Day four with continued progress. Your comments are so touching, so helpful and I have decided that if and when I need a break from posting I will secretly sign one of you on to take over the mumsie roll for a week- how fun could that be?
Caleb is eating 3 full meals a day - We should all be eating pureed food - how easy to digest. He has gone from a size five to a six and is looking fuller in the face- not so gaunt anymore. If he continues to drop in bacteria count, white blood cell count and sodium levels- he will be traveling back to Spaulding toward the end of next week. His legs are no longer moving so we need this step to help him re-gain that lost strength. We are moving forward, breaking through the shoal!
I have been lately preoccupied with the idea of paying attention to allowing... allowing others to be just who they need to be without passing judgment. I read a story which taught me so much and has stayed with me as a reminder over the years. When I find myself in a situation where it would be so easy to criticize or shun someone, I remind myself of this story... A man was sitting on the train with his two young children who were misbehaving and bothering all the other passengers in their proximity. The gentleman across from them could take it no longer and spoke up - "Don't you see that your children are acting poorly and are bothering all of us?" The father lifted his head slowing and said " I am so sorry- I didn't notice. I have just come from the hospital where their mother has died" I am trying to keep this story close to my heart today and I am trying to learn from Caleb to accept people and know that we are never standing in their shoes...therefore to judge is a waste of time...I continue to learn from my children each day ! Love one another - be gracious and accepting. Caleb would want this from you - especially now!
Thank you Jodi for the reminder of how courageous your whole lots is and for all the other comments that move me through the day - you are all angels! Love, mumsie
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
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.
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.
Adding Comments
Please feel free to add your comments to the blog. All you have to do is click on the number of comments at the bottom of one of the postings. Then write your comment in the box provided on the right side of the screen. Thank you to all of you who have been commenting so far; we're creating quite the community on here! Be well...
A BIG Thank You
In this season of giving thanks and celebrating family togetherness, I wish to extend a warm thank you to everyone who has been involved in a myriad of ways with my son, Caleb Potter, and his recovery. On July 4, he was involved in a skateboarding accident in our little hometown of Wellfleet on Cape Cod, that caused him serious injuries. He came home from Spaulding Rehab in Boston just before Thanksgiving. Through the blog we started:
http://calebpotter.blogspot.com/
the Wellfleet community of support stretched far and wide across the country, and in fact, throughout parts of the world, with many people offering prayers and words of wisdom. We could not have come so far without this legion of support from all of you, in Wellfleet and beyond. We are sincerely grateful.
Sharyn L. Lindsay and family
http://calebpotter.blogspot
the Wellfleet community of support stretched far and wide across the country, and in fact, throughout parts of the world, with many people offering prayers and words of wisdom. We could not have come so far without this legion of support from all of you, in Wellfleet and beyond. We are sincerely grateful.
Sharyn L. Lindsay and family
DONATIONS
THE CALEB POTTER
BENEFIT FUND
Donations may be made in person at any branch of Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank or mailed to the bank at P.O. Box 697, Wellfleet, MA 02667.
Thank you SO MUCH
for your contributions.
With love,
from all of Caleb's friends and family
BENEFIT FUND
Donations may be made in person at any branch of Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank or mailed to the bank at P.O. Box 697, Wellfleet, MA 02667.
Thank you SO MUCH
for your contributions.
With love,
from all of Caleb's friends and family
Official Information
If you have questions about calebpotter.blogspot.com,
email Sky at:
novembersky.freysscole@gmail.com
email Sky at:
novembersky.freysscole@gmail.com
For Sending Cards etc.
Caleb Potter
c/o Sharyn Lindsay
45 Sapokonish Way
Wellfleet, MA
02667
(please be respectful)
c/o Sharyn Lindsay
45 Sapokonish Way
Wellfleet, MA
02667
(please be respectful)
Blog Archive
-
▼
2007
(206)
-
▼
September
(39)
- Updates Pictures!!!
- Big Brother, as told by younger brother.
