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, November 17, 2007

Rude awakening

We arrived home to such a wonderful gathering in Fleet, helped Kai to heal from his yanked out appendix, mourned with Anna and her sister over the tragic loss of their mother and just when we thought things might get back to some semblance of order - we find ourselves back at MGH. It looks as tho Caleb might need cerebral drain for the CSF fluid that will not automatically absorb - so here we are. I now get it - things can always be worse so try to focus on the positive. Kai can live without one body part and we still get to be with Caleb. I need to constantly remind myself lest I forget! If all goes well, this procedure will take place Monday and we might be still home by Turkey day!
So the good news is just that - Caleb is still with us and in the short amount of time that he was home, he was doing beautifully....walking the dog each day down our beautifully, crimson covered, tree lined roads through the woods, eating lots of home made dinners and healthy soups, doing his brain gym ( exercises for the re-wiring of the brain)and as the boys said - just looking more like Caleb and less like a patient. We are blessed, as all of you are who are loved and who love. Mumsie

56 comments:

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn, your amazing strength is shining through, yet again. We are all still with you every moment and will be back on the town hall lawn when you return, and will again watch for you Caleb when you saunter down Main Street, better than ever. It will happen.
Claire

Anonymous said...

Dearest Sharyn- Not a day goes by that we don't think of you all....I am also aware in one second how things change..it is truely amazing... I think you have done an amazing job of being positive and trying to live in the good of the moment...some one once told me to be patient with the process of life...sometimes I understand that...but most of the time - I say "what the *&()&(" - We send our love to dear Caleb for a fast recovery from this little bump in the road...and hope you will all be together on Turkey Day...but the most important thing is that you have lots of Turkey Days in the future with your boys- and that is the greatest thing to be thankful for in all the Turkey Days past- We love you- and miss your smile..I especially miss asking you the one special question that I cant help but ask..when you are wrighting out your check for goods to some random company..and I say " Do you Pay..." with a smile I leave you - xoxoox
Sassy... and a little giggle-

Anonymous said...

To love and be loved, you are so right Sharyn. Good luck w/ this latest, and best wishes for a Happy Thanksgiving. There's much to be grateful for, bumpy ride and all. To picture you all together at a table will make me very happy. Keep on keepin'on,xo David W.

Anonymous said...

"Love. Love will keep us together."

- Could much more be said?

susan in portsmouth said...

Oh my darling friend -

It seems that the powers that be are testing you and yours yet again. You have the BEST attitude and will surely weather this setback with the grace and clarity that you seem to possess in boundless quantities.

And as for just "NOW" getting it - I'm convinced that you've been "getting it " all along!

I will have the luxury of cooking for and spending the day with all of my little chickens on Thursday.
We have a lovely tradition of taking turns counting our blessings out loud before we begin to eat. You need to know that Caleb's journey and the incredible connections that have occurred in our lives because of it will be at the top of my list. Gifts come in the most unlikely packages - I'm certain that no one would have guessed on the 4th of July that any of this would appear to be a gift, but that's exactly what it is - a shimmering reminder of the sweetness and abundance of life, the fragility of the human body and the steely strength of fierce mother love. I beyond grateful for these gifts and will be thanking you OUT LOUD for them over turkey and sweet potatoes and wine next week! I have revised my initial assessment of 2 degrees of separation and fully agree with Lisa B. - there are NO degrees of separation! We are family, period.

You are ever in our thoughts and prayers, and I'm certain that my little family will not be the only one counting your little family among their blessings this year.

Love and crossed fingers,
Susan

Anonymous said...

We're all still out here, and you continue to be in our thoughts and prayers.
Mom in CT

Anonymous said...

Dearest Sharyn,
Those nurses must have missed you and Caleb too much and needed a quick visit from you. Take good care and keep the faith. Reiki is coming Caleb's way.
Lots of love,
Peg

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn-
If by chance you are still in Boston for Thanksgiving, would you please join me, my husband, daughter, and mother for a Turkey Dinner in the City. Tom is going to Beth Israel for Surgery on Tuesday and won't be home before Thursday- we will be driving to Boston to take my Mom to dinner on Thanksgiving. Hopefully you will be back in Fleet for the Holiday, but just in case you are held over-give me a call on my cell 508-237-1556 and we can all be Thankful together!
prayers and postive thoughts to you and yours-
Judith's Big Sis, Karen

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,

Sending you strength and gentleness to work with the latest. You are a trooper like no other, hang in there along the path, this too will settle, breathe deep whenever you think of it and lean whenever necessary. Mucho love~Jen/Jenny H.

blackbird said...

