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.

Wednesday, September 5, 2007

September goodies

This is day four with continued positive progress for Caleb...it looks as tho his bacteria count is going down - it's slowly moving in that direction...but it's moving. White blood count is down as well...temps are stable, and blood pressure - good! So, I am feeling really radient.
For those of you who want to send cards (thanks to the teacher on the blog who is teaching her kids about kindness), Sky posted my address. I would also like to have Pam write to me about NHRS and her experiences there, should she like! I am considering that option for Caleb. I am always amazed and amused at how many of you say that you are shy about writing on the blog----please don't be. I value all of the words that are spoken on this site, and often you shy types say the most profound things.
There is a nurse here (one of our favorites among the favorites)who knew Molly Benjamin ( our own female pirate in Fleet who recently passed away) who follows this blog along with many of the nurses here at MGH and those at Spaulding -- I say - hats off to the nurses - they are beyond dedicated and they make your stay at the hospital so bearable..and those outfits! Gotta have one! There are days where I find myself laughing and crying with them, just as if I were with all of you at home. Please give some positive mojo to the nurses today ..they are the best!
Kai and Liz are settled into their new apt. in Western MA, Max is holding down the fort, Dad is back at work, Aunt Carol; back to teaching, Jenny is back at school as well and I am adjusting to my new life as a city girl. As Caleb improves, I am finding that I actually a bit bored - any suggestions? Love to all from the mumsie

32 comments:

Lesa said...

Good time to start working on your book. Also, if you haven't tried Antonio's across the street from MGH, try it for lunch or dinner. Great Italian food and not expensive. Also, check with the hospital on if they are running any yoga or meditation classes that you might join. If so, you'll still be near Caleb but also taking care of yourself. Finally, I have some time on Mondays and Fridays. If you are interested we could spend an hour or two exploring museums in the area or whatever else you might enjoy. We have a house in Jamaica Plain (Moss Hill) and there is always tea and company if you'd prefer that. Contact me via email at fearless_leader@hotmail.com.

Anonymous said...

woo hoo! pick up some of those beads, girl! And make till you feel better!
SOOOO glad to hear Caleb's doing better! I somewhere have a pik of him and Cody as pirates in the halloween fleet parade circa...2nd grade?? was in the newspaper..
I wanted to tell you that I have always appreciated your out-goingness and community orientedness. Even now! And back when I first moved to Fleet, you were one of the first to reach out to me. I remember you coming into the Box Lunch where I was working, looking so elegant and beautiful in a.. cashmere? beret... and introducing yourself... thank-you again!!!

Anonymous said...

I vote that you tour the hospital and visit other patients. I think you'd be the best thing that could happen to them.

tim bob said...

re: boredom

go to the aquarium, MFA, museum of science. my fam used to live right outside boston (a walk from the red line) and I know my mom's just dying to sshow you around some of her old haunts.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, The Aveda store on Boylston St. across from Trinity Church is a great place for a little pampering. The stained glass windows in Trinity Church are world famous. Have you tried the falafel sandwiches at the Phonecian across the street from the hospital? They are great! The guy there once asked me if I was visiting someone in the hospital(guess he could tell by the look on my face) and he snuck a banana in my lunch bag. When I left he said "You got to take care of your self too". Love, Susanna

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, I had a car accident this morning on my way to work. Luckily no one was injured, but both cars sustained lots of damage. The other driver and I looked at each other and first reactions were, "Thank God, no one is hurt." I was really shaken and then thought about Caleb and how life can change in a flash. Another reminder to "live out loud," to grab every moment and make the best of it.
Glad to hear that Caleb is doing so well and that the rest of the family is going on with their other commitments. Again, we live out here in WMA, so if you or Kai need a place... let me know.

Amy

Anonymous said...

I don't know that part of the world too well, but I am sure you could enjoy some time cruising the museums, or visiting some patients..they could sure benefit from your "spunkiness" Maybe go to a zoo, and laugh at the elephants, and monkeys like Caleb loves to.. if you look at a gorilla long enuff they poo in their hands, & throw it at the glass, I remember one school trip Caleb was very intrigued by that! The Aquarium is awesome too.. the penguins are hilarious! Love ya, & miss you dearly.. Xo Clance

Anonymous said...

Now I know I am nuts-----on my days off I wish I was working because that is where the computer is and I am addicted to the "Blog." Anyway I am very happy to hear that the "flood waters" are receding. Great news. Yes there are wonderful museums in Boston and galleries. Be well Sharyn and keep that boy busy!
Love and a big hug. Penny on St.John

Anonymous said...

BOSTON...

