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.

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Living out loud indeed!

So all my blah, blah, blahing yesterday and I could have chosen those three words to describe Caleb. My three words should be :simplify, simplify, simplify! And he continues to live out loud - really what all your quotes and messages were about yesterday..thanks for supporting me on that one - I felt I might be going out on a limb just a bit and I felt that limb start to split.
So fall is in the air up here, students are moving in, the streets are lined with U Hauls. Kai and Max are packing up two trucks and will drive to Western Mass to settle Kai into school with his lovely girlfriend, Liz. Caleb is moving as well - back to Ellison 12 - just across the hall. Actually back to where we began. I feel renewed, energized and ready to move forward. I finally got around to joining the MGH health club yesterday and will be lifting weights on Monday so that when the time comes and I have to help with Calebs' physical therapy, I will have stamina. I am feeling fat and sassy after eating all this hospital food and I prefer thin and sassy.
Have I told you today how much I adore you? It is a beautiful day and I have set my intention for the day...to focus on health and well-being for the "Lebster". He is sound asleep now and looks like an angel (oh how he continues to fool me). All of your encouraging words, thoughts and dreams have moved Caleb back into the fast track and we are one with Mario Andretti! I am only concerned about one thing -what is it he will choose to be now that all of you have become pirates! We are well- thanks to you! Love, mumsie

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear ! The fall has begun but you Caleb and I will only rise from here. XO Grace

Anonymous said...

Good to hear that Kai and Max will continue on as planned - very important for them to do that!

And please don't worry about what Caleb will choose to be - just stay ready to love who he'll be, the way you've always done.

I'll bet you miss Carol's help in Boston, but she, too, must go on with what she does better than most - teach young children. I'm sure she'll continue to be the best aunt ever.

Good idea - the gym - not because you're "fat" - but because Caleb will need those muscles to help him. Your photo in the CCT didn't show you looking anything but youthful if not just a bit worried about the proceedings...

Breathe

Anonymous said...

blah blah blah blah, blahblahblah-blah... blah! blah? blah. i am glad to hear that we can all speak the same language.. i think i took that language course in school...and i even sometimes teach it!


i am psyched that the c-word is feelin' his oats. here's to the granola called LIFE!
oxxoo LB

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn - you are so strong and, truly, an inspiration. How many times have we all said that?!? But it really is true. Not many people could go through this and remain as positive as you - you have some real reserve going on lady! I am so happy that your Caleb is on the upswing. As an earlier blogger wrote - don't worry about who Caleb will decide to be - whoever he will be he will always be your Caleb and you and yours will love him no matter what. People can do remarkable things after TBI - just hang in there and try not to worry too much. You are the best!
Love from CT

Sky said...

Hey Sharyn,
I was dancing like a mad woman last night at a party we threw at school. Couldn't help but think about you and your strobe light! Caleb's ripple of inspiration is spreading out here in little Aarhus. My friends are often asking how he is and are commenting on how powerful the efforts of our community have been. All those guys you saw on the video I made at Christmas time are thinking about you and Leb, sending their thoughts your way. I love ya lady!
(Rockin the "CREW" shirt today. Ha! I'm such a poser...)
xo Sky

Anonymous said...

So happy that all seems to be continuing in a positive direction for you and yours. You did go out on a limb, but what you wrote was absolutely correct. And you said it well, as always. The gym is smart...paramount to keep body and spirit alike in shape. My kids are among those settling in new digs in Boston this week, so I'll be sending extra positive thoughts to my northeast for all of you...be well
Mom in CT

Anonymous said...