- Von Lindsay
- Big & Little Slices
- Hornet nest
- Guest Blog #2: Judith a.k.a. "Chris Miner"
- girlfriend update!!!
- Measuring beam
- Guest Appearance #1: Sky Freyss-Cole
- Home again home again, jigidy jig
- Yellowbeard Oysterfest Booth
- Time to move on
- My Apologies
- Freedom
- About the Lawn...
- Compassion
- Another good day!!
- chameleon
- Hero
- We are with you!
- life is precious
- Allowing
- my muse
- Grace under fire!
- In Your Shoes
- I got the fevor
- stumble, stumble, roll
- Sunday morn
- Erection
- fundamental fun 101
- Sharyn, Max and Kai
- September goodies
- Please take a look...
- sunsets from:mal país, playa carmén, nosara, gre...
- Sunset
- What an amazing day!!!
- I carry your heart with me
- Letters//Emails of Support
- Living out loud indeed!
-
▼
September
(39)
MORE POSTS!
To make sure that the blog continues to be fresh and quick we've cut down the number of posts shown on this main page. However, all the posts are still there. Just scroll down to the bottom and click on "Older Posts" to read the rest!
38 comments:
We're still with you 100%. From the first prayer circle on that hot July night to home back in Maryland where we're waiting for the leaves to change and the geese to come back from Canada.
My impression from far away is that the lows are not as low as they used to be and the highs are much higher....Progress!
We'll keep praying & rooting for you.
The finish line will come into view soon! Nothing but victory for your pirate (and the love of your life!)
Such good news! Mangia, Caleb, Mangia! And thank you, Sharyn, for sharing today's thoughts, which are beautiful as always. Sending love and prayers. Alycia from Sherborn
Sounds like things are getting better by the moment. That is awesome. I loved the train story, we all need to be patient and not judge one another. The world would be a much happier place. Continue to pray for all of you....peace and love be with you . GO CALEB< KEEP UP THE AMAZING WORK
AMEN SISTER...you take all the time you need. Being here for YOU means just that...You are putting out megawatts. Do what you need to do for yourself to keep balance in your life. Caleb knows when you are doing that...and he loves you for it.
I will be "offline" for 10 days Sharyn as I travel to Boulder for my advanced Biofeedback course. I won't have access to internet, though I will have my program with me, so I will continue to work on Caleb. Peaceful Meadow Retreat, doesn't that sound grand????What better place to learn and grow. I will keep you all close in thought and prayer visualizing continued improvement and wellness...how 'bout PERFECT HEALTH, NOW, as an affirmation?!
To this lovely healing community, I send you all much Love and Gratitude for all the thoughts, prayers, wishes, and Almighty Love. You have all so filled my heart and soul....this journey is a breathtaking expereince, so meaningful and heartfelt.
Be well Caleb...
Blessings,
Melinda
Good lesson there Ms. Sharyn!
We all need to be reminded of that here & there, and I think you and Caleb are in a perfect place to share that! Like thought before, tolerance is a virtue.. protect yourself and loved ones in a gentle manner, while respecting others! Acceptance is liberating! It's best to let people be, and get on with your lives how you want to live it. BIG thanks to you and Jan~ your 3 sons are perfect examples of how to accept & embrace every walk of life.
Big love 2 you and Caleb! Xo..
Sharyn,
Prayers are working!!! Margie
"A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step."
step by step Caleb will come back home . . . prayer by prayer we will keep supporting him along the way
love and healing light to Caleb
pc
Went on an aerial tour of cape cod this a.m. What a liittle space of land we live on compared to this big wide world. It was a perfectly clear and crisp morning up there. Funny thing was u couldn't see wellfleet! It was all trees. do u guys there live in tree forts.? Haha. woulda thought so if i hadn't been introduced to fleet by caleb himself in 2000. He made my teenage years worth every wild minute! More memories with him and nature which i cherish. Tomorrow is my b-day and i originally planned to go to boston, or providence, or somewhwere happenin and city like. well, instead i decided to stay put and enjoy my beautiful surroundings here. I love cc. We miss you guys so much. I'll send you some photos of my tour. Thanks for being here sharyn, you're amazing! Love Grace.
