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.

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

Tuesday - mum

It took only a touch of Kai's fingers to my temple to let the flood that my lids have been damming to open up -Caleb is once again back in intensive care,suffering a low blow of menningitis. His spinal fluids were seeping out of his nose and it seems no one was alarmed by it at Spaulding except for his immediate family.. this has put a big dark cloud over us and once again I don't really know where we stand at this point - but we are feeling grim once again after so much positive progress. Sorry - I am trying to look at the positiveness in this one and am still digging deep. We have spent the last 25 hours in a room in ICU - not even a real room and are not finding any answers to sooo many questions. Caleb has morphine injections and is still in a lot of pain, and the rate at which he spiraled down took our breath away--- want to get back by his side - so now again is a good time to pray. We love you all. Sharyn

38 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sending lots of prayers and positive thoughts your way from CT!

Hang in there, Caleb will fight this new set back as hard as he has all the rest. He's a strong guy! Hugs and prayers to you!

Lauren in CT

Anonymous said...

HUGE prayers from the Upper Cape. Hang in there Sharyn and know that prayers are coming from every different direction to you and your family.
The power of prayer and positive thinking will get you through this. There are way too many people waiting to meet and greet Caleb at his Wellfleet homecoming. Thank you for keeping us updated, we want to be here for you if only in spirit.

Anonymous said...

A PRAYER FOR STRENGTH
O Lord,
In this time of need, strengthen me. You are my strength and my shield; You are my refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. I know, Father, that Your eyes go to and fro throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts long for You. The body grows weary, but my hope is in You to renew my strength.
I do not fear, for You are with me.
I am not dismayed or overwhelmed, for You are my God. I know You will strengthen me and help me; that You will uphold me with Your righteous hand. Even as the shadows of illness cover me, I feel the comfort of Your strength, Or Lord.
Amen

Clance said...

While it saddens me to hear this, I rest knowing he will come out of it..I feel the pain of you all being uncertain at such an intense time..but please never stop confiding in the power of a healing journey..it may take time..but time heals all.

Shining through the window this morning the sun was bright on my alter, it lit up Caleb's picture, and called me to draw an animal card (which Caleb always loved to pick) ANT: PATIENCE.. while it can literally be a hard thing to come by, it will guide you to the most beneficial strength you will ever need. Remember creative visualization~Sharyn, maybe make one of those collages like we used to?? Caleb's strength will indeed shine through when he needs it the most, he is SO fierce after all. Our prayers are with you..

Anonymous said...

Sending lots of love and prayers your way. Hes strong and with all of us back in wellfleet praying for him he'll come through this.
Much love

squirrely said...

Sharyn, nosocomial (hospital) infections are awful, but common. Caleb has strength and an abundance of love and support behind him. It's just another hurdle, and although it must be devastating for you and your family to be by his side during such setbacks, please take comfort in knowing that this too shall pass.

With all my love (and all my attempts at meditation!),

Morgan

Anonymous said...

Dearest Sharyn and Family, please try to remain positive during this time of terrible setback. We will all continue to pray - you know the power of prayer. And please, remember, we all look forward to updates from you on the blog; but, let that be your last priority. Just write when you feel up to it. Your inner strength and resources are needed to sustain you and your family right now. This might sound strange; but, remember to let yourself cry every now and then. It is a release of sorts and can in a strange way be helpful to you in maintaining strength. All love and light to you and yours-and, of course, many, many prayers.
Friend from CT

Anonymous said...

Hey Sharyn,

I just talked to the health agent that i work with, she used to be a nurse and was also a part of the medical unit in the ARMY. She is really smart and is great with medical terminology and what not. So i asked her what she thought of his condition and she didnt seem too worried, she said most of the stuff you talked about is all related. Getting menegitis because the nose leekage which goes into the brain, etc. I asked her if he was going to be ok or if was something to worry about and she said its nothing to worry about and she says he should be fine. So im going with what she says since she knows what the docs are talking about. Caleb will be fine, its just another hurdle he will get over.
Much Love,
Arozana

Cathie said...

Prayers, positive thoughts, and love coming at you all-will pass them on to everyone i see today!
Cathie,
Mid Cape Home Centers, Wellfleet

Anonymous said...

What else is there to say... prayers and heartfelt wishes for things to get better... try to stay strong.
Jerry G

Anonymous said...

All my thoughts are with Caleb and you. I've been researching Meningitis and it seems that it is treatable and common with head injuries. Just the same, I'll be constantly mindful, hopeful, and sending love to Caleb. I love all of you. It was good to see you on Sunday and give you all hugs. Caleb is strong, He will make it. Kate is sending her love as well. A cup of nice tea can do wonders for the nerves. If you need anything just call, we are just around the corner.

