Hey - mumsie here! Thanks to all the great, recent bloggers and pictures of the Fest and yes I have missed you - I feel as if I haven't written for weeks! As Jennie said, Caleb continues to improve. His motor skills are incredible considering he came in here without being able to move his toes at all and is now walking most of the time with a wheels in front walker. He is capable of eating by himself once his tray is placed in front of him and dress himself and the only concern still pressing on me is the brain and how well it can mend . There is no given with this as there might be with a broken pelvis or leg and it is a wait and see game. He is very easily confused and still sees things which don't exist. His sentences are short and sweet but often times do not pertain to anything we are talking about. Perhaps, and I certainly hope so, this is only a matter of re-wiring, but I do not know! The drugs he takes to spark his brain can cause this confusion, so it's a difficult balancing act but I have faith in his Doctor.
I must admit that the pressure cooker is starting to leak steam and I am feeling burned a bit. My only goal in regulating Caleb's visits, or not giving credit on the Blog is to care for Caleb in the best way that I see fit..and that takes time and energy. I am not busy trying to hurt feelings - I have no time to even contemplate that. So, Caleb can be best served by putting Caleb first and then everything should fall into place --- please try to do this!
On my walk home each night I have the choice of taking the well lit main road or literally the smallest, darkest road in America. I liken this to my situation here. We can all play it safe and choose the easy way but in doing so we miss the beauty of a journey that is filled with a bit of fear and perhaps a bit of danger but it is laced with beauty and challenge and growth. I always take the dark road home. Love, mumsie.
skip to main |
skip to sidebar
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.
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.
Adding Comments
Please feel free to add your comments to the blog. All you have to do is click on the number of comments at the bottom of one of the postings. Then write your comment in the box provided on the right side of the screen. Thank you to all of you who have been commenting so far; we're creating quite the community on here! Be well...
A BIG Thank You
In this season of giving thanks and celebrating family togetherness, I wish to extend a warm thank you to everyone who has been involved in a myriad of ways with my son, Caleb Potter, and his recovery. On July 4, he was involved in a skateboarding accident in our little hometown of Wellfleet on Cape Cod, that caused him serious injuries. He came home from Spaulding Rehab in Boston just before Thanksgiving. Through the blog we started:
http://calebpotter.blogspot.com/
the Wellfleet community of support stretched far and wide across the country, and in fact, throughout parts of the world, with many people offering prayers and words of wisdom. We could not have come so far without this legion of support from all of you, in Wellfleet and beyond. We are sincerely grateful.
Sharyn L. Lindsay and family
http://calebpotter.blogspot
the Wellfleet community of support stretched far and wide across the country, and in fact, throughout parts of the world, with many people offering prayers and words of wisdom. We could not have come so far without this legion of support from all of you, in Wellfleet and beyond. We are sincerely grateful.
Sharyn L. Lindsay and family
DONATIONS
THE CALEB POTTER
BENEFIT FUND
Donations may be made in person at any branch of Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank or mailed to the bank at P.O. Box 697, Wellfleet, MA 02667.
Thank you SO MUCH
for your contributions.
With love,
from all of Caleb's friends and family
BENEFIT FUND
Donations may be made in person at any branch of Cape Cod Five Cents Savings Bank or mailed to the bank at P.O. Box 697, Wellfleet, MA 02667.
Thank you SO MUCH
for your contributions.
With love,
from all of Caleb's friends and family
Official Information
If you have questions about calebpotter.blogspot.com,
email Sky at:
novembersky.freysscole@gmail.com
email Sky at:
novembersky.freysscole@gmail.com
For Sending Cards etc.
Caleb Potter
c/o Sharyn Lindsay
45 Sapokonish Way
Wellfleet, MA
02667
(please be respectful)
c/o Sharyn Lindsay
45 Sapokonish Way
Wellfleet, MA
02667
(please be respectful)
Blog Archive
-
▼
2007
(206)
-
▼
October
(37)
- Fleet bound!
