This is a class about life which I suggest you take...Living on the edge here, as we do each day has taught me the importance of making each second count -- and all that is required from you is a conscious decision to do so! In each changing moment there is an opportunity for you to choose.
Caleb? - he is a fun seeker! We were scheduled to fly to Costa when a nasty storm blew in blanketing Fleet in snow - Caleb and I drove to town and built a snow girl in one of the town's islands complete with breasts, my bikini, and red lips. (By the way - who has that bikini?) She was a show stopper. Being around Caleb means laughter and excitement and not knowing what he will do next! He is spontaneous, spunky and spirited! It is no surprise to me that so many people have reached out to him - he is well loved!
So - thank you for all the suggestions about the "what to dos in Beantown" and I will store them all in my memory, and a great many suggestions there were! For now I am confined to Caleb's room. He has to wear restraints and is tied to the sides of the bed all day long if I am not there.. so I didn't make that clear and now I will be subjected to Kevin and Jane's suggestions - actually I think I might just get into this!
Caleb's doc was just by and here is the update for today- looking good, some concern about infection, but they are on top of it. IV line in the head will come out this Sunday and antibiotics will continue for another week administered through his regular IV... so if all continues as is, we might be back at Spaulding in 2 weeks time. Yipeeeee!!!!
Thank you- all of you who sit behind your computers and follow along with us..for all the kindness, all the heartfelt stories of survival, and all the laughs... I for one am deciding today to be a fun seeker like Leb... and the first thing I am doing is blowing you a big, fat red and gooey lipstick kiss through these lines. Where it lands is up to you! mumsie
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36 comments:
Sharyn,
Your big fat red and gooey lipstick kiss landed on the extra whoopie cushion I was saving for you!
Damn!!!!
What luck!!!!
Kevin
Sharyn,
Ah, September on the Cape, September in New England, who can ask for anything better. It's days like this that make me feel alive, crisp and clear like the weather. It's your never ending wisdom and grace that make me feel alive, crisp and clear like the weather. I will walk along the lakes of my neighborhood with a quicker step and more purpose for you today. I will walk for Caleb and breathe in and breathe out and swallow the day whole for you both. It's great to hear that each day that fiesty boy of yours is fightin' his hardest to get out of jail, all a very good sign.
Are you a reader? Maybe you can revert back to the days of reading to your boys outloud...Caleb may enjoy Moby Dick or something like that. Also, my 20 somethings love to play Yahtzee, it sounds corny, but it helps pass the time. In fact when my dad was recovering from a heart attack and was hooked up to all kinds of monitors in the hospital, and was bored out of his mind after days of looking at us looking at him, we brought in yahtzee and had a blast playing. Nearly scared the pants off the nurses however, when everytime he shook the dice his monitors when crazy. It was pretty funny, and I chuckle now thinking about them running into the room thinking his heart had just burst. We all had a great laugh.
Keep on keepin' on, we all look forward to Caleb's next step...
Audrey
I was wondering if Caleb might be up to listening to books on tape (or CD). Good for keeping one's mind busy and also drowning out the hospital noise. Thankful for all the good news. You are still held close in thought and prayer! KEEP HEALING!
It is good to hear about Caleb's continued improvement. Since I write a blog about Wellfleet and mentioned Caleb several times this summer, people sometimes reach my blog in error before finding yours. I have a stat counter, which allows me to see what they Google, and have been writing down some of the more unusual searches to share with you. Here they are:
Caleb shell fisherman in MA
Caleb Potter what really happened
blog Wellfleet mother
Wellfleet MA pray.
Did you all see that cool search engine someone created for Caleb?
It is really easy to do and it is sort of like a skin, all your info still comes up. Try it! Go to www.wellfleetpirate.com (don't search it, write it in!) then go to your tool button, hit options (or general) and select under 'start up'your homepage. Usually, there is a button that says something like 'use current page'. This is great and everytime you search something Caleb's piratey mug comes up at the top of your page. How cool is that?
Keeping the faith and love and light to you all.
Sharyn...you are the best. You make me laugh, cry...all the major emotions! I love it! We are sooooo glad Caleb is heading in the right direction! He will be home in no time! Go out and have fun, seek adventure and charge forward in true Caleb style! Give him big hugs and kisses from his fellow pirates in NC!