I have been following Caleb's story for a few weeks now. I live in South Florida. I heard about Caleb through a friend that teaches classes at a gym in my neighborhood. She is a Wellfleet native that lives here now, but spends the summers up there with her family. I am a mother of 3 boys who are skateboard/surfers like Caleb. So, I think she knew that I would be interested in your story. I spent close to the ENTIRE next day at work going through the entire Caleb Potter blog. I was HOOKED! I now wait impatiently daily for your AMAZING updates and pray for your family daily. I shared his story with my family as well. Your post today moved me to tears and I just had to reach out to you and tell you that your words are far reaching! Hang in there, Caleb - I don't "know" you, but feel like I do on many levels!!!!! Becky - Deerfield Beach, Florida
Just sending love and best wishes to sharyn, caleb, potters, and everyone who reads and posts on this blog.
Becky from Florida-
Please encourage your boys to wear helmets. These tragedies are preventable, but they keep happening:
Boston skateboard accident.
Thank you for reminding us that each of us has a voice to be heard, a voice that deserves respect. While I respect all the voices that share in this wonderful blog, I ask all of us to reflect on what this blog is for -- to comfort Caleb and his family and to bolster them with all the positive energy they can absorb. As Sharyn has made clear that in her heart, "It's not about the helmet," perhaps our comments about helmets and our views on whether or not to wear them would be better posted elsewhere. It's not about how any of us view helmets, it's that we stay focused on healing energy and love for Caleb, his family and each other-- warnings and links to other accidents seems to draw away some of that great energy, at least for me.I am looking to take Sharyn's advice and not judge, but rather redirect our focus -- the Potters and Lindsays deserve it. Thanks
Hi Sharyn,
This is SUPER news... See the other writers that have gone through something like this said that there would be ups and downs. Let's hope it's on to up and up.
Go Caleb!
The Young Family
Continued prayers from Hope, Maine.
I love you guys.
SO glad to hear that the trend is heading in the right direction! Eat up, Caleb! (I know, that pureed stuff must taste like crap, but you know you've gotta do it! It's working already!)
Jerry G
Oh, Sharyn Mumsie of all mothers,
Your inner and outer beauty is reflected in the inner and outer beauty and strength of all your boys. I know the uncertainty of his circumstance can be very frustrating and the places your mind can go and will go can be both frightening and unbelievablely amazing. But I feel that with all of our pooled courage and all of your heart and bravery we will just put one foot in front of the other hands clasped together with our goal awaiting our arrival. I must say in Caleb's increasing better health I too have made long strides in my health recovery. This summer so much of my health has mirrored Calebs as far as the ups and being down. For example when Leb was dealing with the brain-IV-antibiotics and added stress of infections my wound actually started to deteriorate and the progress I had been making all summer began to slip away. I was very dissappointed but I have been let down so many times in the last 23 years that I just have to pick myself up. Caleb often came to mind when I wanted to pity myself or be angry that I was in the place I am but I'm here to learn, I was not able to stay upset because his kind, gentle, compassionate, and understanding face would pop up with a smile and I couldn't help but buck up and move on. If you compared me to him I am far from bad. I can relate with his pain increase because mine has increased as well. My wound may be healing but it is hurting more because it is healing, pulling the skin, nerves and exposed tissue together. I also have to convince the pain doctors that I am in more pain, many just think I must be drug seeking. I have been taking them long enough that I would love to be able to not take them at all. I being 23 makes it so they can't help but think the worst, some of these interns I just want yell at and tell them I've been taking medications longer than you have been studying them, so stop thinking like that. Sometimes I would hope that they could feel my pain for just an hour and they would never question or doubt me again, but then I don't wish pain on anyone because no matter how much pain someone is in, it is still their own pain and they have to deal with it; no matter the pain, pain sucks.