- Jennie Update!!-- a beautiful day in Boston
- "Caleb's comeback": Cape Cod Times
- Fancy Dress
- This is what they look like:
- Carving time
- Happy Halloween
- Cape Cod Times Photos
- cyber friends
- closer to home
- Another picture for ya!!
- Jennie update!!!
- Potter History
- Normal
- This time, from one of "the dads"
- journey
- About Barbara Jordan's Memorial...
- Oysterfest 2007
- Jennie Update!!!
- family, continued
- Family
- A Sigh Of Relief
- Barbara Jordon
- Loving out loud
- My Billy, I miss you!
- nothing much
- Jennie update!!!
- No title
- Reminders & Degrees
- Hello everyone, Caleb continues to do well and is...
- Kai, Caleb and MaxPhilippe, an old friend and form...
- home away from home
- Tube top
- Girlfriend update!!
- Is humor good medicine?
- Low day
- Oysters, Community & Volunteers oh my!
-
▼
October
(37)
MORE POSTS!
To make sure that the blog continues to be fresh and quick we've cut down the number of posts shown on this main page. However, all the posts are still there. Just scroll down to the bottom and click on "Older Posts" to read the rest!
37 comments:
A Road Worth Walking Down
I have seen my brother stumble
I have seen my father fall.
Like shadows from behind me
reaching out
so far that I always have wondered,
my feet are so blinded
if ever they'll find their ground
on a road worth walking down.
I have walked these empty sidewalks
with a trace, without a sign,
past windows with their shades drawn tight over thousands of lives, thousands of lives.
And I wonder, my eyes are so blinded
if ever they'll see somehow
a road worth walking down.
Sometimes it rises up inside you,
sometimes I feel that I may drown
and vanish without ever saying
this is my life, this is my ground
and I wonder, my mind is so blinded
I won't know it when I've found
a road worth walking down
Down in Virginia, 'neath a holy tree
by the river that gave him his youth,
my father lies saying what he always said,
"Please yourself."
I have seen my mother's courage,
you give them life you let them go.
I have chosen my own direction
so far away, so far away from it all
and I wonder, my heart is so blinded
I won't know it when I've found
a road worth walking down.
gg
Sharyn,
Thought this song of Greg's would be helpful to you today...
As always wishing you, Caleb and the rest of your family healing and peace.
Audrey
oh, darn, I see a typo... the first line in the second verse should read-"I have walked these empty sidewalks without a trace, without a sign, past windows with their shades drawn tight over thousands of lives, thousands of lives...
Of course you must do what is best for Caleb and I am sure everyone will understand. With therapy five times a day I wonder how he has time for anything else. Now this is not a criticism but I am pretty sure a beauty like you should stay out of dark alleys! Love, Susanna
Sharyn,
There are so many unknowns and you have been "on" for so long that I expect that you are exhausted in a way that what we usually consider rest will not reach.
You are there for Caleb and this blog is for Caleb and we are the cheering squad for Caleb.
IMHO you need not worry about offending and those who find themselves offended by word or ommission need to take a deep breath, step back and rememeber the focus which is Caleb.
I can appreciate your choice of roads and believe I can picture the specific one you refer to. There is character and depth and softness in shadows let alone the quiet.
I send you thoughts of peace and rest and as always thoughts of healing and peace to Caleb and your clan.
Sharyn,
You are doing EXACTLY what you need to do. Keep doing what you are doing, being sure to take care of yourself in the process. There may be some who do not understand--yes, you ARE putting Caleb's best interests first. It's the only way. Your close circle of friends, and Caleb's close circle, may want to help with handling those who do not understand.
We are all still with you, Sharyn!
