You have been with us all along on this journey with Caleb so you need not think of it as Caleb's alone - this belongs to all of us. We wish you well and are sending thoughts of healing your way. Please let us know.
In so many ways, and in most ways it is good to be home. Now the work of the family begins - we are inching Caleb back to life with little pushes and prayers that he will heal well enough to live a fullfilling life, independent of us as much as can be possible. It is a frightning path. At some points we are convinced that he can get there, at others we are worried sick. What do we do with the memories that glare back at us and carve the lines around my eyes deeper and deeper? Night time is the hardest when I sit alone next to his bed. While sleeping he looks ever the same ole Caleb, then he wakes to say that he is in pain and I fall apart inside- that gut wrenching pain that cries out to the heavens- let this not be! I also worry that the boys will forever be watching over him and will not live their lives - they are so young and deserve so much goodness.
Here is where we are- Caleb has a rigid schedule with time for visitors on weekends. He starts outpatient therapy this week. He is strong physically but suffers from dilusions and headaches almost daily. He has short term memory loss, but smiles at familiar faces and has the demeanor of an angel.
We are adjusting the very best that we can. Kai and Max are right there with him and are strong. I am staying positive for the most part and will wear this journey with Caleb until we are as worn in and comfortable as the soles of my walking shoes....
A poem from Max - given to me on mother's day when he was in kindergarten...
She has long yellow hair.
She has a peach color face.
She puts make up on her eyes and lips.
She likes to drink coffee.
She likes to be outside. She helps plants grow.She plays with me alot.
I love everything about her. I hug and kiss her when she is sad. I love her alot. Max
I am in good hands don't you think?
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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)
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53 comments:
Yes Sharyn you are in good hands.
Peg, I will light a candle for you this morning and carry it with me in my heart and thoughts. Please post back on the results. As we were with Sharyn during those very difficult times and still are, you will be in our thoughts as well.
Like a parent's love, compassion and sending healing and peaceful thoughts has no limits to how far it can expand.
hey crazy lady,
Sounds to me like we've got a poet on our hands. Tell moo to quit his day job. That's talent.
much love
judith
Sharyn, my heart goes out to you...I know the mind numbing fear of seeing pain in a loved one's face that you are powerless to fix. It is an awful feeling, and all one can do is pray for the healing process to ease these bouts until they disappear into the realm of distant memory. Of course that is in the hands of time, which is so out of our control....all we can do is get through each day with the hope that next will bring some heart's ease....a.smile, a hug, the bright red of a cardinal's wings flashing through the snow....some days we have to dig deep to find some bit of comfort. I hope that knowing that we feel your anguish and that you are not alone, that all of us have you wrapped in a warm and loving embrace, can bring you some of that comfort.....as it has done for me....Thank you, everyone. You have warmed my heart.
As always, with hope,
peg from PA
My Dear Sharyn,
As I'm sure you know by now, you have no control over Caleb's life. Caleb is charting his course as best he can, with great care and diligence, day by day. What you can do, you ARE doing. You Are there to love, nurture, encourage every step of the way. YOu WILl find your stride and balance in all this. There are numerous levels you must pass through, which invlove all your senses and emotions, and then you arrive at this place of great calm and balance. Doesn't mean you won't want to scream to the heavens when your son is confused, delusional, pained...But, you will find the strength to do the right thing for him with Grace, Courage and Skill...not second guessing, or wondering if you can or should or will....you will gracelly just FLOW into it.
Your What if's are natural, and that too will flow into acceptance and gratitide for what is happening at any given moment. If we all can learn to live in the now, and be grateful for what we have, and not "worry" so much about the future, we would be far better off. I know, it's so very difficult, but as I sit back here and recall all that has been said over these many months, you have really learned how to "get out of your own way" and let the real healing take place. Trust yourself, you have done a remarkable job, and you are a remarkable mother, friend, sister, aunt, and community member. We are blessed to stand by your side. Don't be so hard on yourself...YOU ARE DOING AN AMAZING JOB...and I know, I'm a mom who has a son who suffered greatly at the hands of a perpatrator....he should be dead, but he is not. He is alive, well, married, and yes, at times struggling.....but it is that struggle, and overcoming the struggle that makes him stronger. I can never take the hurt/trauma away, but I AM always there to love, nurture, encourage. He will be fine, regardless of what happenes...you understand. He will be FINE.