So glad to hear that Caleb is progressing. Boston, has some really amazing things to do but it's a funny thing sometimes it's all just to much. My favorite things is by far the aquarium, it's the closest thing I feel to the Cape. The water has always been my second home, I feel more comfortable in the water or on a boat than I do anywhere else. So I always try to make a stop at the aquarium, that area of the city is so nice. It's always so reassuring when you meet someone who knows someone special from your heart, your home. Try to enjoy the most of the city while your there, take everyone up on their invitations (they wouldn't ask if they didn't mean it) Boston is a rich, diverse, amazing city!! Just walk and see where you end.

xoxoxoxox
P-Town Girl

Cathie said...

Bored Huh?!?

Where's that 35 year old doctor? (Been there, done that; it's fun!)Look at how gorgeous you are! Remember when i ordered your door hardware a few years ago at Mid Cape Wellfleet, and when they arrived, i said that you had the nicest "knobs"in town? don't ever forget that! ;>

Anonymous said...

What wonderful news....it's so good to bring up your blog with happy expectations, rather than feeling tense and fearful. Following the story of this trial and incarnation of Caleb's, as well as yours....again, I feel blessed to be able to read and feel such great love and live OUTLOUDness!

Beautiful picture of Sharyn and Max and Kai! It's so nice to see the faces behind the story.

My husband especially enjoyed Jennie's story of Caleb giving her a "squeeze." ;)

Pam K in VT

Anonymous said...

Glad to hear the good news, it sounds funny to read the word bored from you. In one way it has to feel good to be bored, after all the worry and fear. Amazing how our minds work.I too think you should visit the patients. I would do that when my mother in law was in a nursing home. It truly brightens their day to have someone different to talk to. You still have a long road ahead, so remember, take care of yourself also. Body, mind, and soul. Be well, all of our best from Pa.

Anonymous said...

We're very glad to hear that Caleb's continuing to do better. If you're really looking for something to do, how about looking up your old friends, Carrie and Neil? Ol' Satchel still talks about the peeps in your basement- but we understand if they can't make it.

Love, an anonymous friend who knows what you should do

Anonymous said...

Great news on Caleb and for us "outsiders" its nice to have pictures to connect with.

What a welcome thought of being bored. The Boston metro area has so much that is easy to get to, I can't believe that boredom will last for long.

I continue to send good thoughts for continued healing.

Anonymous said...

Take an afternoon on Newbury Street: spot the Cape Cod connections (jewelers and galleries with CC stores or CC artists on the wall); sit outside at Stephanie's (Newbury at Exeter - Copley stop on the Green Line) for an afternoon drink and people-watching; or find a friend at Azure in the Lenox Hotel over a glass of wine. Get out of the shadow of MGH and the back side of Beacon Hill. The real spark is in the Back Bay and South End.

Anonymous said...

My day starts off with a smile and sigh of relief every time your news is good, continuous prayers, hugs and kisses from our small corner of Wellfleet.
NOW as to suggestions -
Paint all the sleeping patients lips with bright red lipstick
Rearrange all the pills in any cabinet you can find according to color
Take all the johnnies out and have them tie dyed
Find some magic markers and decorate the walls - preferably with a pirate motif
Go for a wheel chair ride down the corridor with a glass of smuggled champagne
Play the "Secret" game with some hearing impaired patients and just remember the final answer has to end in pishkin.
Keep the faith, Jane

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

10 things you can do when your bored…

-Call up for a Champagne delivery.
-Count how many male doctors there are.
-Roll your beads down the Hospital hallways.
-Streak naked down the Hospital hallways. (Watch out for beads!)
-Pass out green M&M’s to visitors.
-Tell blonde jokes to everyone.
-Hand wash all the bed sheets.
-Take over the Hospital PA system.
-Hang a moon out the window in Caleb’s room.
-Call up for another Champagne delivery.

;-))
Kevin

Anonymous said...

Kevin!
You are hillarious!

Anonymous said...

OH NO! Boston is clearly not ready for a bored Sharyn Lindsay. Sound the alarms!!

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

How great to be bored!!!! Perhpas a walk across the river to Harvard Square. Great to hear about Caleb. Margie

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
Check out the Community Boating on the Charles, right across the street from the hospital.
For food and driks:"The King and I" has great Thai food and "Bin 26" on Charles Street is a great place for a glass of wine.
Lisse

Anonymous said...

hey old lady
Your right I am not going to be shy anymore. Thank you. Awesome news about caleb. My thoughts and prayers are in that hospital room at all times. Let me know if you ever need a date up there in that there big city. Maybe an underground rap battle sometime?(huh,huh?)
much love
judith

Anonymous said...