DD
Don't worry about hurting feelings just keep on keepin on. I have to say that visiting Caleb Monday I saw such amazing progress. Caleb can dribble a ball in his wheel chair like a pro. Maybe even more controlled than before he hit his head. He also said something to me that I thought was a complete delusion about my parents deck being ripped off. I said no Caleb thats not right you must be thinking of someone else. I got home that night and called my parents and it turns out that a while back Caleb had come over to my house and Dad had told him his plans to take the deck off and put up a new one. The deck has been one of those never gonna happen projects that requires too much money... When Caleb asked me if my parents deck was ripped off it kind of came out of nowhere when I was about to leave. He was trying to put the pieces together. He remembered that conversation and expanded on it. The whole thing made me realize that Caleb is not just randomly saying things but that they are grounded in reality and he is trying to make sense of them. I think that he just doesn't have the energy yet to get to the bottom of things. He works so hard with his therapies. Sharyn, Caleb amazed me I TRULY BELIEVE that he will continue down the road taking huge strides. He is getting better. I did not expect to see such a good looking well spirited lad. I was impressed, and feel like I can sleep easier now. Love always... the dislocated fleetion
100% do what is best for you and Caleb. I don't think anyone that comes to this site and visits would every be offended by you or what you have to say. We are all just so glad you can update us so frequently.
Be safe and remember to take care of you as well.
Peace and Love
J
Hey lady..
Miss you. Caleb is awesome, and has been making amazing progress! Each day I am so grateful you are there by his side, I know this has all been challenging, painful, and has required much patience, but all these are virtues, & will make you stronger, & that much more blessed (you know this well) Keep the faith, manifest the best, and know we are still praying for you.
Caleb.. yeah buddy.. you are one hell of a lad. Miss you muchoooo.. Get strong Capt'n!
Brain research has proven that the brain can repair itself....takes lots of time and work......just like a stoke victim.....relearn, practice, relearn, practice and on and on and on.......I'm sure what he is "seeing" that is not actually there is a result of the meds he's on....I've read nothing on hallucinations from brain trauma.......confusion , YES.....he'll be fine.....it's going to take a lot of work and a lot of time....when he eventually comes home the work will have to continue for a long, long, time, (I know Lisa B. has offerred help when that time comes, myself included, there is a ton of research out there).....I work with a traumatic brain injured student and the progress this student has made in the last two years is evident.....even when you think you've gone as far as you can go.....repair and reconnect continue to happen...the brain is an amazing machine.....there's lots of hope.....keep the faith.....he will be OK....it's just a long frustrating road....love, jodi
Once Caleb is doing well enough to be back in Wellfleet there will be plenty of old, retired, cranky, obnoxious geezers like me to drive him places, annoy him, natter on and on, so that he'll have more motivation than ever to recover completely. Oh yes, we'll be there. And that reminds me of a story which must have happened back in '58. It seems there was this.....
Well said Mumsie!!! I like the part about, "The Dark Road". Love you lots, and Caleb is always on my mind. Lily, Cedar, and I all spent about an hour or so last night lighting candles up town, and talking about the Lad. We sent good energy his way, and sitting around together was healing for US I think. Lily misses him dearly....I think that it was great for her to be there.
~Nicole Miner
Who are these people whose feelings are hurt? Are they aware their hurt feelings take positive energy from you and, potentially, from Caleb?
I'd say feelings can (or should) heal faster than a bruised human brain.
I do suppose there's enough positive energy in the world to overcome these egotists.
Oh, well.
I think almost every parent has heard of this debate...does your child choose, in a sense, to make you their parent? I believe this with all my heart and Sharyn, it is clear to everyone that knows of you and your children, that this is true. You are an absolutely amazing mother and deserve all the love the world can give you! Your boys were smart to "choose" you! I'm sure there isn't one minute that any of your sons don't think, "Wow, our mother is the greatest person in the universe!" Mothering is no doubt difficult but always remember the light at the end of the tunnel. In ten years from now, Caleb is going to remember your sweet kisses and warm hugs from everyday during this whole ordeal. Seeing your face everyday must be a therapy for your son. You are setting a beautiful example to your sons on what a parent does... loves, loves and loves! Can you imagine how fantastic of parents Max, Kai and Caleb will be?! Peace and love to all of you!
If you're feeling stressed and need a good laugh, I suggest listening to the new Britney Spear's song "Gimme More". It really is that bad!
Onion Poem
When does an onion start to grow?
It has no need for water, earth, or sun.