He may be more still and lethargic because his body and our pure willpower are working so hard that he is physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted ( and the sodium). I often had those same lulls and afterwards came the time when I would get restless this is when my parents always knew I was close to being able to escape from the hospital which was keeping me captive and finish recovering at home.
But back to Caleb and I being similar with our progress; as of now my progress (that I think I owe mostly to Caleb)is that my wound has closed 20mm in each direction from the last time I saw the wound clinic a few weeks ago(it went from 55mm by 55mm to 35mm by 35mm) and this is the most progress it has made in a long time (it is monumental). After having an open wound for ten years plus more when I was younger any healing is a big deal.
My wound started out 72mm by 64mm 2mm deep in the beginning of the summer but it has been slow and now with Caleb back on the mend I too seem to be on the mend. So thank him for me and tell him I will explain when it is time and we will laugh some day soon enough about all of it/this.
I also just want to make sure you tell Caleb that there is no other place you would rather be (because I know there isn't), that you are content lying with him, sitting with him, and being by him; he needs to hear that. (Because u r not much without him and why would you be anywhere else!!) I say this because many times when my father was there and we were doing something, anything of the many things we have done I felt mad and upset that I was disrupting his life, my families lives. And what made me happiest and comfortable was having him there, being able to talk to them, but I thought I was taking up his life.(you think when you are lying there unable to do much for yourself watching your family take care of you and you can't help but feel like you are a bother)So I know you have told him, but please make sure you tell him again and again just for comfort.
We are here for you, and the whole Potter/Lindsay clan. I and so many others are so greatful Sharyn for your diligence in reporting on Leb's progress and your's. For my family, my friends, and me they are like jewels of comfort, hot chocolate on a cold night, or waves crashing on your feet with the sunshine washing over your face, so thank you a thousand times and more. First Class Caleb Pirate Army ready, protecting, and serving with our prayers, heart, and comfort. With lots and lots of my unconditional love, care, and support, as well as an abundance of lipstick kisses and warm tender hugs.
Arrgghh!!!!Love Rachael
P.S. I send to Caleb and you all of the gathered strength I have aquired over my 23 years of gathering, I hope it gives him some more progress and plenty of extra strength.
P.S.S. I really did not set out to write a novel but your all an inspiration. Oh, and allowing people to be who they are is the biggest accomplishment anyone can make and we should all try to be more like Caleb (But I think we all know that already. Who doesn't want to be like Caleb? he he.)
Hi Sharyn,
I have some burning questions about the posting job offering....
-Will a Mr. Mumsie be considered?
-Will there be a downloadable job application online?
-Will a 401K plan be offered?
-How many coffee breaks will the job have?
-How important are typing skills?
-Will drinking on the job be allowed?
I look forward to your reply!
Kevin
I follow the blog every day and I was so happy to read about today's good news and know that Caleb is eating 3 meals a day. He is heading in the right direction now.
My prayers are with him.
Dear Sharyn, Of course he is weak after all he has been through but Calebs athleticism and determination will work to his advantage when he gets back to Spaulding. An accident is an accident. Next there will be a law saying we all have to wear helmets in the shower. I too try not to judge people ( I do admit to judging my children sometimes, guess I should work on that) but I really think we should all keep in mind this blog is for Caleb and his family. There are, I hear, lots of blogs where one can discuss politics, economics, law or what ever you like. Let's keep this blog about how much we love and want to help Sharyn and her beautiful Potter boys. Love, Susanna
Isn't it amazing how hearing about 3 meals of pureed food is wonderful news. Sharyn, I am not sure any of us could fill your shoes as blogmeister. So if you need a break we will all just have to deal with the withdrawal :D
You are so right that events such as this Caleb's journey do put things in perspective. While I've never needed an extra reason to give my kids a random hug being reminded of the fragility of life does give one pause.
If heros are defined by strength of spirit and endurance of the human heart you are on my list.