Love,
Mikie D

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
I know EXACTLY how you feel. When your child is helpless in the hospital, you feel SO helpless right along side of them. Just be as strong as you can for him. You and your family's strenth will guide him through this ordeal.

I also wanted to let you know that Chris' brother had menengitis a few years back, and was hospitalized and is now better than ever.

Please, keep your head up, and just listen to your heart. I'm sure that somewhere in there you KNOW that Caleb will be just fine.

We love you and Caleb, and are thinking of you and you wonderful family ALWAYS!!!
~Nicole Miner

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, when I saw Carol at the Bakers Field concert night she said there would be setbacks and that you would try to be prepared for them but nothing prepares you for anything like what you and your family have been going through and as cliche as it sounds you do have to take it one day at a time. So this setback is just that, a setback, and Caleb will bounce back. He has made such amazing progress so far and I am just in awe of his physical and mental strength. (And yours too) And of the power that is being fed to him through the town of Wellfleet and beyond is breathtaking. Be of good faith and think ahead to the time when you and Caleb will head the parade back into town with pirate flags flying and everyone wearing a black eye patch. XOXOXOXOXO

Anonymous said...

Sharyn: Jean and I send you all our love and positive thoughts. Caleb is a strong young man and in a very good hospital. He has a lot going for him - most of all a fantastic family. You are all in our thoughts constantly. Brailsford

Anonymous said...

Thoughts and lots and lots of prayers are with you all, don't lose faith, he'll make it through this. Youth and strength are on his side.

Anonymous said...

We are from Worcester. We visited Wellfleet for the first time last Sunday. We walked across the common and noticed the memorial to Caleb. When we went into a shop and asked the very nice clerk what had happened, literally tears welled in our eyes. She gave us the blog site and we are now thinking of you and your family and wishing you a happy ending to this tragedy. Miriam.

Anonymous said...

the miller girls are meditating on caleb's strength. we are envisioning him running on the beach, hiding in the woods, winking at us as we catch eyes at the oysterfest. he's shucking oysters and hamming it up for the crowd. we are smiling back.

Anonymous said...

sharyn, kai, max, jan, jenny and caleb, i speak for all of wellfleet and more when i say that we love you, and this will pass
caleb, hold coarse lad.
there isnt a storm out there that you cant weather. you have shown that time and again.
you are our captain, and we will stand behind you forever.


s.

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn and Co.,

Hang in there, sending lots of love and hugs your way. Margie

Anonymous said...

Trust in God, Caleb and the extraordinary MGH staff.
There are no words - only a heart full of prayers.
Carol O

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
Sent a little thing via mail this morning to give you and our strong man a chuckle.
As the song goes, [Caleb] ain't gonna let no meningitis / Turn him round, turn him round, turn him round/ Ain't gonna let no meningitis turn him round/ Gonna keep on a-walkin'/Keep on a-talkin'/Gonna build a brand new world.
love, arlene

Anonymous said...

Ok... I have done some quick internet research on this. This complication of fluid leaking is not uncommon -as horrific as it sounds. The danger is the infection, however you are in the best place in the world, bar none, to deal with this. If they can heal it anywhere on the planet it is where you are. I have had friends who have had meningitis who came through it fine so don't give up hope. Have courage, stay strong, clear headed and hopeful, panic later.....Suzanne

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, Max, Kai, and Jennie,

Much love and many prayers to all of you. Caleb is strong and wants to go home, so be confident that he will push through even harder than before.
Love and peace,
Caitlin

Anonymous said...

I went to Nauset with Caleb, and have been following his progress and thinking of him since I heard about the accident. I had to comment because I had Meningitis in college and was very sick for some time, but came out of it healthier and happier than ever. Being sick is awful, but that makes it all the more amazing when you finally recover. I wish Caleb and his family all the best as he works toward that recovery.

Claire M.

Anonymous said...

Sending lots of prayers from New Jersey!

Anonymous said...

Dear Caleb,

i don't know if you remember me, but I'm the boy you drove in the Mustang with my cousin Enzo, when we were visiting Jennifer and Aunt Monica.
I hope you are better soon,
Jack Pena

Anonymous said...

All of Caleb's friends and old classmates "stuck" out here in California are constantly praying for him and keeping you all in our thoughts... with the confidence that he is a strong, stubborn lad and this will get him through recovery. Stay positive, take care of yourselves and know that you're in one of the best hospitals in the world.
With love and faith, Katie

Anonymous said...

love love love and positive energy from a friend in boston. your strength is completely inspiring. it has been my experience that the bumpy roads lead us to the most worthwile places.

Anonymous said...

Sending strength and hope towards Caleb from Boston, close enough that I know he will feel it.

