from this event has been astonishing. The eyes that have been opened, the love that is being spread, the realness in peoples voices and actions makes my heart smile with contentment and inspirate me to feel. The lessons that people are learning are the same lessons that people seek in spiritual teachers such as the Dalhi Lama. I thank god for your family and i hope that we can all see the higher operation happening. Times like this are what life is all about. And the strongest are always chosen to be the teachers. thank you so much for the pillar that you are! And the strength you send to everyone around the world. i love you with the deepest part of myself! Namste Rosie

rosie said...

Obviousily I spell your name wrong! : ) Why would it be any other way! : ) Is Sharyn Potter not enough. You may be able to tell that ,y spelling is not that great to begin with. Love you still! I just went to go see what I wrote and I noticed other people that have written you and it seemed to be a trend to use the y, well then i caught on. By the way, Kirsten send her love! i should email the letter she wrote me about you and your family. It just never stops. The impressions you leave on people. you can call me crazy, but I think your work on this planet has been done. And some may not agree, but i think you might be going to heaven. : ) Love, love, love Me