TO DEAR Peg, PLease know that we hold you in LIGHT and LOVE and expect only the best outcome for you. You have written so eloquently, and positively in the past. Your words have encouraged all who read them. We are here for you as well, and would ask for Peace, strength and understanding during this difficult and stressful time. May our thoughts and prayers uphold you and give you Peace. Please let us know how we can help...
And to all in this thoughtful community, THANK YOU from the bottom of my heart for all you do to be beacons of light. We are so blessed to be able to communicate in this fashion and show each other such compassion.....I am touched today with how a single word can fill the soul....
BLessings to all at this Season of Light,
Melinda
When those you love so dearly and deeply become someone other than who they "used" to be, it is difficult - memory loss, cognitive changes, personality changes, etc... - weigh heavily on the caretaker. Just remember that whatever the change, it is NOT of your doing and it is not up to you to "fix it". It will be what it will be and you will find your place in this new setting.
With love and respect from another caretaker.
Hey Caleb..
Missin ya, and hoping you are enjoying time with friends, I only wish I were closer to spend time with ya, and remind one another of our fun ragin days as teens, & rebels in Fleet. I can't say enuff how important it is for you to reach out to those who sincerely care for u.. there are SO many waiting for the ok..
Sharyn, love ya, and know each & every one of us is blessed to be given the sweetest thing- LIFE. It is even more precious when you are surrounded by those of kind hearts such as your family, and dear friends, who in all actuality are family. Like mentioned above I think it is crucial for Caleb to be in presence of close friends, ones that remind him of who he IS. Even with his accident and suffering, he still is Caleb, & needs his rootsy family/friends. He is blessed to have you, the boys, Jan, and Jennie indeed, but I know there are others there who he considers family too. I truly think this will give him incentive to heal, & I know this cause it helped my brother to recover quite immensely from his injury! That said.. Jodi, Trudy, Lisa, Anne, Deirdre, and the rest... TAKE SHARYN OUT!!!! Ladies night, wine, movies... etc! Sharyn, you deserve it, get Weeks, Jennie, Mia, Anna, Ennie, Nicole Miner, & the other younger ladies in Fleet to watch Leb!
Sorry if I have said TOO much.. thanks to Anne, & Timmy to always being there to support Sharyn & family.
Love ya's.. xo Clance
Dearest Sharyn and Lovely Peg -
I make my way through every day reminding myself that at any given moment I am exactly where I'm supposed to be. Even when things look bleak; when there is uncertainty and doubt and the world is a frightening or frustrating or ugly place - I am exactly where I'm supposed to be and the gift of each moment will come.
I know that Caleb's story could, in the blink of an eye, be Hannah's or Liam's and I understand the inescapable grief of the "what should've been - what might've been - where is my golden child?" Hard as it is to see from the thick of it - we are all exactly where we're supposed to be...and the gifts will come. There will be gifts for all of you - Kai and Max will grow into the men they are supposed to be and their caring for Caleb will be an integral part of that process. Max's dear heart that was so apparent in Kindergarden, Kai's quiet strength and sensitivity that he's shared so eloquently here on the blog - these things will never leave them and will allow them to care for Caleb and for you, Sharyn, without losing themselves in the process.
Peg - I know that your story could be my own. I've been in that scary place waiting for test results, trying unsuccessfully to think about anything else, imagining the worst.
It's so tough to find the gift in this situation - to be alright with any piece of it...but you are exactly where you're supposed to be and the generous love that you've sent out into the world - for Caleb and his family, for Edie Sweet and her girls - will assuredly be returned to you in spades.
