Tuesday, August 14, 2007
yellowbeard is back
I am watching this mornings sun rise over the ivy clad rooftops of Beantown and we are once again flying high on that roller coaster called life..The vomiting subsided, the heart rate normal , the mighty Pirate has pulled through again. This is such an interesting journey - I feel at times as I did when my children were little - when will I ever sleep again? - did I brush my teeth today? Will I ever get a shower in? But such an exhilorating journey - full of compassion, heartbreak and hope. I am here to remind you that life does not get any better than this - would you have it any other way? I know people who sleepwalk through their lives -no ups;no downs- just leveled out boring I'd say! I will take this ride any day - when you feel low it can be very very low, but mornings like this when all feels right with the world again and your son lies peacefully sleeping...I'll buy a round of tickets and keep riding! Prior to Caleb's accident, I had just been talking to a dear friend about how stable my life felt at this point in time, how relatively easy things were going.. so be mindful that at any twist or turn in the road shit can happen and does! Be full of yourselves today - live fully! I had seriously thought that when I went through my separation that I had fulfilled my quota of hard times. I am trying to stress the fact that the universe has a way of cleaning up messy situations in life and pressing you to heal..I had some messy parts that I ignored hoping they would go away, but life just got messier and now I see that all the players that I need to reconcile with have come together on this one. So life is not always clean and tidy - it does get messy. Find yourself in that same spot? -go right at things - be courageous! Caleb's stability means that he will go first thing tomorrow for surgery that I am convinced will be the turning point for him in his recovery. His strength will have to be brought up to par - but that will be a piece of cake for this strapping young man. Kai and Max and I will be holding down the fort at this end and we will most certainly know that all of you are behind us..We are sailing out to calmer seas! I know that you will all be there for Caleb throughout the day - 1 pm. is his scheduled surgery - go to the beach,make a toast to the heavens and we will be seeing you on those very same shores! Love to you all, mumsie
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45 comments:
YES, YELLOWBEARD!!!
Sharyn,
I am so glad to hear this news! I have just returned home from a weekend in Fleet where I was surrounded by "Positive Thoughts for Caleb." I am in awe of your Town. Wellfleet became my surrogate home town when we met Ellen and it still always feels like home. There is no place on Earth like it. There is no better place for Caleb to come home to. We will be thinking of you all day tomorrow (every day for that matter)and in my prayers for him, I will remind Caleb of that salty air and silky sand which awaits him. I'm hoisting my pirate flag high over Newport! Arghhhhhhhh........
Shannon
Hey Sharyn,
Great words from a great girl! Life sure is a journey. I couldn't say that any better myself. I raise my glass to you! Please keep Yellowbeard headed on this path and your ship will land in Wellfleet soon!
Kevin
Great news to start my day. I saw Kai yesterday in town and just to look into his eyes gave me such peace for the day. I am wearing the new PRAY 4 CALEB POTTER bracelette and my pirate flag is still flying high on my truck. He has started a fashion statement. If anyone is not in the know and pulls through this town they might be a little scared with all the pirates around. . hahahahaha
XOXO,settie
Sharyn, What an inspiration you are. Reading your post this morning makes me want to go out and kiss everyone I see, just knowing the depths of a person's capacity for love, hope and compassion. We are back home now in western MA, with only weekends in Wellfleet ahead for us until next summer, but we will keep reading and praying for Caleb. Your family and friends are so fortunate to have someone like you in their lives. We will be thinking of Caleb always, especially tomorrow.
Your western MA friends
Sharyn,
So glad to hear of Caleb's progress! We will be thinkng of him (and you) for the surgery. You are an amazingly strong woman. Raising three sons and going through a separation would be hard enough for anyone. Raising such great ones, and keeping it together through all of this, while keeping such a positive outlook is nothing short of amazing!
Prayers and positive thoughts comming to you from down here!