Deep down in the center,
somehow, something moves,
then a dry hair of the root tingles,
and that something
starts to spread,
makes space for a shoot
to move up through all the layers
that have formed slowly,
one around the other,
for a time long past remembering,
and cause the outer skin
dry brown, to split and flake off.
Inside, the center sleeps--
until that moment,
unknown, mysterious,
when it stirs, wakes,
calls on the root
and sends new leaves upward
toward the light.
I’ve written maybe ten letters and deleted them, because I feel that you all do not need another opinion. But that hasn’t stopped any of us yet, so here goes:
I’m not an expert on head injuries, although my husband is one of those MGH trained physicians. He helped us understand a bit about what was going on with Caleb this summer. I’ve lived long enough to experience some of what is going on with Caleb.
I believe that Caleb has a constellation of injuries that will take years to sort themselves out. He will not be the same person he was before the accident, and neither will his family and friends who were uninjured. This is just too big a deal.
The extended Lindsay/Potter clan and Wellfleet community has done an incredible job rallying together. It has been truly amazing to watch.
But you are also in it for the long haul.
When my family had a similar event we caregivers had to learn to pace ourselves and we also had to relieve each other. Everyone wanted to give their more than their all, and would become exhausted. We were then worthless to the people who needed us.
This is the most difficult job to do!
The Oysterfest was great. Both days we went right to Caleb’s booth and would only eat his oysters. And we all answered the question, about a million times, and with great pride: Who is Caleb Potter?
CB, part time Wellfleeter and daily blog reader
I'm so glad to hear about Caleb's progress. Sharyn, you have a world of support behind and beside you. Take it in and know that you are loved.
Lesa
Sharyn- the darker road shows how full of courage you are. The road may be long but each moment is a moment on its own. I am humbled by the enormity/smallness of this. Planning, keeping our minds busy with worry or regret are habits that let us feel in control. This moment is what it is. You must continue on- honot your instincts/ inner voice. The rest of us are only wanting to fill the anxious moments with love and support. "every little thing's gonna be all right". Sending healing prayers to all. ann m
Where there is life there is hope, where there is life and hope there is need for patience, security, devotion, faith and love. You have all of those qualities in large quantities, and that bodes well for Caleb's future. He will come back, maybe different in some ways, but still himself. You are different now as well, but your self is also still intact.....Don't waste time or energy worrying about how anyone else feels regarding how you are managing Caleb's routine: you are the one who knows what is best for him and his recovery counts on your judgment as well as that of his Docs. Keep doing what you do best, taking care of your sweet sons. Take care of you, too..... Everyone else can sort themselves out in time.
As always, with hope,
peg from PA
Sharyn,
Sharyn,
How can anyone be offended??? You are doing everything you can possibly do!! and more.... YOU girlfriend, is a mix of Martha Steward, Jane Fonda, Maya Angelou and off course a bit of the red-lipped Elvira! Forget about the whiners they'll never be happy anyway...Take care of Caleb, but don't forget Sharyn.
Lots of Hugs from me to you.
Eva
Sharyn,
You are doing an awesome job with Caleb, and everything going on around you. Don't worry about what anyone says or thinks. You know best what is going on, and what needs to be done. The only opinions that matter are Caleb's and your family's. Everyone else needs to get a grip, and quit whining. You have so much love and positive support behind you, you need not worry about the negitive. Take care of yourself,
sharyn never offended anyone,it was us,the bloggers who got offended.go back in the posts.nobody villified sharyn.it was always us,the mumses,the friends,and the bonding supporters.we were the ones who lashed out with quick words and defensive attitudes.i said it before that i have never witnessed more protective social brethren than a wellfleet tribe member before.remember that it was our comments that "made" sharyn "apologize?"go back and read these so called rude bloggers,i will believe you might think we are the rude ones.advice,no matter what is about or where it comes from is knowledge.please seean earlier post about barbara
jordans service.luv and strength to caleb and a can of pepper spray to sharyn.luv and apologizes timmy s.