Anonymous said...

To Sharyn,Jan,Caleb, Kai and Max,

There is an ocean of people out there praying for you all. Stay strong and just put one foot in front of the other and you will all get there fine!

Kevin Scalley

Lori Clancy said...

Sharyn, I know how hard it is to have the docs and nurses gloss over your concerns, but they have seen so much that they forget that we are novices at this medical stuff! So when they say that there is nothing to fear then listen to them and to your heart. When they told me that Jeff would walk again, even though I worried, they were right!! Keep the faith sister!!! xoLori

Anonymous said...

To Caleb, to your mum Sharyn, your brother and your family & generous friends, we (my sons, aged 20 & 17 and I) have been quietly praying for you, & also rooting out loud for your FULL healing and complete recovery, since our visit to Wellfleet July 18-23. We live in the San Francisco Bay Area (Montclair district, Oakland!) and spent a quirky, beautiful week in Boston and Cape Cod. Coming into town that first day, it was amazing and inspiring to read outpourings of love and confidence in you, Caleb, despite what had clearly been a terrifying situation. I could feel this community's dedication to supporting you, EVERYWHERE we turned. We drove up to Provincetown that Friday, and even there, we found "Pray for Caleb Potter" posters in shop windows all over town. It was truly, stunningly awesome. Caleb, the power of love just cannot be stopped! You must be a very strong guy in your heart and soul, with all this empowerment streaming your way! I've told my sons -- who each are every bit as lively and fun-loving as I can see that you are, "Benno, Daniel -- it could as easily have been YOU."
May the One who blessed our ancestors bless YOU, Caleb. Grant insight to those who bring healing; courage and faith to those who are sick; love and strength to us and all who love them. God, let your spirit rest upon all who are ill, and comfort them. May they -- and we -- soon know a time of complete healing; a healing of the body and a healing of the spirit, and let us say: Amen.
Sharyn, I so appreciate the brave thoughts and deep feelings you have shared, here in this blog. I'm watching for news, each day.
With kindest wishes from another mum of the best kind of guys, here in California, Robin

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, sounds like you need to pop out of that room and kick someone's ass...
just get it out of your system...all that pent up frustration.
Figure out how to get it OUT of you so you can make room for all this good stuff!
keep it flowing and keep breathing baby and let it go-it IS going to be okay. really.

Anonymous said...

today...a tear, a sigh, a heavy confused heart...damn, ok mumsie....tomorrow...a new day, a change, a light, no pain, comfort, ease...all will be OK....just put on your hip waders and foul weather gear and get ready to ride out this storm...patiently wait for the rainbow and the sun is not far behind. much love, jodi

Anonymous said...

I don't know you, but a friend showed me this blog and I am so deeply touched... I am amazed by the people and all of their help, and Caleb's friends and their love and support, and Caleb's family and their amazing strength. Most of all, I am so amazed by Caleb and his strength to heal through this! He is so strong and such a fighter!
I know this is intense, and words can't explain what you're feeling... but you will survive through this, keep your head held high and your faith at bay. All of your friends are there to listen, and all of your supporters are there to help -- use them when needed. More importantly, realize that you have your family there for you unconditionally, they will never let you down! I know what you're going through, and I know how quickly life can change and what a bang it brings when the rain does come! I send all my prayers for recovery! I am praying so much for you, Caleb. You can make it through this!! With love, from Georgia.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
Like many, I found this blog early in July as I was searching around for information in anticipation of my one week vacation to Wellfleet, the place I love and the time I look forward to all year. Since that time and through my vacation, I have been keeping up with Caleb's journey. There are so many of us out here...(the ones you are rightfuly glad are gone in September)..moms, brothers, aunts, fathers...all praying for you and Caleb. You must take care of yourself. Your boy sounds like a force to be recokned with, one who will fight like hell to complete the journey he is on. We are all with you, praying for you, sending our positive thoughts out there for all of your family. Be well; be strong; hold on tight
Mom from CT

Anonymous said...

Caleb's pirate flag is flying high over Cannon Hill, always snapping & dancing no matter what the weather. Seeing Its crackling energy everyday, I think of all of you and send up spirited prayers on the Wellfleet winds. When I walk home fron Town at night I shine my flashlight up on it gentle evening energy and send waves of love and healing thoughts, joining the many others that do so everyday. Take heart & whether you're hanging in there in a hammock or on a high wire, we're here to support you. Love from Elaine & Stephen

Anonymous said...

O Shayrn. Jello is good. Jello is great. Anytime your on a liquid diet jello is your friend. I speak from experience. Also popscicles (however you spell them). Caleb is in the best place in the world that he could be, how lucky is that! I think of you all daily, love, Susanna