I'm updating the Blog already for two reasons-- #1. I insulted my dear friend Kevin with my account of how he could ruin me and I only meant that to mean that he knows too much about me and is always telling stories about me..I never meant to hurt his feelings..sometimes the written word can be misleading.. so scratch that comment!
#2 Caleb is on the move in two days... or even perhaps tomorrow if he continues to do well. He has 3 little Gallstones which need monitoring, but all signs point to go---we are on our way to Spaulding! thanks for the update on the site and I am so pleased that it will remain on Town Lawn. I'll keep you posted on our travels..
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35 comments:
good to hear Caleb is doing so much better...
Sharyn,
I think that when we have a big party welcoming Caleb home (which of course we should have!!) that we should all wear bright red lipstick. Of course not the same one as yours since its a secret, but we all can find some kind of bright red somewhere!!
Much love,
Arozana
This New Yorker thinks there is NOTHING you could possibly have to apologize for....not for sleeping next to your boy each night, fighting the demons that visit you while you watch him,keeping up a courageous face and optomistic voice,even when you don't feel it very much...praying and hoping for your boy to make it - with every cell in your body...every minute of everyday - so much so that I felt it's pull,as another mother of 3 would....
Apologize for anything right now? -I DON"T THINK SO !
Wrap yourself in good thoughts and love and stand right there at your boy's side - doing EXACTLY the only thing that really matters.
BEST thoughts -always....
NK
It's funny how addicted to this site i am. I checked it this a.m and read last nights blog which i'm glad to know you felt at ease with leb sound by your side. and then 1 hour later i just had to log on again. wasn't expecting another blog but there was the newest news that your moving along and to better health. I would be lost without you. Love always Grace
Prayers keep coming to Leb, and the rest.. love you much..xo Clance
Awesome news about Caleb's move to rehab!
On a separate topic - those of us who subscribe to the town bulletin board e-mail distribution just received this year's Oysterfest promo e-mail. There's a link to this blog right on the main page - check it out:
http://www.wellfleetoysterfest.org/
So I'm guessing we can expect a spike in blog traffic very soon!
Cheers,
Jerry G
I didn't take your comments as insulting to your good friend at all. I hope he didn't either.
Good news, and hopefully all it can is up from here.
Peace.
J
Don't worry Sharyn, Kevin can definatly handle more than that and he deserves a scolding for all his (very funny) but naughty remarks.I also wouldn't worry about those gallstones if I were you. I think we probably all have them but just haven't been scanned up the wazoo like your boy there so we don't know. Spaulding is one step closer to home and I hear things can move very quickly from here on in. I can just picture you organizing the wheel chair races in the halls and handing out red lipsticks to all the staff and patients. Spaulding will never be the same. Love, Susanna
Go Caleb Go!!!
Rest Sharyn Rest!!!
We are thnking of you everyday. So glad for this great news.
We wish you both back home soon!
The Young Family
A group of us talking all thought that the following was a good idea...move the "shrine" to the parking lot (which is supposed to be a town park) across from the Juice. A rather significant location and maybe then the park will really happen! At one time it was said there would be a boat for kids to climb on etc. Why not a pirate boat dedicated to Caleb???
sharyn... so happy to hear you & your beloved boy are on the up.
i have been equally worried about you lately.
let's all toast tonight (or sooner!) to his transition to spaulding!
kisses to you both
Gallstones??? Are those the type that you have to pee out??? POOR CALEB!!! ;( Well, anyway....gallstones-shmallstones...Caleb can handle those, and I am glad to hear that he is on the up-and-up and going back to Spauding.
Love, Nicole :)
These are some Chanel red lipstick names... I kid you not - which one does Sharyn wear???
BRILLIANT
PASSION
MYSTERY
SHOCKING
SEXY
ROMANTIC
PRECIOUS
FIRE
AND... SPLENDEUR...
Gee, maybe they've already named some after her....
I've mentioned in past posts that I am working towards getting an MBA at Suffolk University. An assignment for a recent class on leadership, asked that I offer three different kinds of leadership that I've witnessed within the last few months. The paper was distributed to the two professors who ran the course and not the entire class.
I chose Sharyn and the community of support both in and outside of Wellfleet as one of my three examples. Below, you'll see what I wrote. It's not the work of a true writer like Sharyn or others on this blog. It's an attempt to capture what I believe is Sharyn's unique and dedicated leadership style that invites inclusiveness rather than exclusivity and honors the blunt truth over platitudes. Community leaders could learn so much from her as could business leaders and others -- like me.