Although very worried for a while about Caleb's recent condition I knew in my heart of hearts he would be OK. The meds having difficulty reaching that part of the brain tells me much healing has been occuring....some scar tissue, no doubt, and it will just take a little longer for the drugs to penetrate....no worries. It was great seeing you the other night and feel free to step inside my "personal space" box whenever! Stepping back as a Mom is the hardest thing a parent can do....you get so used to watching with baited breath their first step, the first bike ride, the first swim alone in the ocean, the first trip to a third world country and so on, and so on....Caleb's anguish and pain that you refer to prior to his accident were exactly that...his.....no need to be second guessing how you handled that time of his life .....just imagine how much MORE crazy we would be as parents if we went back and tried to second guess every thing we did when it came to "handling" our kids......love them, set a good example, take a deep breath and hope for the best.....it's how we all learn and grow and become more of "ourselves"...you've done a great job....making "mistakes" is living! Careful with Caleb and the beads....I can see him rolling a few across the floor to see what might happen when someone walks by and steps on one ...Wheeeee!!! Look forward to more "normal" days ahead....miss you.....all the work this summer fundraising has really paid off....we have fundraised a very substantisl amount in the hopes that you , Caleb and the family can rest assured that his needs will be met and he wil have the time to recover without worrying about the financial aspect of things. The community and summer visitors really rallied for the cause and your long time girlfriends (the "moms" as we are being called) and the new "youngins' worked really, really hard....enjoyed every moment of the work...made new friends...and recognized the beauty and diversity of our home....Wellfleet....thanks to all...love, Jodi

Anonymous said...

I remember the first time we met, Sharyn; it was at Caleb's birthday pary in 6th grade and you taught me that the green M&Ms are the best because they're the one's that make you horny.
Thirteen years later and I am still learning from your wisdom!
You (and Caleb, of course) inspire me every day. I love you guys, keep up the good work! -Shellie

Anonymous said...

The girls have been out in the NV desert this week at Burning Man (if you don't know: burningman.com)and so i've had no communication; but they told me before they left that tonight when the man burns, they'd give an extra loud hoop and holler for Caleb and light special sparklers and such for him. Listen closely around 3 am our time and you'll hear them. Keep the good stuff coming!
Love Paula

Anonymous said...

Miss "Fatso",

Next you will be telling us that the Hospital has to widen the halls so you can walk down them! Fat you never have been! Sassy, well... OMG! Glad your finding time for yourself to stay strong in every way. I'm extremely glad to hear our pirate is getting better too!

:-))
Kevin

Kevin

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, Always good to hear what you have to report, especially good news like today and yesterday. We live out in western MA and teach at one of the colleges there, so if Kai ever needs a hand or a heart, we are there to help. Just post a request to Amy in western MA, and I will be there.
Amy

Anonymous said...

Have too much respect for you not to disagree about physical safety. I do wish that people would take more risks, but in areas where they don't "trim their morals to the fashions of the times." I'll take Jodi's terrific advice at the Calebfest and risk getting some young person mad at me (ohh ohh). Terrific that Kai is getting back to school-hope he eats a lot, that you're going to the gym, and Caleb getting stronger. Caleb's going back to school too. Jack

Anonymous said...

Well Dear Fatty, If caleb decides to walk out on his first mate and sea hag, We'll throw his 110lb ass off our Fleetian Ship! Captains are Captains for a reason- they inspire their crew to stick together- no matter what stormy seas we'll have to sail. Caleb is our bestest buddy and we're taking a sail in Blackfish Creek on this beautiful day in honor of our beloved Captain. Kai will be having some bums on his new couch more than he even knows! We were checking it out till the wee hours last night, and Buff will miss it in the middle of your kitchen! Thanks for being there next to Leb and sharing with us all your feelings. Glad you'll be returning to your natural habitat- the gym. Hope the Spinning classes will help you rid yourself of that GIANT ass! We love you so much and look forward to your next trip home!
Aarrrrrggs & Blessings~ Wellfleet Pirates (forever) xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox

Anonymous said...