Where in Western Mass are Kai and Liz? Anywhere near Northampton MA.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn, I am another one of those people that is "addicted" to this blog to keep up with how Caleb is doing and I am so happy with his progress. I was in Wellfleet a couple of days after the accident and our friend, Ethan Estey, told us what the flags were representing. I was praying for Caleb from that point on. You are truly an amazing mother and at times I sit at this computer after I put my 4, 2 1/2, and 7 month old kids to bed and think about what you do each day. If you ever get extremely bored this family can entertain you to the fullest. My kids will make you laugh to no end. If you need a change of pace, let me know. We live in Newton, about 8 miles from Boston and we are actually heading to Wellfleet Friday morning for a couple of days if you need anything from there. Please don't hesitate to ask for anything. If you need a night out I have NO problem taking you out to dinner and leaving the kids at home!! :) Take care and keep strong!!
Tricia Marucci
tricia@tishdesigns.com

Anonymous said...

You are so close to the river - you can rent a sailboat or kayak from Community Boating or Charles River Kayak and spend some peaceful time on the water. Or take a water taxi out to Spectacle Island - the most peaceful place in the harbor - it reminds me of the outer cape.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn,
Great news and so happy to hear that Caleb is doing better!! when I was in the big city, I used to cruise up and down Boylston St,.. lots of shopping, and people watching of course!! And, my VERY favorite place to sit when I was soooo missing Wellfleet was the Christian Science Museum's reflection pool... it's down near the Trinity Church that someone else suggested... on Huntington Ave and Mass Ave. Pretty easy to find, and SOOOOO nice to collect by!
Hope you like it!
XOXOXO
Allison Paine

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn!
So happy to hear of Caleb's continued improvement! Sounds like his strength is getting fiercer every day! Wahooo!
...so, you say you're getting a bit bored...I'm not sure if you mean you'd like to leave the hospital or not, but if you're looking for short bouts out and about...I've learned from this blog that you love plants and flowers. I understand that there's a strong possibility that you may have a distaste for fake flowers...but...there's a museum at Harvard-The Harvard Museum of Natural History-they have an ongoing exhibit of over 3000 models made entirely of glass by father and son artisans starting back in 1887. It's the Ware Collection of Blaschka Glass Models of Plants. They were commissioned by a botany professor who didn't like the papier mache models because they weren't realistic enough.
They are gorgeous and pretty phenomonal! (and they look so real!!! at least to me) :)
If you're interested, here is a website for directions and stuff:
www.hmnh.harvard.edu/exhibitions/
glassflowers.html
I do hope you enjoy whatever you do, and I look forward to five days in a row of victories over the bacteria!!!
Positive thoughts always,
Heather

Anonymous said...

Still checking in everyday and great to hear of Calebs progress. Indeed life goes on while your son's body heals itself. You should share your sunshine with the others in the hospital and treat yourself to cheesecake at the cheesecake factory (tiramisu the best!) and get your feet wet in the frog pond on boston common and watch life as it happens! Very best wishes and pray the good news continues
Ali, Andy and Tenaya...Manchester UK

Anonymous said...

SHARYN, Perhaps you could use your power of persuasion to revive prayer circles in Wellfleet. I drove by the other day and saw three, yes three, people in town. I joined them but we could not hold hands in a circle because the shrine is too big and the numbers too little. Glad Caleb is on the rise again. With prayer a full and speedy recovery is just around the corner. ;-) Be well.

rosie said...

I hear the night life in Boston is fun! Maybe a gay bar or a straight bar, some where you might be able to at least find some eye candy to melt your eyes onto. Take out your hottest elfet and hit the streets girl. Bring out the vicious sharyn for a night. Or, check out a yoga class. There are some good ones up there, lots of them. I am sure there are some zen centers too. If you haven't all ready been to the museums, check those out. I am sure you will find planty of exciting things to do. Just step out those hospital door and let the unknown reveals itself one mement at a time! Mmmmm... you are such and amazing, incredible, versitile lady! Thank you again for being you. You are always in my mind and have helped me have faith and just be me. You have a true appreciation for all beings and have a heart of gold. I love getting older and really finding the value of what is real and what isn't and you are as real as it gets. Thank you fro being you and shedding your light onto other and myself. I hope to see you soon! It means a lot for me to just even see your face let alone give you a hug. oxoxoxoxox muah! Rosie

Ellen Landrum said...

Sharyn-

It sounds like you're in Caleb's room most of the time (what a gift to him- so lucky to have your constant support), but if you have time for a stroll one evening, try a walk across the Charles River locks, into Charlestown. There are some divine restaurants and pubs. We lived on our boat at the marina beside Ironsides. I always think of it fondly.

Anonymous said...

You need to write a book, your writing is amazing.