On the fourth of July Caleb Potter was involved in a skateboarding accident in Wellfleet, Massachusetts. He suffered serious head injuries among other things which resulted in his being moved back and forth for treatment from MGH to Spaulding Rehabilitation Center over the past seven weeks. Caleb is 25 years old, has two brothers, Kai and Max, a father named Jan and a mother named Sharyn.
It must be noted that Caleb loves pirate lore. He especially loves the pirate Yellowbeard. In fact, on the very day of his accident he marched in Wellfleet’s annual 4th of July parade as Yellowbeard himself, yelling lines from the movie Yellowbeard and throwing in liberal doses of “Arrrrrrrrrgh, matey’s!” – Much to the delight of the kids and parents that lined the streets that afternoon.
Picture of
Caleb as Yellowbeard shown here.
Wellfleet 4th of July Parade
But this leadership example focuses on Sharyn or “mumsie” as she often refers to herself in the daily blog she created to serve as a space in which to provide updates and information on Caleb’s condition and what the family needs and how they are feeling in real time. The blog also acts as a fundraising vehicle to help raise money to pay for Caleb’s growing medical bills. The address of the blog is: www.calebpotter.blogspot.com.
Through Sharyn’s daily writings, she has drawn interest, compassion and responses nationally and internationally. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t “check in” to see how Caleb, his family and his friends are doing. I pray for Caleb and I contribute to the blog as often as possible.
If you visit Wellfleet you will notice many pirate flags, pray for Caleb signs, and invitations to attend fund raisers along with twice daily prayer vigils -- all of which have brought the Wellfleet community together to support and care for one of their own.
Two weeks ago, Caleb began a series of dangerous setbacks. He suffered pain so terrible that he couldn’t move or sleep. There was the night of violent projectile vomiting through a tube. There were two emergency surgeries. He contracted meningitis. There were dangerously high white blood cells counts. And finally a deadly bacteria known as Acinetobactor was found in his brain and lungs.
Mumsie kept us informed through the ups and down. What I observe from her leadership style is that she has an openness and an ability to share her pain that truly inspires people to get involved and stay involved. She has a daily gratitude for her life, her family and her community that is real and honest. She is also a warrior for her son and celebrates the warrior in him. She honors and is in awe of her family and of this ever-extending community of friends she has who love and support her (some of whom she knows, many of us she has never met). She is inclusive. She invites us to share her burden and listens to the advice of the collective community.
She helps me to remember what’s most important in life – the relationships we make and the love that we give away. She reminds me that every moment counts and that this moment is precious. Sharyn is a leader who grows in my heart, every day. I’ve never met her but her journey has become part of my journey too. The goal is to get Caleb back to “Fleet”. I expect that when he returns, there will be a parade and Yellowbeard himself, that old scallyway will lead the way. When that day comes, I will be one of thousands wearing an eye patch and a yellow beard in solidarity with Caleb and a community that stood by him and with him with mumsie looking on. Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!
Lesa
To all,
I wasn't the least bit insulted. I was worried -paranoid that I had honestly hurt Sharyn! I couldn't bear that thought for one second. She has enough to deal with! We are long time friends and merely misunderstood each other. Sharyn ,Caleb and the Potter's are unquestionably THE FOCUS OF CONCERN to me.
Kevin
Sharyn, Sharyn, Sharyn, what can I say you as well as Caleb has done and will always continue to amaze me with your diligence, hope, grace, and even being able to show your weakness at times and always with a lady-like ( and first class pirate captain's) disposition (sometimes I wish there were how to be as awesome as you and/or the Potter/Lindsay clan classes, then we may all be able to change the world and openly love and cherish each unique soul we meet. he he my plan to take over the world, (just kidding about taking over the world I will leave that to your clan and this blog community). I have kept myself from writing for months and then I couldn't hold it in anymore but then I ended up writing so much on the blog that I would feel bad for having written what seems like a novel every time, I half expected someone to tell me I was writing too much. For me when it comes to something I care deeply for like Caleb and his family the words just pour out like water. Having been in many situations that they are facing and have faced I had to give words of strength and encouragement when I know the uncertainty emotions so well. Though I have never had a head injury I have been septic and though I have never had to start from scratch with my mobility but I have been through P.T and have been demobilized. I did not need restraints but I was not restricted to my bed. I have not had spinal problems but I have been in private rooms where everyone has to be gloved and gowned ect., I have had to have and do have bandages and such I deal with daily, I have had tubes and wires and I have also given them a hard time. And most importantly I know how discouraging, confusing, and frustrating the uncertainty can be. Not knowing and being in limbo of what might help or what wont, it's kind of like a trial and error only using ones body as the test subject. (I am very familiar with all of those feelings because in 23 years I have never had a treatment that wasn't experimental, we didn't know if it would work/help me or not. The not knowing is like a bug bite in the middle of your back that you just can't reach and no matter what you do you can't scratch it and just when you think you can get it, it moves or changes.)