Like Jeff, I'm lighting another candle on the mantel and will hold you in my heart for as long as you need. In fact, I'll add Max and Kai to the candle parade tonight and send some extra love in their direction, too.
Thanks for the 'update' Sharyn - and Peg, please keep us posted.
Big Love -
Susan
You're are in good hands and so are the rest of your family. I can feel the aching in your words of wanting to make it all right and ache myself with knowing that familiar feeling. The slightest blight in our childrens health and our alarm bells sound. You have your boys and they have you and thats pretty good going. Thinking of you. Ali Manchester UK
Dear Peg,
I have been where you are now. Enclosed please find a big, warm hug and a prayer that everything will be alright.
Lesa
Sharyn, now that you've moved past the initial challenge and are re-integrating your life, it’s essential to grieve for what has changed and what may be lost. Sometimes you have to feel the dark before you can be embraced by the warmth of the light. This stage will give way to new stages. What you see today is not what you will see tomorrow.
As you’re breaking in the soles of your new shoes, remember that around each bend awaits a new discovery. The outcome unfolds until the end of days.
Caleb isn’t the only one in your family who needs to heal. You all do. This is Kai and Max’s journey, too. It can only make them more of who they already are, loving and compassionate men.
When you were in the hospital with Caleb, the challenge lay in what happened in the next hours or days. Now the challenge is measured in months and years. It’s as though you tore out all the plants in your garden, moved them around and added a few new ones. You won’t know what it looks like until the seasons pass. Love today, and let tomorrow embrace you when arrives.
You are in goods hands.
Pat
Pat, that's so right - our children are our garden. We weed, we pinch back, we dead-head, we water, we fertilize, we talk and sing to them - and then step back to see what happens. It's never the same with 2 plants - each so individual - some are strong and tall, some are diseased, some are traumatized, but they are OURS - and all we can do is love them.
Years ago I read this - "Worrying is praying for your troubles." I come from a long line of world class worriers, we begin worrying in the womb and worry ourselves to death a million times before it comes! That one sentence helped to put things in perspective, I have tried hard to worry less and count my blessings more, it helps to try. But you already know that!!
I have a son who is 27. I can still see myself, hunched over pushing him into the world, his head already out and I yelled, "Why isn't he crying? Why isn't he breathing?" and the poor nurse who was with me said, "Honey, he's not out yet." What I'm trying to say is - Try not to worry until Caleb is all the way out.....I have a feeling his rebirth is far from over.
As always, your honesty is a gift. Wish you could know what it means to me.
With love and hope from Maria
Maria, Your words to Sharyn are beautiful: "As always your honesty is a gift. Wish you could know what it means to me." I think this hits me because I feel this way about all the bloggers, including you Peg. It is hard to put into words how I feel different because I share a part of the worthy journeys we are travelling, but I do.
I want to share a poem by e.e. cummings, another Massachusetts man who shook things up in his world by redefining the rules. In fact, this poem comes from a collection called "No Thanks," a title that sticks it to all the publishers who rejected the collection before someone finally believed in it and published it.
"No Thanks #58"
love is a place
& through this place of
love move
(with brightness of peace)
all places
yes is a world
& in this world of
yes live
(skilfully curled)
all worlds
Almost as good as Max's poem, don't you think? :) Wishing you all "brightness of peace" -- Lisa K.
What a beautiful poem, Lisa K--I do not know that one.
Sharyn, you are indeed in good hands, and you are nestled deep in the hearts of all on this blog. (In fact I am reminded of that other Cummings poem, which I think goes something like: "I carry your heart. I carry it in my heart.") All of us carry you, Caleb, Kai and Max in our hearts and as many have already written, we carry you as well, Peg. Blessings to all of you. Peg, please do let us know how you are doing.