You should not be worrying about offending anyone......I remember being in child birthing class back in the early 80's and the midwife told us at a certain point all modesty and
concern for others flies out the window and it is just about you and your baby.....your situation is much the same, Caleb is being rebirthed and its really all about him and those who are closet to him.
I believe everyone attending this rebirth knows that on some level and any bruised egos will heal quickly.
I share you blogg with many including my 25 year old son, who is so much like Caleb, but who is in a whole other world from where Caleb is right now...he has two children and a third on the way.
Most mornings he stops by my house with the girls, I watch him bath them, brush and fix their hair, help them identify letters on Seasame street and I think how in a New York minute, it could be him relearning all of these things.....and I think of you and Caleb....He was my first born, my second was to be called Caleb had she been a boy, but hence she is Calla.....a nursing student and jewelry designer which makes me think Kai is your family healer., I have a Max too...but his name is Nathan.....
sweetest kid of the lot, but keeps his cards close to his chest.
Did I ever think my 5 day Vacation on the cape this summer would bring with it such a long lasting, emotionally touching aftermath.....No... but it did....It just took one "pray for Caleb" sign at the intersection of RTE 6 to open me up to a lesson in the beauty of life, of family of community.
I just sent a little package your way....you will be able to discern what is for you and what is for Caleb......
When people question your bloggs...I think
"keep it real girlfriend"
that is what it is really all about.
my 25 year old son said today "Maybe Caleb is now open to a life we are not privy too,.....seeing what is there for him and expressing it in allegory"....
"maybe we need to listen more actively till time heals his physical brain"
.........will Caleb be the young man that marched that day in the parade 4th of July when he returns to Fleet, no ones knows, but I assure you, whoever he becomes will always be unique because he has the love of those around him making him the shining star he is.
When I log on to the "green page" every day and Caleb's beautiful face with its enigmatic smile appears I feel an overwhelming surety that he will be well.
Sharyn -
your journey with Caleb (and Kai and Max) began an unforseen detour down a metaphorical blind alley on the 4th of July, but I'm positive that you will all come out into the sunlight soon - decidedly different people, with new perspectives and altered perceptions of the nature of the bigger picture.
I believe that gifts come when you least expect them and very rarely look like you think they will. The obvious gifts offered to those of us out here in your cyber-tribe are the expansion and redefinition of "family", the comfort of knowing you are never alone and the removal of barriers that used to exist because of space and time and perceptions. I am pretty constantly amazed and grateful for these new discoveries and never forget for a moment that it is Caleb and you who have made them real for me.
Caleb's personal gifts - as well as yours' and Kai's and Max's and Jan's - will most likely stay personal (as they should) and will probably only reveal themselves over time. Please know that there WILL be those gifts, they WILL enrich all of your lives in ways you've yet to fathom and you WILL look back on this time of uncertainty (at some point!) with your own enigmatic smile of recognition.
You keep forging your own path, my new friend - the path that works for you and yours - and those of us on the periphery will buoy you along whenever we can. Please don't give another thought to the naysayers and the self-absorbed.
Love to you and yours from me and mine,
Susan
Good choice. Some of us don't get to choose and still see the beauty in the dirty,twisted journey. Wouldn't have it any other way.
Hi Sharyn, Hi Caleb!
I always enjoy your blogs, and have never felt offended by them. You include all of us...you are spontaneous and honest and you keep us informed, so what more could we ask? Thanks for being who you are and for taking such good care of Caleb through all the ups and downs.
Looking forward to meeting you both someday out in the gardens or mudflats of Wellfleet!
Blessings and peace to you all.
Isn't life beautiful?
Hi Sharyn,
So what time of night do you walk down this dark road? And what's the name of this road? He!He!He! Can you hear me snickering?....Made you smile!
If any person could write a road map for life they would have more money than there are roads....What road makes you happy is of course the choice. We all have to turn around here and there after a bad choice... Forrest Gump said " Life is like a box of chocolates, You never know what your going to get."