Much love and adventure!
Christa, Capt.Jack & Noah
Wilmington, NC
What a relief to hear that Caleb is continuing to improve! I'm a New Yorker (and lifelong Wellfleet vacation person). My mother until recently lived just blocks away from MGH. Last summer she had her third (!) hip replacement at MGH, and after the most one, she did her rehab at Spalding. I can't say enough good things about the medical care she got at both places. Here's one piece of advice: Phoenicia, on Cambridge Street and Garden Street, is owned by the nicest, kindest man George, who also makes the best Middle Eastern food. I spent a lot of nights digging in to their humus and tabbouleh, with a good movie (Mike's Movies is also on Cambridge Street). Tell George that Virginia and Samantha say HI! And keep up your amazing good spirits!!! My kids and I got pirate shirts for back-to-school and we're pulling for Caleb!!
wow. I am now covered in fat red gooey lipstick....landed on my left cheek and exploded everywhere. Nice shot mumsie!!! It is funny to me that you should mention lipstick in this way...haley and I just mailed a card off and...well....you'll see. Love,amy
Sharyn-
Glad to hear that Caleb is doing better today. It's so heartbraking to hear the pain and suffering that he has to go through inorder to recover but so heartwarming to hear the positive progress. keep us up to date. It will be a wonderful day when he returns to wellfleet, we all can't wait. Till that day keep your head clear and breath.
xoxoxox
P-town girl
At least it didn't hit me in the NOSE!!! hahahahahahahah!!!
A big "Heeeyyy!!!", to one of the best woman that I know....Sharyn, if you're stumped...That would be YOU!!! LOL ;)
I'm so happy about all of Caleb's progressions. WONDERFUL news!!!
We, too, had a great day today. It was wonderful because it involved your family! :) I started off the day , after breakfast, by taking my Caleb down the back path toward your house. As we slowly drove down the beautifully wooded road, we listened to a very peaceful and relaxing Matisyahu song and took it all in. Caleb loves the woods, so I knew that it would be a nice little drive for him. When we arrived at your home, we were greeted by a half naked Ian..."Yay Ian",hahaha.(He was getting ready for work) Then, as planned, I met up with Hailey Ellis and Amy and sat at your kitchen table with them writing a little note to the Lad. They had bought a beautiful card and wrote some very INTERESTING stuff hoping to cheer him up, and they let me in on the fun. I took Caleb over to see the Chickens, as always, and he had a blast, AS ALWAYS.(Oh, and P.S., I think that you have one horney Rooster because all of your your chicks have pretty featherless backs...:P Max, shorly after woke from his coma and graced us with his presance. I love Max, and we had a very nice visit. We all sat and laughed because my Caleb almost took out your back sceen with a giant piece of Bamboo. Classic mischeivous Caleb...but, again...you warned me about the name..LOL!!!
Then this afternoon I was able to talk to jenny, who said that she had a blast at the Red Sox game the other night, and told me that Caleb was doing great at MGH, and is back to his old self grabbing her boobs...THAT"S AWESOME, and to be expected.
Well, now that I rambled on for about 10 min., I'll let you be. I hope to see you soon in your own element.(Don't worry, the house and yard look as you left them...Beautiful.) See you soon, Sharyn.
Love YA,
~Nicole
Hey Sharyn,
We remember that snow mermaid that appeared that winter. It was WAY funny...So you were the ones...Ha! Boy Kevin sure has the sense of humor...huh? It's been a quiet week here in town and now we're gearing up for yet another wedding here at the old inn. People tell us that we should write a book... But really Sharyn you have the knack. You should think about it. We are always glad to hear more and more good news about Caleb and then on to Spaulding. Wonderful!
The Young Family
hey life liver i have a picture of the bikini clad snow girl but the bikini itself did not dawn your mannekin at the spirit shop. one thing to do, bedside, is to make pot holders. it is good for dexterity maybe not as soothing as boobs and another gift for your nurses and doctors.loopily and lovingly, kolleen
Kisses right back at ya, and throw one over to Leb for me while you are at it!