Lauren in CT
Wow Sharyn... Caleb's resilience, and yours, are just amazing. That you are able to maintain such a positive outlook despite being whipsawed by these frightening and very serious complications is truly a testament to your inner strength and, ultimately, love.
Although I'm back in corporate daily-grind hell (the sad anti-Wellfleet that is my off-Cape existence) I have blocked my calendar for Caleb at 1pm tomorrow. My most sincere wishes and prayers will be flowing his way at that time.
Peace-
Jerry G
I am hoping you saved some of the vomit so when Caleb is least expecting it you can throw it at him say "Back at ya you scrappy little bastard!" Pats on the head to both of you. With tears in my eyes but a big smile on my face.....
Sharyn,
Sooo happy to hear that Caleb's feeling better. You are both amazing and inspirational - we all will be changed forever by this. Life does keep them coming - even when you think you've ducked an issue it comes back with the gift of grace or karma to help you along the way. Today I will walk the shore and in the woods, light a fire tonight and be there with you- sharing the peace and light- knowing that all those fine folks, (nurses, docs, etc) will be guided tomorrow by a force that is beyond words. love, Ann M.
Amen!
Ellen
As the saying goes..."what doesn't kill you makes you stronger..."
Dear Sharyn,
Yes, tomorrow will be the beginning of a better time.
We will all be with you no matter where we are at 1:00.
Gail
To Sharyn:
The strength that you have just keeps on astonishing me. What you wrote today was beautiful. I am just so happy for you that you are looking toward the brighter side of all this. Toward the Shores at home, knowing that once again, your family will return to them. When our daughter was sitting in a hospial bed shortly after I gave birth, with tubes and monitors coming out every end, it was just too painful for us not to cry. Not to completely let go of everything sane....To know that your child is at their lowest and you have to just PRAY for the best...It is just such a low point in your life. And for you to be getting through this with(what seems to be) such ease is such an uplifting thing. You have so much courage, Sharyn. You and those boys of yours. So much!!! Caleb feels all of it...That, I know, is the reason he does so well in sticky scituations...He knows that he always has you guys there as an unbelievable support system. And, for that, Sharyn, I know he is SO thankful.
Oh, and to uplift all of your spirits even more...On August 27th @ about 12:30 am, go outside on a balcony, and look up. Mars is coming so close to the Earth that it will appear like we have two moons. This is a once and a life time oppertunity. It's not supposed to happen again, I guess, for like another 200 years, or so. Definately something amaziing to see if you are all awake then.
Love, Hope, and Good Thoughts always,
Nicole and Judi <3
Sharyn - My sweet boy Jesse (7) has a great namesake (Jesse Shantz, of course!) and thus, great karma - he saw his first shooting star during the meteor showers the other nite, and his wish was that "Caleb will get well".....It was the brightest star we saw all nite, with the biggest, boldest tail.....to carry a big, bold wish from his heart straight to God. Sweet, strong and innocent faith...the best kind. Meanwhile, that morning the number one son, Zachary (11) and his buddies worked the bike trail with a lemondade stand for Caleb, earning a whopping $130, thanks to yet another blonde pirate -(we love ya, Richard!) Holding your heart close to ours, with love, faith and prayers - Terri Frazier and boys
With things being better today for Caleb I am sure thats why I myself had a good nights rest..
We are all right with you on that ride... teary, our hearts full of excitement, anticipation, and curiosity towards what Caleb's destiny has in place for the day. While I am a strong believer in that everything happens for a reason, it can be so hard to comprehend why this has taken place... yet it all is a blessing in disguise, even though when I write that I am like, "yeah.. whatever.." it's true.. Caleb will come out that much more lovable, humble, & outrageous!
All my love to you each day..XO
Hats off to you dear, good lady - you are truly an inspiration - I mean that. Not many people would be able, at this particular point in time, to see the "bigger" picture. I believe that you are right when you say that tomorrow will be a turning point for your Caleb. Keep doing whatever you're doing - it's working. You're awsome.
