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.

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

Jennie Update!!-- a beautiful day in Boston

I started my day out with the sun in my face and wind in my hair, and waking up thinking about my Caleb. It is a beautiful day in Boston today, with the sun shining and not a cloud in the sky. Caleb is on a new medication that Sharyn and I are researching because it is altering his mood and alterness. These nurses at Spaulding Rehab are so caring and they want us to understand everything that is going on with Caleb. They print out information about his medications and give them to us, so that we understand what the effects will be and important information we need to know about the meds.
I just wanted to remind everone of a couple things when Caleb comes home. Yes, Our Caleb is coming home on Saturday and will probably be home around noon-time. We will give a better update on this later in the week and as you all know, we are all meeting on the town hall lawn to greet Caleb. Sharyn will be calling me and Sky when they are leaving Boston, so that we know exactly what time they will be arriving. If you are in a time crunch, or have to work, you can call me that morning, and I can tell you exactly when they will be in Fleet. I know that you are all going to want to go to Sharyn's house to see Caleb, but for the first week, as Sharyn said before, no one is allowed to just "stop by". I know we are all used to going over her house whenever we want, but now we can not do that. Caleb is still going to be having therapies many times a day so that we can ensure progress, and he will have a very scheduled day. Sharyn and I are going to make a schedule for visitors and there will be certain days and times for certain people to come see him. People will have certain times and days that come, it won't just be a free-for-all. I know this may seem harsh, but for Caleb's sake we need to ease into people seeing him, and do not get me wrong, having his friends visit is definitly making him get better and it sparks his personality, but we just have to do it slowly.
Other than Caleb being alittle foggy this morning, which iswe expect to happen with his medications and not sleeping well sometimes, ( as we all get grouchy with no sleep), Caleb is still making progress. He is walking on his own and his balance is getting better and better. His speech is coming and going, because sometimes he just speaks when he wants. He is eating really well and going great.. That is all for today, because caleb just started typing on my computer. he just typed all this by himself. he is off for his 4th therapy of the day and its on 11am. he is a busy man, and working sooo hard. love you all

Caleb just typed this--->" hi lads and girls I love you all very much yeah yeah!!!!!!!!"

43 comments:

Anonymous said...

So, so sweet....

Anonymous said...

hey-

I think his spelling skills have improved through all of this!

Seriously - how amazing is that.

Anonymous said...

So nice 2 hear from him!!! Made everyone's day!!

Anonymous said...

Keep up the good work Caleb, your progress is inspirational!!! Soak up some of that sunshine in Boston, you'll be beaming with it on Saturday in Wellfleet!

Thanks for the update Jennie!!

Anonymous said...

SO GREAT Jennie! I will do my best to find a pirate flag to fly from the exit 3 bridge. I want to be able to welcome him home from my town too!!!

J

Anonymous said...

Like many other bloggers, I have never met Caleb despite growing up on the Cape and being close in age to him. I have followed this compelling story of love from day one. It is incredible…just incredible. Sharon, you really should use this blog as the basis of a book. You give strength through your words. I am in awe of all of you. You all are supported by a cushion of adoration by your “tribe”. As weird as this sounds, I had a dream about Caleb and all of you. You were running a destination restaurant in Wellfleet. You all played intricate parts in the function of this restaurant. You guessed it, it was a pirate themed restaurant with Caleb as the matre D. You served traditional Cape faire including Oysters on the ½ shell and fried seafood. I have no idea what most of you look like, but I knew that you were all waiters, waitresses, cooks, and bussers. The highlight of the evening was a ride on Caleb’s boat. He took a select few of us out onto Wellfleet harbor and spoke with great heart about the landscape and the many shellfish grants. People came form all over the world to meet Caleb and his “Tribe”. They came to be a part of Caleb’s future, to witness this miracle person, and to share in just a piece of the love that you have all created.

Anonymous said...

Hey, there's a goal for 'yall! "The Pirate Patch Restaurant"!

Anonymous said...

Caleb, So great to see your greeting! Here's to your homecoming! Yeah!!!
from Denise (formerly the "morning greeter" and coffee maven at the Wellfleet Mkt.)

Anonymous said...

Great to hear from You Caleb, keep pushing hard, the light is visible (almost blinding) at the end of the tunnel

Anonymous said...

Jennie - thanks again, not only for your great blog, but for bringing Caleb himself into it. Wow - just amazing. Hey Caleb, maybe you could teach your Dad some computer skills. haha
See on the "green" Saturday with flag in hand.