Love,
Kim Harris
so...gads... i am back to skool and kids left and right ask about the lebster..a new gear to switch into, and fall falls. skool...school..s'cool. a new crop, a new generation..all wannabe's to be as cool as you tewntyfives out there (and us 45 50 somethins')..hear that. it is our responsibility to be really great for the next seedlings sprouting. we got good earth, here in fleet. love you..can't wait to drum with the boy..and water that part of the plant (brain)! lisa
I'm sitting here crossing my fingers, toes, legs, arms and eyes for Caleb...you should see...don't believe me?? Oh, I can't forget to mention the big red mark on my forehead...haha
A special thanks for posting your address! I'm getting out the construction paper, markers and crayons tomorrow for my kiddies. They always LOVE to make cards!
Continue to hang in there!
~Barbara
just paid a visit to the spirit shop and stopped over at the altar...the heart beat of town...that place was pulsing...alive, tribal.. only 3 candles are lit bcz the wind is so strong, blowing 6 flags straight out, speaking of who rules the town...aarrrrrr...every bit of healing, love, laughter, hope, that has unfolded on that lawn in that circle pulsed the ground around it. an altar with ROOTS, deep, deep roots, they're tangible....the energy is caleb...i am grateful for your presence my friend...you bless us all
Good Evening,
SMACK!!!!!Recieved your big fat gooey lipstick kiss, which was HUGH..some to Mari, Me and 15 year old Kebo the Dog....last I looked, that Smack was still going, over the hills to the Berkshires and beyond....How's that for Quantum Physics..the kiss that keeps on giving....like a ripple in the pond.
Continued improvement for Caleb, and know that thoughts and prayers for healing, patience, hope and well being are always encircling you all.
Sharyn, also know that while the idea of havng your Leb restrained is troublesome, it is not uncommon with head/brain trauma. We wouldn't want him hurting himself or someone else..this too will pass. He IS improving, and for that we are grateful!
Sweet Dreams this night, my friend,
Melinda and Mari..Kebo too
Sharyn,
You are the best! You make us cry with you, smile with you and many times just laugh one of those loud funny laughs that makes everyone stop and stare! You are absolutely right...we have to live life to the fullest and enjoy every moment! I'm so glad to hear that Caleb continues to do better...before you know it, you two will be making another snow bikini woman in Fleet! You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers daily. Tell Caleb we say...ARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!
TC
Miami, FL
Such wonderful advice and incredible pictures, they are truly heartwarming for all of us far away!
Hi Sharyn & pirate crew Kai, Max & CALEB!!
WARNING: long post, but it will help occupy the time ;-)
Been lurking since soon after the beginning of this wild ride, and after having heart wrenched, soul quenched, spirit moved, and prayers answered, I'm finally de-cloaking to chime in. First, let me say, your blogging prose is better than any Pulitzer prize winning literature out there! You are a most amazing, awe-inspiring writer -- crafting your words to allow us lurkers to experience all your raw energy as if we were right there with you, and please know, we are right there with you all, in thoughts, prayers, and even actions!! And as much as you are all those things in a writer, you are a bjillion times those things in a mother -- truly continuously inspiring!
My 4 kids & I (the 3 rough-and-tumble boys and the princess who keeps them in line ;-) have kept Caleb and your whole crew in our nightly prayers since the accident. We check the blog religiously and the 3yrold princess knows Caleb's amazing story by heart and can recount it anytime, anywhere. While Caleb's downturns have taken our collective breath away, his progress has made us literally dance and sing out loud! By the way, we definitely prefer the singing and dancing, so PLEASE keep the good news coming!!
But now, after all the exhaustive energy you've poured into keeping us all up-to-date, it's time for you to renew your soul!! And I have the perfect way for you to do that AND find entertainment in Boston!! Come to the AMAZING yoga place I go to for a deep, cleansing, rejuvenating (hot) practice!! It's a quick trip from MGH (just in Cambridge) & I'd be happy to chauffeur! There are a bunch of options for great classes and I have a mat you could borrow & anything else you need!! Let me know!!