Fingers crossed that you are back home by Thanksgiving -
then again, you can make it Thanksgiving whenever you get there!

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,

You remain such a wonder. Honestly, part of my Thanksgiving this year will be my gratitude for being brought into your circle. Though we are miles apart, I have learned so much from you and send loving energy to you and Caleb. The week you returned home, you phoned me to thank me for my little reminder that you are not alone, purchased after consultation with the delightful Kevin Scalley. I was so touched that you had called and left a message, in the middle of all you need to tend to each day. I'm thrilled with the idea of meeting you and Caleb and the whole circle in person some future day. Until then, know we are rooting for you and are in awe of your strength. Take care, Lisa K.

Anonymous said...

Oh, WOW!!! How was that discovered???

That's alright though! Our Caleb will be back in Fleet again in NO TIME! Keep your head up Sharyn, and PLEASE KNOW THAT WE ARE ALWAYS THINKING OF YOU.

LOVE YOU ALL!
Nicole and the Miners

Anonymous said...

so dear sharyn,
to make a long story long....
i went and heard the most incredible music last night...
native american flute and classical guitar...
i was teary eyed thru all of it...
thinking of caleb & you and hoping all was well....
i read your words this morning and pulled a medicine card.... came up TURKEY!!! sure you have them,so read and know the Give-away is all about love!!!!! sending big peace, love, thoughts, healing from far away....

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,
Keep the faith, sweetie, as you always do. It's all we have in this crazy, unpredictable world. Hopefully, you will be home for turkey day. Still thinking and praying for you all the time. An Ohio visit to the Cape is in order.
Love to all,;
Sue (and my empty nest)

Anonymous said...

thinking of you and looking forward to seeing you back here as soon as you can be here....love...

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, Caleb... I'm so sorry to hear about this setback. But it's only that - a setback, a temporary "one step backward" so that Caleb can then take three steps forward. A little bird told you just recently that these unforseen nasties would occur... but that you need to stay focused on the big picture, the long run - which continues to look great.

My love and prayers are with you as always.
Jerry G (checking in from New Jersey at the moment)

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn and Caleb- Thinking of you all and ever thankful that all you need seems to come your way, even with more difficulties than any of us want...but still you come thru with grace and humor. Thanks for showing us the way to live mindfully..Thanks to you all for sharing this journey....love to all. ann m

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, Caleb and all....hang in there! Sending you love and support from upstate NY-all the way from the highest peaks in the Adirondacks! No matter where you carve the turkey, this Thanksgiving will be a celebration like no other. Because of you, we will all be counting our blessings this year as we mark Caleb's journey as the true meaning of what we're all here for...the love we share. We'll keep climbing the mountains right along side you!

Anonymous said...

Sorry you had a setback. I hope Caleb will be back walking the lanes with the dog very soon.

Carol B.

becky said...

Sharyn, We still haven't stopped praying for your family and will continue to do so through this "bump". I watered my garden today that I dedicated to Caleb. It is VERY healthy....I'll take that as a good sign for his recovery. Becky

Anonymous said...

Sharyn--

I am so sorry to hear that Caleb is back in MGH, but I think the lights of Boston are shining a little more tonight with your beauty to brighten them. I'm sending extra-strong good wishes and love across the Charles to you all.

Be well. I know that the courage and power of your family will bring him home to tree-lined Wellfleet soon.

love,
Mia

Anonymous said...

mumsie I always remember your tug of war story for thanksgiving. We are all here to pull you up when you are down and we know you have the strenghth to keep tugging. caleb just did not want to do the dishes that's all.
love and be loved xoxoxoxox kolleen

such sweetness from susan in portsmouth

Nora :) said...

Praying for Caleb. Praying for you.

Anonymous said...

Healing isn't linear. It circles back on itself until one day, you realize you are looking on this experience as though through your rear-view mirror. That day will come. In the meantime, you just keep getting up and moving with the flow of it all.

I'm so glad to hear that you are doing the brain gym. Ethan and I will raise a glass to you and your boys this Thanksgiving.

Pat

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn
Think of you and Caleb everyday.
Ali Manchester Uk

Anonymous said...