I have kept myself from writing since there has been such fabulous news about Caleb though there is a few things I would love to get off my mind. First being Caleb is practically the mascot for Wellfleet, he is a pirate captain as well as an oysterman so why wouldn't we keep him on the town green, screw pretty grass I would like it to be there even if it turns the grass to sandy, dusty, dirt!!! Also so glad you were able to take a bath and have some wine because for me they always give a sense of refreshing calm and remembrance of better times that have been and will be. As well as keeping the number to your lipstick color a secret I wouldn't expect anything less for sometimes a lady has to have her secrets, even if they are innocent and personally pleasurable. I would also like to tell you again how grateful for your constant updates on Caleb, they are always full of emotions, details, anecdotes, class, and of course elegance. Caleb and I are still in some may mirroring each other for my wound has been doing well and the oxygen chamber I go to five days a week has been helping. I fear Caleb is in pain because my pain level is still on the higher end (more than before). I sure hope not, I hope he is comfortable and getting better; even though I have been getting irratable from the doctors appointments and getting up at 5:30 in the morning 5 days a week is no picnic for a young woman who wants to be working, finishing college, and partying/chilling with my friends.
It makes me exhausted taking a two hour car ride to Randoulgh and then spend 2 hours and 20 minutes inside a 6 and a 1/2ft by 10ft cylinder so I can be depressurized for 20 min then breath pure oxygen for an hour and a half and then 20 min of repressurizing. Don't forget the then 2 hour ride home. Between the oxygen and the meds I am exhausted in every way I think I can mentally, physically, emotionally (especially), and even spiritually sometimes; as a 23 year old on Cape spending my summer this way was frustrating to say the least. What gave me strength besides my family and friends was when I come on this site and watching the strength and bravery, the fight you both are fighting and the communities love and support. I have to just be happy I am finding something that is helping and be patient even though it is taking so long to make even the littlest progress. Sorry to go on about me but I want you to know the Potter/Lindsay clan has always made dealing with all of this just a little easier and gives me a sense of peaceful raging strength and I must thank you so much for it. I also thank everyone else who is there and giving their prayers and hope in the Potter/Lindsay clan's direction.
Oodles of lipstick kisses (my shade is more pink but I could go red for Caleb's homecoming) and warm tender hugs to embrace you all. Love you the ever thankful ever fighting always there for you with this army of a community,
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo Rachael
P.S. I am elated to hear such great news about Caleb it's like the fresh buds of flowers in the spring (my dream is getting closer yet, he he).
rachel,write on!this blog is to help us all.glad to know it is helping you as much as me.sharyn,luv ya.caleb miss you see you soon.thanx lisa b. and dierdre and ennie.
Caleb,
You Go Caleb! Keep doing what you're doing...you are one strong guy! Glad to hear you continue to do well. You continue to be in our thoughts and prayers daily!
Much peace and love to you,
tc
Hi Sharyn-
Katie Clancy here. I was Caleb's math teacher in 8th grade. You and Caleb may not remember me, but I want you to know that I remember both of you. How do you forget Caleb??
Please tell Caleb that Mrs. Clancy believes in him. My prayers (and a few of my dollars :)) are very much with you and your family.
Much love,
Katie Clancy
great news, sharyn!! go, caleb!!
personally i like chanel rouge orange..you'd look great in it!
Yay! Back at Spaulding is all I've been thinking about since... well, since Caleb left Spaulding! And now that he's muttering words, I'm sure he'll be on the road to a speedy full recovery (again) soon. Thanks Sharyn & Jan for your endless love for your three boys. You were put on this planet to be parents; thanks for taking all us bums in too. Caleb's welcome home celebration will be national news. May his immune system be as strong as his heart!
Woo-Hoos & Blessings~ A One Block Move xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Hi amiga,
So glad to know that Caleb is on the healing track, thinking of you both mucho, sending you vibes of soft light and healing. Saw a bobcat cruising around my yard this AM in California, a good omen for sure, fall is a perfect time for Caleb's recovery to get speedy. Keep taking warm relaxing baths whenever you can (don't want the hospital folks to boot you from the bedside for not bathing or something :) and remember to breathe fresh air and sunlight at any opportunity you have. I am convinced that the elements of mother nature heal deeper than anything else... Big hug to Caleb and you both as well as your other 2 amazing boys and Jan. You are all doing an incredible job supporting Caleb and keeping your beautiful community of dear friends and supporters in the loop. I know that your words and sharing of your experience have taught more than just me a thing or 100 about how to live gracefully through intense moments. Thanks for keeping me updated with your blog. love and sunlight with a quiet breeze of fall...