Now, onto your theme of "fun-seeking", here's a little entertainment for you.....I crashed my car on Tuesday on the way home from the Cape with all 4 kids with me (1st mistake, waiting until the day after Labor Day to "miss" the traffic -baaaaad decision). Much like the other blogger, the first thing the other driver and I both did was get out & say "thank god everyone is ok!!" & thank god they all were!! Next thing was to think about Caleb & you & your clan & realize how much we all had to be thankful for! And ok, well, the 3rd thing was to wonder exactly what the hell good it had done me to say "RABBITS" first thing on September 1st -- that sure hadn't brought me jack for luck, huh?! ;-)
Anyway, despite having just wrecked my Honda Pilot and nearly having wrecked my family, we seemed to have a "fun-seeking" angel watching over us, and wound up turning the whole thing into a rockin' adventure!! The accident happened near my brother's house, so we tried to drive the car there, but bailed part way, pulling into a Stop & Shop parking lot when the noise & smell from the car became overwhelming (oops ;-). A Honda Courtesy Shuttle guy appeared literally out of nowhere & offered to take us all to the "choo-choo train" (Braintree to Alewife T!! The *PERFECT* solution since we live in Arlington!!). Then, the Weymouth police randomly drove by, so we flagged them down & they had the state police bring us an accident report, happily, with no citation -- what service, huh?!!
More fun-seeking, since mind you, this is all against the backdrop of the 3yrold in her everyday-fashion-selection Lilo princess costume, and the 7 & 8 yr olds peppering both police officers with questions -- "have you ever arrested anybody? have you ever used a gun? have you ever stopped anyone for speeding? have you ever used that stick?"..... really, it was hilarious & seemed to go so smoothly, I almost forgot the accident part!
Anyway, long story, but point being, I'm trying to take your most uplifting advice to heart & live it all to the fullest -- every little up, down, and in-between!!
Stay strong, keep smearing those boys with your bright red lipstick-love, and know we are taking to heart the lessons you are teaching!!
All the best,
leslie & the crew (kyle, alec, davis, and callie)
Sharyn:
Your high spirits arc across the cyberspace. Wow.
Somewhere, someplace, in some writing workshop, someone told me that compelling writing is both a window and a mirror. And that's what your blog is. And I am so moved by what I see, as well as by what is reflected.
I am moving to Wellfleet this fall. I hope one day we meet.
Sending a big fat kiss for Caleb's forehead.
NY mom
Special thanks to the crew tending to Caleb during his time of healing, and for the comfort they provide to his dear family, along the many following the blog (friends old, and new). You are all little angels guiding his side while all of us pray in our homes, and think of Caleb daily. It would be impossible to not embrace this family, and stand back at a distance, as they are amazing.
Sharyn, thanks for the kiss.. I was reflecting upon the many times we kissed mirrors, letters, and made a mark on many a places in Wellfleet back in the day. I have cards from you in my scrap book with your hott red lips gracing the inside!! I had a wild dream last night that you & I were at a Haunted Pirate House, going through all these mazes, and dark rooms, kissing these stuffed pirates that were yelling "YAARRR!" at us, and we were laughin it up, and taking pictures for Caleb. Then there was a techno like version of "Yo Ho, a Pirate's Life For Me" and a strobe light! We were dancing, and cracking up as always, and you had on this gold sequence dress you wore years ago to a New Years jag at your place..
Hope you are smiling, and feeling good.. I miss you, lots. XO.. Clance
Sharyn,
You are gorgeous. Inside and out. Had a little bummer of a day yesterday and clicked on Caleb's blog. Then, laughed real hard. It felt great! Laughed mostly at Kevin. Wonder if I ever met him in Fleet? I have turned into a shy blogger lately, so I will be sure to remember to write. Especially to send those LAUGHS to you at MGH. This blog is therapeutic on so many levels. You are surrounded by such great personalities! Thanks for the smooch :)
Shannon
Does anyone know the name of the reggae song featured in part II of Caleb's videos? I think a woman sings it. The first few lines mention something about "sitting on a bench...I reminisce all the things we used to do...". Thanks!
Growing up, I would always ask my mom why sunsets always looked so beautiful in Wellfleet. She would tell me it's because Fleetians give so much love to others that Mother Nature is showing her thanks to them everytime the sun goes down. Correct indeed.