Your children are not your children.
They are the sons and daughters of Life's longing for itself.
They come through you but not from you.
And although they are with you, yet they belong not to you.
You may give them your love but not your thoughts.
For they have their own thoughts.
You may house their bodies but not their souls.
For their souls dwell in the house of tomorrow, which you cannot visit, not even in your dreams.
You may strive to be like them, but seek not to make them like you.
For life goes not backwards nor tarries with yesterday.
You are the bows from which your children as living arrows are sent forth.
The archer sees the mark upon the path of the infinite, and He bends you with his might that his arrows may go swift and far.
Let your bending in the archer's hand be for gladness.
For even as he loves the arrow that flies, so he loves also the bow that is stable.

-Keep the faith,
Love, Susanna

Jeff- in the Berkshires said...

Sharyn,
Several times today I checked the blog began to write only to be abruptly called away. Sounds like you know what I mean. You think perhaps things have calmed down and some normalcy returning and then another twist in the journey.

Yes we are still here. Our thoughts and good wishes continue as do our meditations and prayers of healing for Caleb. I can only think that Caleb's time walking and being around his home and doing regular things with his tribe has somewhat restored his resilience for what is ahead. I hope that it has for you as well.
Jeff

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn, Caleb and family,
We have thought of you every day since July...Even though we will be out of town for the next few months our thoughts and prayers will continue your way. We will check in on the blog. Sorry for this set back but we hope it will be brief...We sure hope you get back to home for Turkey Day but if not you will make the best of it...
There's nothing like that turkey sandwich /leftovers....etc...
Warm wishes to you all,
The Young Family

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn:

No matter what day Caleb arrives back in Wellfleet, it will be Thanksgiving Day.

As always, my positive thoughts and prayers are with you, Caleb, and your entire family.

NY/Wellfleet Mom

Anonymous said...

sharyn,
thank you for keeping us all in your loop! it may not be pretty and perfect but it is REAL and so many people can BE here and feel everything...you dumped your heart here first...thankyouthankyouthankyou!
with love and light to you and yours,
tracy

ps. to break up the doldrum of winter, can we have a red lipstick workshop for beginners? i will bring the wine!
pss. susanna, good quote from Kahlil-made a copy!

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn and Clan,

I want to thank you for reminding me today that everyone faces their own rude awakening at some point or another and that we are not alone. It is during these times when we reach out for the ones that love us no matter what and those that will always have our backs. We all face things in our lives where we just want to fall down and don't want to pick ourselves back up. And yet, through it all YOU, Sharyn, seem to shine brilliantly and pull yourself up. I, too, have had a rude awakening this week with a totally different kind of experience. And nonetheless the loss and pain that is presented in the awakening is so raw and real that it is hard. And yet, I read what you write and it reminds me that there is hope in what happens and that I too should have strength and keep on keeping on. Knowing that at the end of the day I am loved and surrounded by people that truely love me. I hope you realize, and truly know, how much you have inspired us all. In all walks of life, points, rights of passages, paths, YOU have kept us going even during our own times of darkness. So thank you Sharyn and all that is in your tow, thank you and know that we are right here on the otherside holding you up as you hold us up. Know that you are all always in my thoughts and prayers and wishes for true happiness to rest gently on your shoulders. You are loved and I thank you for all the love you seem to share with the world! :)

Sending sincere, happy, warm Hawai'i thoughts your way...

Ariana

Anonymous said...

Your family is prayed for in Miami by a family vacationing in Wellfleet when his accident occurred. Our 5 year old Caleb and Sarah and Rebecca ask about him, and he is on our church's list as well. We were touched by his photos all over town, the way he was spoken of at church that Sunday, the stories told of him, and your family and town's response. You have been in our hearts. the Corbishley family

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn,

I was so surprised to read the news this am. Sounds like the situation is under control from the tone I read in your words... As you know I was so happy to see Caleb at the house last Sunday! We are all thankful to have your clan and sounds like you will be cooking at home Thursday. Another bump in the road, but you guys always land straight up. My thoughts are with you...


Kevin

Anonymous said...

Girlfriend, I have been on many a wild ride with you where you actually sought out the bumps in the road (usually when I was applying lipstick)--the universe caught you with lipstick in hand; laughter to follow! Love, El

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn and Caleb,
There was lots of love and positive energy coming to you from the 5th grade at Orleans Elementarty School yesterday. The kids had a fundraising table for Caleb at the craft fair and they all took turns "manning" the stand. They raised $244.77 (they are very proud) and at the same time they learned a life lesson in giving back and doing for others. They are all praying that you are home soon for a turkey dinner with their beloved Ms. Lindsay!!!!