Dear Sharyn,
'I took my run today down by the Harbor thinking of you and Caleb and knowing he will be back on those flats soon enough. My prayers are answered with a sleeping Caleb and hopefully a sleeping mumsie. (p.s. don't worry about the teeth, I'll be ready to give the ultimate brush when you say) Forever in my thoughts Margie
P.S. What an inspiration you are to all, especially moms
You sound so good Sharyn! It is such a pleasure to be able to read your updates and feel your spirit and strength through your words.
Blessings as always from the Upper Cape. I need some pirate flags to hang in Woods Hole!
1pm tomorrow I will go to the docks here and say a prayer for Caleb. ARGHHHH!
Dear Sharyn,
I have been following your journey since my husband and I spent 2 weeks in our beloved summer vacation spot the middle 2 weeks in July. Many of the lovely young waitresses we befriended were friends of Caleb's and would talk about him with such spirit and affection. I am continuously in awe of your devotion and eloquence and keep you in my prayers and thoughts. We live in Newton and I am on the lookout out for a fall rental for you. I drive a friend for chemotherapy treatments every week to the MGH and if you would like the “company of strangers” or if I can do any small errand for you please let me know how I can help.
Sleep on Caleb, sleep on...
Sharyn you are so very right, it does not get any better than this...this amazing journey of life sometimes leads us to places we do not want to go...and then it leads us home again. My prayers have been answered. I hope this day brings you some much deserved peace and hope.
We will all be with Caleb and you and his amazing team of docs tomorrow, no worries.
Sending you both a giagantic embrace- Audrey
Hi Sharyn, Caleb is amazing! I am so relieved he will be able to have his surgery. The love and support shown all through town for your family and friends is astounding. It makes me proud to be a part of this town! I love what you wrote today. It is so easy to just go along and ignore/hide from things. Life DOES get sticky and choosing life really does mean to jump right in there and face it and get messy! I need to remember that, so, thank you for your words. Your boys are so fortunate to have you for a mom and vice versa. Our family sends positive thoughts to all of you every day. Go Caleb!! Holly
Dear Sharyn,
I have always admired you for your success as an entrepeneur, a single mom, and a woman who's friends think so highly of her that they simply cannot get enough alone time with her. What better compliment can one receive than to be loved so fully and unconditionally by those they call friend? You live your life on your own terms and to hell with those so planted in cement they cannot see nor understand the peace you bring to your life by traveling your own path...
Yes, I have always admired you for these things, but now I read and think of the daily - and nightly - battle that you are waging for Caleb and your family and I swear I will never complain again. As I read your daily blogs I am held in awe of the strength that you continue to put forth 24/7.
I think that your chapter in God's great book will be the one he keeps a close eye on, for even he does not often see such fortitude and strength from HIS children...
Since this awful journey began you have been Caleb's battery for life and to a great extent it is from you that he draws the necessary strength and desire to continue... and continue he will... for with a mother like you holding him, how could he choose otherwise?
Prayers and energy from Florida,
Tom
God bless you and your family from the other Cape - Cape Ann. Here on the Port of Gloucester you are in our prayers. My brother Dan (now in California)& I took yoga from you Sharyn at the Sheraton in 1978. YOu were a positive inspiration then. Years latter, we watched Caleb learn to surf at 4-Mile and admired his positive energy. I will be in Wellfeet latter today and will say a prayer closer to his home. Good luck with the surgery - you are an inspiration!
Mumsie, you are amazing and we will be sending our thoughts and prayers from across the pond...ali andy and tenaya manchester uk
Yippeeeeeeeeeee!!! Good Job Yellowbeard. I knew you could do it and would do it. The breath of relief I just took after reading this feels wonderful. I imagine you feel that a bit. ;) My trendy caleb bracelet is permanently on my wrist till the Captain returns to Fleet. Pirates arrrrrrrr cool. love, amy
Sharyn,
I was so sad at work yesterday, but had to keep a "stiff upper lip", can't have my patients feeling sad too. On the way home I was praying and looking up at the most amazing sky. There were huge black clouds over me & to the west was a muted peachy, orange glow lighting up the sky. As I was starting to cry I looked over to the east to see a rainbow in the middle of the darkest cloud! I know my prayers were being answered. It's such a lesson for all to always look around, not just straight ahead. You might just miss the most important gifts in life. Thank you for your words. They are great gifts for all that read them. It gives us a chance to FEEL life. Get some rest today for tomorrow Caleb sets sail once again.