The song is "Randy" by Queen Ifrica.
xoxo
A Pirate Joke
A pirate walked into a bar and the bartender said, "Hey, I haven't seen
you in a while. What happened? You look terrible."
"What do you mean?" said the pirate, "I feel fine."
"What about the wooden leg? You didn't have that before."
"Well, we were in a battle and I got hit with a cannon ball, but I'm fine
now."
"Well, ok, but what about that hook? "What happened to your hand?"
"We were in another battle. I boarded a ship and got into a sword fight.
My hand was cut off. I got fitted with a hook. I'm fine, really."
"What about that eye patch?"
"Oh, one day we were at sea and a flock of birds flew over. I looked up
and one of them S*#t in my eye."
"You're kidding," said the bartender, "you couldn't lose an eye
just from some bird S*%t."
"It was my first day with the hook."
I took the dog for a walk over Uncle Tim's bridge, got to the top of the hill and sat down on the bench and I heard a funny noise. I looked up and I was sitting under a huge red pirate flag ( I think I saw a trace of lipsick on it?) I had to laugh. Caleb is really everywhere. Welfleet will never be the same. Love, Susanna
Oh Sharyn..........
I want to snuggle you right up!!!!
One of these coming years we should have an enormous Wellfleet/Yellowbeard/Rebirth/
Renewal party in Fleet so we can all snuggle eachother as we've been so hoping too all these months (atleast I have)!!!! I don't care where we live, I will absolutely be there!
Did you get my fam's letter yet even though we sent it to Spaulding?
I love you- Sharyn- you inspire my everyday- you are strength, commitment and a mother's love to me- all wrapped up in a hotty, chanell #5 lipstick wearing, original stepford, leapord pant wearing type of way!
Oh, the day I can snuggle and smooch you! xoxoxoxo
India
sharyn i`m hungry,so you and caleb have to come home soon to make me sunday night dinner and stovetop.it's really wierd to read all these comments about how well you write and express your thoughts and feelings.it`s like everyone see`s you as a crazy farmgirl who rolled out of ohio,got married,raised a family,spread love,and ended up stuck in a big city protecting and guideingher oldest child.oh,i guess i didn`t think ahead with that one,huh.it was great to see you after the game,but to tell you the truth you look more 'more boston' than i could ever imagine.kai should be with you now so tell him to find guru`s.caleb is always in my thoughts and my being.i am a greater soul for being allowed into your family.tommorow give the leb a little hug and spread some kisses.do you know how to get red lipstick out of tighty whitey`s,that wouyld be such a help.give it all to your boy and know he is stronger than anyone on this here planet.kai and liz`s place is so cool and nice.it makes me randy.make him find guru`s.love,life,and glory to you,your`s,their`s,them`s,those`s,and those nots.i miss you,timmy
What do you call a good looking pirate girl?
Aye Candy!
Bad day, beautiful kiss, better day.
Thank you.
peg from PA
i`ve been listening,i`ve been learning,i wish i was there with you.to say it easy,i would not be strong enough.but you are and we owe you so much,i know i could never fill caleb`s life with the attention and love that you can.for that i am eternaly grateful that he has you.who could want.soon. soon. soon.together soon.sorry to say i would not be as you are,you are way stronger than me.i love u and leb.
Speaking of songs. In the Caleb video who sings the song without music that sounds like another language. It's a girl voice. really beautiful. what is that song? Love the Blog!!!
thinking of you and praying with you.
VT.
Sky-
Thank you for all that you have done for Caleb, his family and friends, and all of us followers. You have worked extremely hard over the last couple months to make this crazy situation a little bit smoother for everyone. You are an amazing friend to Caleb, a treasure. You demonstrate the love we should have for our friends and it's beautiful. This supportive, loving, and generous spirit of yours is a wonderful gift that you so willingly share. Your parents must be so proud of you as are we. Peace and love.
Hi Sharyn.it's Grace. Havn't blogged in awhile and am happy to hear the good news. I went swimming at spectacle pond yesterday. A liesurley drive to fleet with no traffic was much needed for me. Stopped by sic day where brandon was tlking with sky on skype. it was great to see her smiling face. It was a perfect day all around! Glad to hear the progress is getting better by the seconds. love you lots . grace
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