Anonymous said...

Thinking of you every day and sending prayers, good karma and love into your circle. God Bless ~ Natale & Peter

Anonymous said...

My Dear Sharyn and Caleb.....As SO many have already stated, WE ARE STILL HERE. YES, another 'lil Blip on the screen, but you already knew that the road was not straight, and that there would be adjustments needing to be made. The good news is that you already know the characters there at MGH, and Caleb does too. Hopefully, a less chaotic stay for all involved. WE continue to hold you in light and life, and for a speedy recovery of this 'lil bump. So happy to hear of the normalcy that has accompanied your time back home Caleb...Is Spudly still slobbering on your sweet face in the morning? I bet you Love it, along with the walks, good chow, and fantastic love and support of your brothers, Jen, dad and best friends ever. Please send your brother Kai a big BESITO and ABRAZO from us out here in W MA...OK TEll him we've been thinking about him too, and hoping he's feeling PERFECTLY WELL for Turkey Day.....a day to be truly grateful for EVERYTHING.

TO all Lindsay/Potter clan, stay strong. Be well....

In Love and Gratitude for all you've done for so many, for all you do, and all that you will do...

Blessings,

Melinda

Anonymous said...

Dear Lindsay/Potter I will keep praying for Caleb for speedy recovery and for me prayer Kai's recovery was easily added into the daily routine of my thoughts, as was the rest of the family to give them strength and understanding in hard times and fun times.
With all of this I will still keep my steady belief that Caleb is a strong, untameable, couragous, brave, and honerable man, and a magnificent force of positive loving energy; He has the willpower and determination to continue healing regaurdless of any obstacles because of the man he is, the family he has, and the community he has willingly waiting on baited breath to be of need to him and all of you. You are all on and in our hearts everyday.
I know I wonder daily what things are like over on/at the homestead with the boys, what kind of normalcy you are falling into. I enjoyed hearing through my sister and my brother in-law how Caleb, Kai, Max, Sharyn, Jaun, the girls are. :-D
Anytime I see one of the pictures I have of Caleb and or the family scattered around my house from my mother and I. Each one has a story of how I got it and each one causes me to pause and send out some sort of great thought/feeling a prayer of some kind straight to Caleb and Kai and everyone over on the homestead. I will also be praying that he is able to eat a real meal on Turkey Day!!!
Always here for anything, with tons of care through my lipstick kisses and even more love through lots of big warm hugs.
Love Rachael
I will pray for all of your safetys' (well being) and for this obstacle to be a hiccup in your home care remedy of love, life, and laughter.
I know this sounds weird but all the pics I have of Caleb and the family are all from certain fundraisers and events (my sister's wedding with the boys Max and Kai, liz)... as well as the pirate paraphanalia placed around my house with T-shirts, flags, fake tattoo's (of pirate flags, ships, and gold), headbands and hankercheifs all placed somewhere as to catch my eye atleast once a day so I can send out a kind word or thought...ect. I will take down some of them when Caleb tells me he doesn't feel he needs them anymore, if that ever comes to be. Maybe he will always want kind thoughts sent to him. Thank you for this bouncy ride and I always wish you all the best I can and for you all to be home in your own beds all snuggling as soon as possible.
XOXOXOXO

Anonymous said...

P.s. Town Hall sounds fun, hope we can just sneek a peek as he makes his way home again, to blow a kiss and send a good thought all at once, I am sure that would help give him a jumpstart on his spirit!!!!!

Anonymous said...

Well, it seems like another test is in the wind and nothing you can't handle. So keep all those positive thoughts flowing and know that there is an abundance of love and support out there.

We will be thinking of you on Thanksgiving and giving thanks for Caleb's progress and steady recovery. Amy will be here and I will be thankful for that.Love to you all. Penny on St.John

A very Happy Thanksgiving to all the "Bloggers."

Anonymous said...

Also, still here, still thinking of you all.

cindy said...

Didn't know if you got my comment or not. I had a problem signing on. Anyhow, Prayers and prayers, and prayers are coming from Brewster. May you all be together by Thanksgiving. Hugs, Cindy(Curtis Graham's Mom).

Anonymous said...