My love and hugs to all of you, susie
Hi Sharyn,
I pulled a medicine card for you & Caleb this morning..
PORCUPINE
Porcupine has many special qualities, and a very special medicine. The power of faith and trust.
The power of faith contains within it the ability to move mountains.
The power of trust in life involves trusting that the Great Spirit has a divine plan.
As every day, I will be sending my thoughts and energy to Caleb tommorrow... peace
Prayers and positive healing thoughts for Caleb and all of you. It sure sounds as if he is making progress.
Sharyn, you are doing wonderfully on this emotional roller coaster.
Liz Wood
Aaaahhhh. My, my, my, what a relief and fresh breath of air reading this message was!! As well as a reminder to stay strong and never underestimate the effects of positivity and strength, or all of the little miracles that life bestows to us in times of need when negative energy pulsates through us and tempts us to surrender. As I had not checked the web site for a few days what an amazing and happy surprise!! I write to say hello and send my love and wishes for you Sharyn and of course to Caleb and the rest of the fam. You are an amazingly genuine and strong individual,as well as a remarkable mother in all ways imaginable. It is amazing to see you have passed this along into the minds and hearts of your sons, a job well done. I miss you all very much and think of you every day and reading a message like this makes my heart sing. You will all make it through this stronger and more inspired than before, if that is possible!!! Sharyn you rock! Best wishes and all my prayers and love,
Corey
I read Caleb's progress everyday and have yet to muster up the courage to write, till today. I am just so happy to hear he is doing better today!!! It's been a rough time but Sharyn you are a model of strength, wisdom and love for all people. I admire you more than words can say, I feel as though I've known you my entire life but we have yet to meet. I am so glad to day is a good day and tomorrow is still on. Positive thoughts for tommorrow...
P-Town Girl
I read the blog everyday...at least twice a day, actually...but haven't written to you yet. But I want you to know that I think of you and Jan and Max and Kai all the time. My heart is with you and I wish you love and peace. My family in NJ asks about Caleb, too, and I'm glad to have your updates. My mother calls him "that lovely young man"...I call him "sweet prince". Looking forward to seeing ALL of your family in Wellfleet.
xo, Sue Blake
Dear Sharyn,
I walked on the beach across from my apartment on Friday, and at the end of a rainburst, a double rainbow appeared high in the sky, seemingly from Beach Point to the Harbor. They were very clear, very visible, and very beautiful. One was for you and the the other for Caleb. I'll think of those rainbows at 1:00 tomorrow, Wednesday.
Continue to take good care of yourself! Hope you've found housing. Was the Nurse's Residence available?
Sending healing thoughts your way from Provincetown
Sharyn,
We read your blog everyday and always find the remarkable strength inspiring. We miss Wellfleet and are thinking about you, Caleb, and the rest of the Potters every day.
Joseph and Nicolette in Portland OR
Sharyn
My name is Mike and I am a part time resident of Wellfleet. I own a home there and spend almost every weekend in my home away from home.
Your story has touched our family. I have 3 small children of my own and my oldest (7 years old) asks me to read your blog every night. In fact he has gone so far to donate all his hard earned money to the cause.
I want you to know that I am truly inspired by you and the strength that you have showed.
You, Caleb and the rest of your family our in our thoughts and prayers and I look forward to the day we meet you.
Keep the faith!!!!