If you recall a month or so ago you where apologizing in the blog here to me thinking you had hurt my feelings. As I said then and again now, it was quite the opposite that I was worried I had some how hurt yours. Maybe that has happened to you again. I am at a loss to know but apologies from you are not necessary in my way of thinking here... Your plate is full...If your one of the bad guys, give me a thousand more of you! Caleb comes first for you for sure and should come first for everyone else visiting here. In your journey just keep putting one foot in front of the other and my money is on you and Caleb!
One more thing....Carry a flashlight!
Kevin
hmmm...a funny thing happend at the oyster fest.
caleb, who wasn't even there was the most present of all...present...a gift to all.
his presence was everywhere, his name on everyone's lips, talking about him or asking who he was or how he is.
the most crowded booth on main st. was his.
i was selling raffle tix & peeps were asking all day both days...i even heard...is there a pirate theme at the festival?
i couldn't leave my booth easily & didn't have food...lines were long...ann m came along, took my order & returned moments later w/ a doz oysters from caleb's booth....thank you my friend...you nourished me & you weren't even there...
since his accident he is larger than life.
we love you caleb...we're waiting for you....waiting....waiting...at the other end.
***prayers for shaye for his court date 10-19-07
xoxoxxoxoxoxo
d
BIG PRAYERS FOR SHAYE TODAY!!!
J
Sharyn,
From the outside looking in, we have great confidence in Caleb's recovery. It all must seem to run together to you but we can see great leaps.
You know how babies change so dramatically when you go for a week or a month without seeing them? All of a sudden they are doing so much more. This same process is evident in Caleb. If you went away for a week, you would return amazed at the difference! Not that I'm recommending you take a week off.
The most encouraging aspect is the glimpses you give of the old Caleb coming through. That spark, that humor. They are the deepest part of Caleb's being and they are still there. He just has to heal. And healing he is.
You still have him and he still has you. He is concious and improving. We rejoice!
Take time to look back at where you've been. Where you are going is much brighter.
You are making a difference to so many people. Take heart. We love you.
Your Friends in Maryland.
THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH SHAYE TODAY
Sharyn, don't waste your time and energy on bloggers' feelings or their rude comments. They need to go to another site to continue that because no one who really has Caleb's best interests at heart will play the game with them. Let it go, girl....
You have some years ahead of you to travel with Caleb, some dark roads, some brightly lit roads, because the brain CAN reheal to a great extent, but only with time, time, time, patience, repetition, practice, stimuli, time, time, and more time. And as much as we need to KNOW what's going to happen, and be in control of making sure things happen, that's just not possible...there are times you'll never understand or know what's happening or going to happen, and you'll learn to go with that, to accept your at-times limited insight because the brain is the most mysterious thing in ALL of science.
Hang in there, get a massage, breathe deeply on your walks to and from the hospital (with mace in bag for return trip), let others spell you where they may, and you, with face up to the sky, eyes wide open, thank someone for getting you both where you are today - since July 4.
You'll be fine.
It is wonderful to read about how much progress Caleb has made, and I agree with all those who said that given how far he has already come, his brain must be healing and will eventually return to "normal," whatever that means!
I cannot imagine anyone being offended by anything that has been said here---by anyone. Maybe I am just dumb or maybe there is more going on than what appears here, but whatever---Sharyn, you owe nobody anything, and if the blog is a becoming a burden rather than a support network for you, then you should not waste your energy on it. Much as I want to know how Caleb and the rest of your family is doing, I believe that the rest of us are irrelevant to the real issue: the health and well-being of your son and his family.
Any word on Shaye???
~NM
Well said Amy from Western MA.
I was in Wellfleet during Oysterfest and I stood in your yard and admired your garden while Haley delivered Cookies and something that starts with a B to Max. She is home with me in Canada now and worrying about him.
Try to be patient with Caleb's progress. There is a lot more ahead. It is hard to organize your thoughts when your brain is injured. It will take a while before he can build new pathways but there is a lot of redundancy in the human brain so he will rewire. Remember the biggest progress is made in the first 2 years and it is only the first few months...and that has been with many set backs from illness. He is going to get a lot better - you can count on it.
Suzanne
Post a Comment