Sharyn, Caleb & family..
Keep on with the strength & faith that has so gracefully led you home, and there you will be! I am glad to hear of all the progress thus far, and miss you dearly.

May the winds return you back to the cozy homestead, to join together around your family table 4 a feast!!! Get your brain better lad.. we are still prayin for you here!

Love you all.. happy family time, & fill your bellies!
Xo, Bless.. Clance, & family.

Anonymous said...

sharyn and caleb,
have not stopped thinking of you all... sorry to hear of the setback but as you said... you still have caleb with you... this means everyday is thanksgiving!
you are in my prayers still.... take care
amy in ct

Anonymous said...

We're still with you,too, here in Eastham, and hoping for your quick return home...
peace,
janet and david

Anonymous said...

keep on
be strong
won't be long
sing a song

Anonymous said...

I love Pat's "healing isn't linear" SO MUCH!!!

Truer than true, about almost everything if you think about it.
We're always, all of us, doing the two steps forward one step back thing and growing in random, circular ways. Sometimes we feel brilliant and in control and sure of our path. Other times it's as if we need to experience the same thing over and over - in various ways - before the lesson or gift presents itself and we can move on.

thanks, Pat - for the clarity!

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn, We'll be thinking of you tomorrow and hoping and praying your all home for Thanksgiving. We check your blog often to keep track of Caleb's progress. When he returns home, he'll pick up right where he left off. It's amazing how being home helps to heal so quickly.
Thoughts and Prayers,

Lynn & Seth

Tracy in the Berkshires, Ma. said...

we are all praying for a quick and easy procedure monday.....and wait to hear you,ll be returning home for more Thanksgiving.
love and lighter days ahead,
Tracy
you are a strong women mumsie!

Anonymous said...

It is inevitable that Caleb will experience some set-backs along his road to recovery, but they will ultimately be overcome by his strength of spirit, the support of his friends and family and the pure power of love. As far as I am concerned, after spending a terrifying 8 hours in the ER with my sweetheart this past Saturday, every day is a day of Thanksgiving....no matter when, Caleb will return home and continue to heal. My best to you and yours....
As always, with hope,
peg from PA

Anonymous said...

Sharyn and all,
Sometimes it seems as tho' it will never end. You certainly have the right attitude however. I'm happy that Kai is healing and so is Caleb in his own way. Keep up the great work you all! You inspire me/us here at Crotched Mtn. so.
We love you and think/pray for you daily.
Always, Julie/Courtney's Mom

Anonymous said...

"Yes," I said to the prince. "The house, the stars, the desert - what gives them their beauty is something that is invisible!"
"I am glad," he said, "that you agree with my fox."
As the little prince dropped off to sleep, I took him in my arms and set out walking once more. I felt deeply moved, and stirred. It seemed to me that I was carrying a very fragile treasure. It seemed to me,even, that there was nothing more fragile on all the Earth. In the moonlight I looked at his pale forehead, his closed eyes, his locks of hair that trembled in the wind, and I said to myself: "What I see here is nothing but a shell. What is most important is invisible..."
As his lips opened slightly, with the suspicion of a half-smile, I said to myself, again:"What moves me so deeply, about this little prince who is sleeping here, is his loyalty to a flower - the image of a rose that shines through his whole being like the flame of a lamp, even when he is asleep..." And I felt him to be more fragile still. I felt the need of protecting him, as if he himself were a flame that might be extinguished by a little puff of wind...
And, as I walked on so, I found the well, at daybreak.
Antoine de Saint Exupery
The Little Prince

Anonymous said...

Sharyn & Caleb - Keep hoping for the best; you two have to be a couple of the strongest people I have known. Keep it up.
Wellfleet 10

Anonymous said...

Dear Sharyn,

Hope the procedure went smoothly today, and that you & Caleb soon will be on your way home.

Sending lots of positive energy,

DD

Dear Peg from PA,
You have always written such kind and heartfelt words...
Hope you and your sweetheart are now safe and doing well.

DD

Anonymous said...

I hope all is well at Mass General Sharyn.

You have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving, we all do. I hope you have a great one surrounded by your closest family and friends.

Alycia said...

Dear Sharyn,
Have been in Middle East for last 10 days travelling on business. The calls for prayer coming from the mosques are beautiful, and with each one I hear I send up prayers for you and Caleb. Blessings and peace. Stay strong; you are loved.

Alycia