~Mike
Hello Sharyn and Caleb - We are so glad and happy things are looking up. We think of you every day and when we see our pirate wind sock flying from our tree on Sapokonish Way. Peter and MM send good luck for tomorrow's surgery and we send out best wishes, also. We'll be thinking of you and pray to St. Jude that everything will be well! HUGS!! God Bless! MUMLEE
High Prayers and Cheers for the strength and faith of all!
YARGH!!!!!
Super glad to hear that Caleb is in a more comfortable state, and hopefully his family can get a litttle peace of mind, knowing that he is feeling better! Prayers and thoughts are sent to Caleb and his fam...I know Caleb will rally through this next surgery and continue down the road to recovery!!! We're cheerin him on.
love~ian
yes mama,
good stuff... So glad to hear the ol boy is peacfully resting up for his big days of healing ahead!! You are right, without the downs there wouldnt be ups.. Its is weird the way life works, that it takes somthing like this to make people realize whats important . Caleb is a prime example of how people should live there lives. I feel blessed to have him in mine, he has taught me a lot. Big huge prayers for you guys, and we are deffinetly along for the ride!
thank you for keeping us all posted
luvweeks
I read about Caleb's progress every day and I am deeply touched...
Last night there was a shooting star shower over the region of Freiburg, Germany. I had to think a lot about Caleb and you - at least two of them were meant to be for the two of you!!
You both need all your strength for tomorrow and for the days to come - you will be in my thoughts.
Laura
Thank you so much for sharing...
Way to go Sharyn-Once again you have welcomed us with open arms onto your roller coaster ride. Because of you, today I vowed to right some wrongs and stop pretending things will just get better if I pretend they are not happening. You are an inspiration to me in so many ways. I am forever in debt to you my new friend. Forever. Have to go for now...I'm on my way to Macy's to buy some red lipstick!
sleep, brushing teeth and a shower is OVERATED and who really needs those things anyways when you have red lipstick!!!
SO: SOME WORDS FROM POOH
To know the Way
We go the Way
We do the Way
The Way we do
the things we do.
It's all there in front of you' but if you try too hard to see it, you'll only become confused.
I am me, and you are you, as you can see.
But when you do the things that you can do, you will find the Way, and the Way will follow you..
Caleb will follow you back home!!!!
We learned of Calebs accident when visiting wellfleet for 2 weeks in July.We live on Long Island, and wellfleet has been part of our lives for almost 20 years.We continue to pray for Caleb and your family- While we have never met, we are all bound together by this thing called humanity.Our best to you and we look foward to hearing of continued improvment in Calebs condition. God bless you. Ronnie & Lil
Sharyn,
I was in Wellfleet with my family the first week of July. One of my strongest memories from the Fourth of July parade was the moment when Yellowbeard strode past. He caught my eye immediately--a force to be reckoned with, that indomitable spirit shining through . . . and I thought: Here is someone who embraces life, and lives it to the fullest.
That great spirit--and the faith and hope and positive energy that you bring to him every day of his recovery--will guide him through this time and help him to find his strength and healing.
Although I don't know your family, I have been following your story all along, and I am deeply moved by your courage and strength--and by the depth of your love for Caleb, and all who are lucky enough to be within your radiant circle.
Your words are an inspiration to me--as a mother, as a woman, and as a human being...... It is amazing that at this time, when you give so much of yourself to Caleb and to the rest of your family, that you reach out through your site every day and bring wisdom, hope, love, and laughter to the hearts and minds of so many people. You are incredible.
Caleb, Sharyn, and family
So, I haven't posted yet but I've been following Caleb's story with tears in my eyes... tears from happiness, hope, and love as well as from sadness... Truly amazing in so many ways.
I just wanted to say that I'll be sending my super extra-strength postive thoughts and prayers your direction tomorrow for the surgery and I'll be sportin' my uber-cool "pray 4 caleb" accessory!
Jodi W
It is 12.01 AM on Wednesday. I have just lit a candle for Caleb and will try to keep one lighted throughout today in hopes and prayers that it will help all of you get through the surgery. Denise
Many prayers and all of my energy from Salem Ma!
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