Jeff
So glad to hear of Caleb's progress the past few days! Lots of us have been pulling for him and sending positive thoughts his way! From reading the blog, it sounds like he has touched people coast to coast! Not bad from a boy from way over in the corner of the country in Fleet!
Hang in there, we're all pulling for you. The strength of your family is amazing, and an inspiration to anyone following your saga!
Sending you hugs and visions of wine :)
Lauren in CT
Hey Sharyn
great news today. I want to let you know that there are some pictures at the "packy" If Max could pick them up ,I think you and Caleb would enjoy them (and everyone else to) John
:)Lovely, as always
My intuitive thoughts at this moment are to ask if you can introduce any homeopathic remedies. Ginkgo Biloba for increased oxygen circulation (very healing) and acidophilus for immune boosting. Both can come in powder forms and easily mixed into oatmeal.
Maybe consulting with a homeopath is in order now. As we know most hospitals do not have the experience to administer these things. But you may be able to.
Kombucha is a wonder drink from 2000 years ago that has many beneficial factors. Zack and I brew it and drink it daily. Google it Sharyn.
Watch what he is eating. Often times Macrobiotic foods are the best for easy assimilation and to not hinder any healing efforts the body is doing. Getting these foods in a hospital may be hard but there may be a cook in Boston who could deliver. Macrobiotic foods are pretty amazing. MISO SOUP!!! Very easy on the system and full of good things.
I may be premature on this but I think it is worth researching. If anything, the success stories that come with the reading are heart lifting.
Caleb could be led through some cool meditations too.
I am NO expert but have been interested since my best friend died of colon cancer a couple years ago and I researched alternative ways of healing from the inside out. It's not voodoo. We are what we eat. Not to lay any other worries on you. Just to get you thinking about the others ways of healing.
Love to you Caleb and Sharyn,
You can always eat the ass of cow when you come home!!!!!
xoxox,settie
Sharyn,
Great news that Caleb continues to improve...just keep the faith and all will be well! Tell Caleb we continue to keep him in our thoughts and prayers daily!
You Rock Caleb! Much peace and love from Miami!
tc
hey crazy lady,
well we just got done breaking down all the lads oysters. Quite the crowd over to help. We had to much fun doing it. I have some great video of the day. Hopefully I can get a copy up to you soon. Let him know the oysters are just fine. glad to hear he's probably crrrapin' like a baby, all mushy and stuff.
Much love
uncle judith
Dear Sharyn & clan,
I am tearfully happy to hear that Leb is eating solid food.. Well it might not be solid food, but it was before it was pureed!! And wasn't it that same food that most of us consumed many years ago, as we entered our new life as babe's.. (sorry I meant baby's) and it substained us till the next step....
I had a fablous dream this AM. You were in a long white lab coat (the red lipstick and heels were wonderful accessories!!) and you had rounded up everyone from near and far.. It was kind of like a blood drive but instead of donating blood we where all hooked up to IV's giving our spirit,energy, positive thoughts & love..
You made a tincture from it all, bottled it up, and them came Caleb, busting into the room and said "hurry up mumsie, we have alot of people to get this to!!"
It was labeled ARRRRRRGH MAZING GRACE..
xoxo
Kevin, you are awesome . . . timing is perfect . . . humor is the best . . . and your more serious moments are sooooo correct. Shayrn, he's a damn good loving friend of yours . . . as we all are. Love, P.M.
Sharyn,
We love you! Hugs from us.
Sue and kids
Hi Yellowbeard,
I am praying for you and all those who know and love you.
Aaarrgghhhh!
m
oxox
Kevin... Funny, as a daily reader of this Blog, you instantly came to mind as a fitting replacement for Sharyn should she need a break(and who wouldn't)
Caleb: Be Well!
Sharyn: Be Yourself!
Kevin: Keep Writing!