Dearest Shayrn- I have been wanting to send this poem to you for awhile...It was read at my wedding to represent the connection I have with my Hub - Ter, but it doesn't just represent a Husband and Wife....but a unique human connection ...a mom like you....a wonderful mom...an unbelievable person, that I feel I have learned from everyday when I read you words...of joy and of Pain...we are with you ...sending our love and hope that thing will continue to get better and better - we miss seeing you..and will surely miss our Lizzy and Kai as they go on to school- All our love- Sassy and the Family.....

i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it’s you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than the soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that’s keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn
SOOOO happy to hear of this great news on Caleb. Glad that you got back to town and energized! And you are now ready to move forward. Ride on!!! When you get a chance can you give Jeremy a call on his cell. #508 776 9727. He needs to talk to you about some Landscaping. Thanks much and our continued thoughts and prayers go out to you all.
Patty,Fred,Jeremy and Heather

Anonymous said...

Sharyn...
Ok Ms. Fatty Sassy.. haha.. I am just picturing what Kevin wrote about you walking down the halls, maybe JUST getting by.. a healthy workout with get things moving, and much needed energy out!
I loved your lil' "lecture" yesterday, I am sure we all have taken in our own little parts and meanings behind it, and grown, along with the summer gardens. I think a change in season is in order, rebirth, shedding all that.. I have much faith in my heart that this IS Caleb's time to heal, & things/life can only move forward from here on. Keep that faith pumping in that full heart of your, well shall too.
Always, Clance.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

Yesterday's message gave meaning to true parenting.......we are not the "boss" of our children, we are only guides to let them be the best person they are set out to be. To honor who they are. Naturally we all want our children to be safe, but I think above all to be happy....
Enjoy the gym, things are looking up as you head into Fall.
AS the kids all return to school I feel a rhythm of healing, learning and peace. Stick with it Caleb and Sharyn - remember Prayers are Powerful and you are always in mine.
So glad Kai is returning to school to finish out his last year. Tell him I too always hated to leave Cape Cod when I was in college. Love, Margie

Anonymous said...

You said that you are back at the beginning??? Ellison 12? Well, at the beginning and working forward is better than being at a stand-still somewhere else. We are so proud of the strength that Caleb has shown us thus far. What a fighter; What a outstanding fighter that Lad is.

Come on Leb, show us that fighting power of yours and come back and enjoy Fleet with all of us. My Husband needs you, and just isn't the same with out his best friend/confidant. We love you, Buddy!!! Miss Ya, and hope to see you soon.

~Nicole And Judi, and the "Little Lebster"

Anonymous said...

man oh man i love all of you so much... our connection rocks my world...really. and true.

Anonymous said...

Just want you to know that I am praying for Caleb all the way over here in Moline IL. I read your blogs via a myspace friend who posts them (Lindsay from Wellfleet).

Also... I must say you have a gift for writing.

I know Caleb will continue to progress. He is blessed to have you for his mother~

Sarah Hauri, Moline IL

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, it's so good to see that you're in such good spirits. We're still thinking of you and Caleb every day.
Jerry G

Anonymous said...

Sharyn...!!!!

I finally just figured out how to add a comment- obviously not very smart! It's India here- I sent a letter to the Spaulding address just before you moved back to the other place- I hope you get it. I have truly and passionately enjoyed your pieces on the blog- who knew a little Fleetion bumpkin like yourself was such an eloquent and moving author!?!?!?! I don't think there's a single entry that hasn't evoked both a good laugh and a relieving cry out of me. You're amazing- one day I will have the opportunity to give you a proper hug and a kiss- even in your Channel #5!!!!
I love you Sharyn- Caleb, obviously I am to die for in love with- and your whole family. You are Wellfleet (home) to me. Who else is there!?
Please hunt down my letter if you don't see it soon- it's worth the effort :)

LOVE LOVE LOVE INDIA

Anonymous said...

Oh, Sharyn...Caleb can show us wannabes a thing or two. He is THE Pirate. We are only his followers. I look forward to the day he sinks his toes in Fleetian sand. Some salt water is much needed therapy :)
Shannon

Anonymous said...

((love))

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear that Caleb is doing better! He is lucky to have a loving family and wonderful friends in his community to be there for him. When he is out of rehab and back to his old self, he should speak at schools and let the young kids understand the dangers of doing what he did when he got hurt. I think he would make a great impression on youngsters and it would also be good for him to do something in return for all the care and help the community gave to him. God bless you all!