~Jen H.
Dear friends of Caleb,
Dare we hope that Caleb is solidly on the way to recovery? This would be great news after the last 11 weeks of touch and go.
I don't know if this is appropriate to share here, but I just found out that another young person close to me had a severe brain trauma last Tuesday. This is just too weird and painful for me. I got hammered on whiskey in her honor last night (her favorite drink), and I don't even like whiskey.
Her name is Courtney, and I recently spent 4 months with her and some other students in Belize. She had a cardiac arrest and 30 minutes of oxygen deprivation to her brain. Not a good scenario. She is in a coma, and about where Caleb was at the beginning 11 weeks ago, although showing some signs of awareness. She is 23.
They just started a blog and not too many people have posted. Her parents are having a prayer circle every night at 7PM if there is any energy to spare from this group. Her mother told me they believe in the power of positive energy, and I shared that this group feels that it is helping Caleb.
I know we could find many other people who need our thoughts and prayers in the circle of people connected through this blog, and we need to focus on Caleb. We can't heal the whole world. But I just think it's too weird that two young people I know had similar trauma within 2 months.
If anyone would like to lend a kind word or thought the URL is:
http://www.supportforcourtney.com
thanks,
Gary Flo
To Gary Flo,
I just read about your friend Courtney and went to send some positive words to the blog but it didn't work.
Please check the address and update us. I'm sure all of the earnest readers of Caleb's blog will want to send a message.
Thanks.
Re: Privacy. Loose lips sink ships. Noticed some suspitious Reporter types lurking about. Take care Matey's.
My votes on sexy but it could be any one of those.
A move of a couple of blocks is more like miles in the right direction.... so glad to hear such positive news!I will go to work with a lighter heart, healing thoughts, and a feeling of hope.
peg from PA
Lindsay Potter clan
I am sure that you are taking a deep breath with this move again....and hoping he can STAY at Spaulding and move ahead ahead ahead....leave the worries of past events behind...we are all taking some serious breaths....wheel em' out as it is a new day!
man...
what a way to start the day...reading all these postings & crying my eyes out....boogers dripping out my nose onto the floor!
alas, it needs to be cleaned anyway.
LOVED your posting Lesa...that was the "initial" tear jerker.
geez, like i don't already know the story, but, my heart...is full
will check on courtney when we get the right info.
LOVE to all the lovers of the lindsay- potter clan...AND of course...the lindsay- potters.
miss you clance, love reading your words & always want to jump thru cyber space to kiss you, consider yourself hugged & kissed...
LET'S MOVE THE SHRINE THIS WEEKEND!!! (sunday...?)
also, as has been discussed by MANY...let's make the evening prayer circle 7p.m. so more folks come...with school (moms, kids, etc.) & dark & all this is one reason why attendance has been down.
xoxoxoxooxoxoxo
deirdre
Get that boy back to fleet!!!!!!!!!!!aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!matey-------- Love and respect from wellfleet
Well I haven't written anything on the blog wet myself but last night I had a very vivid dream that I must share with all of you: We were having a big party. Live music, dancing, playing games and having a great time. We were all outside in a beutiful grassy yard when a car pulled up out front. I turned to look and saw Caleb open the passenger door and useing the door as a crutch he steped out of the car! He looked well, he smiled and said "I'm home!" He seemed a little bit different, a little bit wiser, a little quiter but still the wonderful guy we all love and care about so much! He continued the night with all of us, sharing and laphing and dealing out the hugs and kisses.
This was so vivid and was not a short dream. I know Caleb is on the fast recovery and my heart longs for this day to come.
I love you Caleb and I am eagerly waiting your healthy return.
Sincerly matie Jimithy
The blog address for Courtney is correct. I've checked it several times:
http://www.supportforcourtney.com
Click on # of comments to post message. Exactly the same as this blog.
Thank you to those who have already posted supportive messages.
Gary Flo
maybe move the shrine during next week sometime. a week from now. then everyone can have enough time to plan for the move.
FYI ...I copied and pasted the address for Courtney from this blog and it is correct just the way it is.
Cedar, I love that you shared your dream with us here, I know it's not really your thing, but seriously.. you made me all teary! Your best bill will be back Jim.. to continue the adventure the 2 of you have been on for years now. You have always been such a good loyal friend to us all, especially Caleb. Thanks. Luv, Clance
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