Sharyn - Your news today is so good to hear. Let's hope it continues. Sharyn, you write so beautifully and have included all of us in your journey. It is a privilage to be there with you. Jean and I hold you, Caleb, Kai and Max in our hearts and thoughts. The first thing Jean does every morning is check your blog. All our love, Brailsford and Jean
We were camping in cape cod with our teenagers when your son Caleb had his accident. We witnessed, sad and also very touched, all that those supportive moments from his friends and family little while after, in the village. I don't know if we can really imagine how you all must have felt, what you have gone through everyday since, what you are living daily.
So many tough, unfair and unbearable events happen all over the world every second, parents worry for their children every day, but it is so deeply -incontournable- that your own son, Caleb's health, is THE only concern you can have, one you would give your own health even life for...We have looked for news from Caleb, all of us hoping so much he was going to hang in there when we came back. And we were so happy to read he had, and still has. So have you all. We are not religious or prayfull people so we could only try and imagine to share some mother, father, parent's and friends deepest sorrow but also parent's strong belief in the powerfull meaning of love. Our very warmest family thoughts have been with you often. And our positive thoughts are with you this september as they will be every month, deeply convinced life and love are with you mumsy, your family, and your son Caleb. Sincerly.
Family in Montreal.
Such wonderful news again- and again I am touched by your thought provoking words- where do you find the energy to uplift us all?
crazy lady and the lebster,life sounds better,rachael has some profound thoughts to send your way.i hope we will be together when things are up.rachael you give hope to all of us.thank you for sharing yourself,and easing away the doubt.maybe we can all unite in person,you have been there and don't mind helping all of us toward our days end.with caleb,with me ,with sharyn,with max,with kai,with jan,with us all.i,and i am sure we send you luv and strength.help us .caleb,you must get better,i will allow such intolerance.pilar,thank you for letting us know you and your family were okay.that storm came on fast.also glad that you had time to caleb you luv him,because that's what whe're sending luv you on blogg.family from montreal,stop,don't worry,hug eachother and to the blender with the rest,luv,luv,and luv.caleb i miss you,but at least you got your mom out of fleet for awhile.caleb,we went out to the grant tonight,earlier max,richard,ethan,ian,clint,matt,shaye m.,timbob,werm,and plenty of others rocked out on your envlopes.sharyn,i luv you.caleb,i luv ewe!!!
Hi Caleb..sorry about the delay in writing to you...it's been kind of crazy around here these days. These stupid storms have use all confused and we don't know if they are coming or going. We had high hopes of a good swell coming in this past weekend from ol' Gabby but she fooled us and it turned out choppy and knee high at best. But I will tell you this...the water was warm and the salt was sweet. Something about that salt air just makes it all seem right. I actually just got back off duty from my job. You see I am a chef and one of the jobs that I do is on a reseach boat called the R/V Dan Moore. I cook for the students when we take trips off shore. Our last cruise was a short one, 4 days out, maybe 40 miles off shore at most. Just to get the freshman used to being at sea and such...talk about tossing cookies...its rather amusing...I am sure that you would have a laugh or two if you could see these green wanna be pirates. Belive me...you are there with me on every trip that I make! Us being seasoned and all...ARGGGG!
My next trip is to Baltimore...Inner Harbor. I lived there many years ago so this will be a return trip for me. I will take you there in spirit as well. On this last trip we did a dredge about 2 miles south of Frying Pan Shouls and found 8 Megladon (sp?) teeth. They were huge...one was 6 inches long and about 4 inches wide. We think that maybe this was where he met his maker. Wow...that was pretty cool being as the old guy was about..oh..a million years old! I have pictures of them and I will try to get them to you if I can. Any way...keep your handsome chin up and give your mom a wink! Tell her Capt. Noah said hello and thanks for the note...it was very unexpected and sits next to his bed as well! Sleep tight and dream deeply...you are loved~!
Your pirates,
Capt. Noah, Christa & Jack
Wilmington, NC
Oh Sharyn... how you continue to find strenght to write on this thing- to put into words your worst fear- another turn for the worse- you're amazing- Caleb's amazing- I'm praying for you with the most strength I can muster- I love you so much..
India
Post a Comment