Claire

Anonymous said...

hey jennie,
thanks so much for the news...
i think everyone will respect the time and space that caleb & mumsie need. YEAH, YEAH,YEAH,YEAH!!!!!!!!!

blackbird said...

We'll be there in spirit, waving like mad to Caleb...

great to see him typing and being himself!

Anonymous said...

this is the first time leaving a comment for me so here i go....
i just talked to Tim-i yesterday and he was wondering if i wanted to come up to boston today ...but what timmy didnt know is that im in california .... crap i wish i could of gone to see caleb...but i dont think i woulda made it in time ... its so great that caleb is going back to the motherland on saturday wishing i could be there 4 sure....I Cant wait to SEE YOU BIll

love Barney, barnacle, B brandon ect.... lol

love you guys!

Anonymous said...

wonderful blog jennie! and thanks for the shout out caleb!
wishing i was a cape cod dweller so that i could be on the green on saturday waving to you too!
i will wave from here.....
take care
amy in ct

Anonymous said...

Hey, just a thought......maybe someone can video tape the homecoming and put it onto the blog, so that those of us who won't be able to make it can somehow share in the moment, even if after the fact. It's going to be SO glorious! Cheers will be heard around the world!! Welcome home Caleb and Mumsie!

Anonymous said...

Oh Caleb, ?!?!?!, It warms my heart to recieve a message right from your own fingertips! Wish I could be at the town hall on Saturday... I'd do anything to make it! Dammit Colorado! I love you lad- forever!

Anonymous said...

So meet on the Town lawn around noonish? Or before?

-Zana

Anonymous said...

We love you too Caleb....Can't wait for you to come home. See you Saturday......Yeah Buddy!!!!!!!!!

Nicole Miner :)

Anonymous said...

I think a video would be wonderful for all of us out of towners. PLEASE someone tape it if at all possible......Thanks

Anonymous said...

Ah Caleb, words from your own mouth, music to our ears! You just turned what has been a crappy up-side-down day into one filled with light and hope, and I thank you...
Jennie, you are a wonder. So open and direct, so loving and protective. You do what you have to to take care of that sweet man of yours. We are all right behind you and have yours and Caleb's back.
As always, with hope,
peg from PA

Anonymous said...

Yeah! Yeah! Back at ya! Caleb it is so good you will be home so soon. See you at Town Hall.

Anonymous said...

Is everyone else showing up on Saturday in full on pirate attire because I sure the hell am rocking the gear!?

Caleb- Wow. Can you even believe all the progress you have pushed yourself to make!? You are the type of person kids are fascinated and inspired by (not to mention a few adults). You made yo' mama proud boy!

Peace!

Anonymous said...

it's time for us anonymous bloggers to come out of the woodwork and celebrate with all of you in Caleb and Sharyn's homecoming on Saturday. Some of us are loyal summer people who know that Town Hall lawn well and would love to be there. Can anyone make a sign for us? If you do, add my name - Beth, from St. Louis.

Anonymous said...

So many good ideas for this homecoming fiesta...

have a sign for everyone to write their names on...

videotape the event for the blog

pumpkin carvings

pirate gear

OH MAN...THIS IS AMAZING!

Anonymous said...

So many good ideas for this homecoming fiesta...

have a sign for everyone to write their names on...

videotape the event for the blog

pumpkin carvings

pirate gear

OH MAN...THIS IS AMAZING!

Anonymous said...

Hi Jennie,

You always write a such a terrific update! I'm sure the Dr.'s know what they are doing on the meds... How cool to see that Caleb is typing!

I am so looking forward to him coming home Saturday. I'm still camped out on Town Hall lawn waiting for Sharyn and Caleb's arrival... Jodi B. has shown up as promised with her Coleman stove and tent. I think she is mad at me though for farting in the tent! She hasn't spoken to me for hours now... Oh well! She'll get over it....


Kevin

Anonymous said...

Just a few more days Jennie...!!!!

Caleb...yeah, yeah yeah to you too!

Shaye, Katy, please will you video tape the homecoming? You 2 have such skill for capturing epic moments!
Xo, con mucho amor, y paz...Xo, Clance

Jeff- in the Berkshires said...

Good to hear you are making great progress, Caleb.

Finding that right med balance especially after a brain injury is a challenge. A medication comment from the bleachers here: you might find that meds that work well for Caleb now, in this stage of his recovery, at some point as the brain heals further may create side effects that weren't there before. It is a balancing act. The current meds create an equilibrium and future healing can throw that balance off.

Just means they need to be adjusted again or perhaps discontinued.

Hi back to you Caleb.....

will be sending you good thoughts this weekend from the hills.

Anonymous said...

hi lad, i love YOU very much!!!
xoxoxoxooxooxoxoox

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn, Caleb and crew,
Wow! This is life at it's absolute finest!! So wonderful to have Caleb type a message and a great blog from Jennie. Grateful thoughts and happy tears for a happy homecoming after a long, long few months when things looked pretty bleak. Caleb, everyone was very concerned for you but never, ever gave up hope. What a great story of inspiration, faith and hope! We all just know in our hearts that you have a great life ahead of you. Thanks for letting us in on a journey that we will never forget and that has changed us all forever. Some day I hope to meeet you, even though I have known and loved your mumsie for years. She is truly a great lady. I've always known that...didn't need all this to prove it! Enjoy your homecoming!
Sue from Ohio

Anonymous said...

hey ya all,letting you know that saturday was the best day of my life.i got to visit caleb at spaulding.to hear his voice again was like lipstick kisses and chocalate.after we shared the sentiment of missing eachother sharyn suggested a walk along the charles.kai?and i or someone else went to get drinks and came back to people standing and making room.i figured a wheel chair was being brought in so thought it would be better if i waited downstairs.i walked down and waited outside the elevators.after five minutes a "ding"sounded and out walked caleb,my jaw dropped,he looked at me and smiled,and my face erupted into a shit eating grin.that was when i learned the true defenition of"the best day of my life"i also knew from that point on everyday would be better than the last.as my friend gets stronger i will get stronger also.i will strenghten differently than him,he will regain his past as well as prepare for his future.i on the otherhand will get stronger physicialy and mentaly,learn who i really am,and never forget to say "hi".went back to boston to see the rolling ralley and visit caleb.he was rideing a bike with sharyn and two of spauldings finest,they biked six miles,so didn't spend much time with the lad.thanx to nicole and judith,jeremy and annie,sharyn,caleb,jenny,of course kai ,max,and jan and sarah,auntie carol and ray,spud,buff,and walter,especialy eve,and to caleb,will see you soon,but after saturday you mom has fired me from walking spud.glad to have her,and you home. luv timmy p.s.thanx timbob ,peace

Anonymous said...

Jennie your words are always beautiful and I can't wait to see the car with him in it knowing that he is finally where he belongs. The great news from all of you is always great and now from him personally from him really makes me quite happy and content....In such a rough and changing world/life it is nice to know that those good thoughts do reach their destinations, that wishes can come true, that dreams can be fulfilled, and that mircales do accur in many disguises even though some may never be revealed or understood. Still that knowledge is there, Caleb and this community proven that.
I can't wait to see you all on the Town green with pirate gear, flags, signs, video cameras, cameras, posters,(pom poms, and prancing ponies or jumping monkeys, how about a juggler) maybe some food, music, or dancing, ect. Just Kidding, maybe just one from the list above or even two? As long as I get to see all those smiles and Caleb then everything will be as I wish it to be right now.
I fully support the visitation rules that have been suggested. This is about Caleb and the family and us giving respect to him and their wishes. As well as watching out for Caleb's health, I worry about anyone who might have come in contact or do currently have viruses, bugs, bacteria, illnesses, ect. And especially if you have been around anyone who recently has/is sick or if you have recently been sick or if you are sick now I highly advise you stay away, for Caleb's wellness.
I am so proud of you Potter/Lindsay clan you sound competent and as prepared as you can be to undertake the next step down a rocky path. It is tough to live a life with such uncertainty as you did before or such structure as now, coming up is a combination of both, I again give you all the knowledge and strength I have gained from my many homecomings from the hospital.
You all have the strength to continue leaning on eachother and us as well as you are all amazing people as individuals so go out and do so, you can always do anything and we are always here. My ears, eyes, and heart are always here a few clicks away from the keyboard, telephone, or doors. For all of you I have always believed you could all get through everything and you would come out better people because of it. I send out any advice wanted from my experience anytime you need a look from the other side of the box! Remember just because you are home we wont stop sending messages, blogs, Care packages, prayers, support, care, and most of all love followed by a big (AAAARRRGGGG).
I am already smiling and waving from the town green in my day dreams. I can't help but think of this as little b-day present to me (since my b-day is the 7th)and Sky and all those other November babies!!! Happy Birthday to us, Thank you Caleb. With your charisma, Feistiness and heart you must certainly be a pirate and to have touched so many lives and pulled off plenty of miracles you must be a Captain, our captain, your a born leader if I have ever been near one. I love all of you and you still have so much ahead of you, I will continue sending all that I can send that I have beeng giving all along.
Love Rachael
P.s I'll be hoping for a lipstick kiss or two from or for you Sharyn and/or Jennie, ect. I am also prepared to give as many hugs as I can. Caleb I will take a rain check on your hugs, time, and kisses for when you are well enough to gather, (now we have hospitals in common not really good but still when your ready one day a ways off from now we will sit down and chat of either one of our endeavors). We will have that general understanding of that lost place you have to find your way back from and the struggle of crawling out of the murcky waters from which we emerge better/different people. I send out as much love as I can and best wishes to all of you. It's almost November. [I think next year in november there will be a mini-Calebfest. he he ] Just Kidding

P.s. I still can't wait for my dream to be fullfilled and for us to talk at that jag around that bonfire... it will come and I have never thought for a moment that it wouldn't :)
Thank you and we love you LAD!!!

Anonymous said...

Jennie!!!

Your blogs always warm me to the core. Thanks chica! I'm so very excited for you and the family. Looking forward to catching the video soon. Great idea Sharyn. Yeeeaaaaaaaaaaaahhhh....Caleb's message brings an enormous smile to my face. Missing you all so much already.

XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Lil

Anonymous said...

just catching up here...been away for a few days...
count me in for a sweatshirt!
count me in for a party-anytime!!
Home Sweet Home Saturday!!!!! Wahoooooo!!
xoxo

Anonymous said...

Jennie,
It was great to finally meet you yesterday in Caleb's room with Sharyn! I think of you often and what you and Sean (Court's boyfriend) must be going through. I'm sure most of it is similar to what Sharyn and I are feeling but with an added twist for you and Sean. Life is so uncertain but we know that we have to focus on the positive and a brighter future! You are a beaufiful young lady and much of Caleb's recovery is due to your constant vigilance and love. I will miss seeing Sharyn, Caleb and all the family and friends filtering in and out of Spaulding when you go home....what a sweet, glorious sound....HOME!!! Be well and keep in touch!
Love to you all,
Julie,Court's Mom

Sky said...

What a lovely post Jennie. You say it all so well. Caleb thanks for the little message lad. We love you too! See you both in Fleet soon.
xo

Anonymous said...

Ahhhh! Merry the hearts of the Lads and Ladies of Wellfleet shall be when you return on Saturday! Be well, travel safely and lots of hugs.....Natale

Anonymous said...

Caleb,

Thanks for the great message! It was so good to hear from you! Jennie, as always, you write so beautifully, authentically and from the heart. I cannot be on the Green on Saturday. I have classes from 8:00 - 5:00 but if someone could add my name to the Welcome Home sign, I would truly appreciate it. I'll be there in spirit! :-)
Lesa with an "E"!!!!

Anonymous said...

Life is Good!

Tracy in the Berkshires, Ma. said...

Jennie,
you must be bubbling with joy....I can feel it in your post.
.....and what a great post from Timmy too.
you are all blessed to have one another and we here in cyberland are blessed by all of you.
Caleb looks and sounds great!
A BIG HELLO TO YOU LAD!......I think you (CALEB) should guest blogg soon.....maybe once your settled in at home.
I will be thinking of you all Saturday......It sounds like a ticker tape parade for the hometown boy is in order.....I too would love to see video.
Love to you all
PS Jeff in the Berkshires Just a quick hello from one Bezerkshirite to another....Might I know You?

Tracy in the Berkshires, Ma. said...

PS Did I understand it right....
Did Caleb go for a bike ride?

Anonymous said...

WOW! WOW! WOW! This is so awsome i am almost crying here i can't believe he is typing again he seems just like anyone else he is totally learning and i am so proud i may start crying here talk about someone making my day this is just great

bunnnyfoofoo said...

Caleb,
I am so glad you are going home. I wish you a safe trip back to Wellfleet, steady recovery, and a long, happy life surrounded by all the people who love you more than you may even realize.
To all of the caregivers: you need to take care of yourselves so that you can take care of Caleb.

Best wishes,
m
xoxo

p.s. AARRRGGHHHH!!!!!