Love,
Alycia
Peg,
Your words are like silk and your heart is like gold... I have read every word you have written here at least once and many times more than that...My thought are with you and I'm a firm believer that good things happen to good people in the long run. You raise the bar of what good people are!
Sharyn,
I can't say it any better than Jeff-in the Berkshires "That you are in good hands". I think the family and friends suffer more than the victims of some plight. I have read all the wonderful comments before me here twice tonight and am so glad to share in your support... Lose a few fights but win the battle, just like the pirates do...
Kevin
Max's poem is a fine example of why we are mothers.
Sharyyn- you are the quintessence of love, support, graciousness, hope and all that's good in this world. We love you and your family!
Peace to the world
Oh and, Peg -
The loving, gentle words you had for Edie Sweet's daughters seem SO very appropriate now - I couldn't have chosen better words for you than you chose for them...
"We have learned to channel positivity, to love harder, pray more, to believe and to never stop hoping."
Sweet Dreams -
I will hold you in my heart,
Susan
Everything that I could hope to say to you, Peg, and to you, Sharyn, has already been said by others. So, I'll simply send both of you a bouquet of positive thoughts.
NY/Wellfleet mom
"I think the family and friends suffer more than the victims of some plight". This is so true!!
Sharyn you are so strong, do you realize that?
Are you giving yourself enough time? I know you are a mom and moms will give up everything for their children, but you need to take care of you as well.
Go out with some friends or go over to a friend's house and get away for 2 hours. If that is too much, try 1 hour at first.
This will benefit both you and Caleb.
Peace and love always
J
I have already posted but in the funny time between awake and asleep I thought about Sharons worries for her sons and it reminded me of many moons ago when I first met my husband. He told me of his sister and that she had cerebal palsy and I said what a shame it was. He was quick to retaliate and said it was not a shame, he loved his sister for who she was. It took many years for me to realise that his best attributes, kindness, generosity, protectiveness, patience, diplomacy, were there because of his sister, he is who he is because of who she is. Sharyn, with you there to guide them, you're boys will continue to evolve and may you proud.
Ali Manchester UK
My thoughts right now are all about how Caleb's recovery has been at an exponential rate in the five months since his accident. I marvel at your strength Sharyn.....my prayers continue daily for you and your family.
Dear Peg--sending all the hope and love that you have spread--right back to you. May you enjoy the blessings of good health. We're with you.
Dear Sharyn and Caleb--hoping the new outpatient therapy schedule turns out well.Getting out into the world every day can be wonderfully positive for you both. You have come so very far already, and there's a lot more healing to come.
blessings,
Janet and David
in Eastham
The hands that you are in stretch all the way from Europe to the Left Coast...those are some hands (is there a joke here about big hands?!? Oh yeah, big gloves..). Peg, I am thinking of you. Caleb, keep making up those funny puzzles. They will make sense to us when you tell us what they mean!! Love you all.
Dear Sharyn, I was reading the blogs today and I was thinking of Caleb and how he has returned home safe and free of hospitals and days gone past. I thought of one of my best loved poems and wanted to share it with you Caleb and the boys...
Sea Joy~
When I go down by the sandy shore
I can think of nothing that I want more
Then to live by the booming blue sea
As the seagulls flutter around about me
I can run about-when the tide is out
With the wind and the sand and the sea all about
And the seagulls are swirling and diving for fish
Oh-to live by the sea is my only wish
Jacqueline Bouvier Onasis~1939
Just remember when you get scared and stressed and worried of the days ahead and what is to be of your sweet boys that they are where they are supposed to be...with you and each other...by the sea!
Love to all,
Christa, Capt.Noah & Capt Jack
Wilmington, NC
Dear Peg, You are not alone...you who brings comfort..the love is all around you in everything. Breath it in and know you are love. When the moments feel like days and possibilities are endless...breath in the fear and let love comfort you. love remains even when we loose sight of it. , peace.
Dear Sharyn, I know the scheduale is challenging but I'm pleased for Caleb that he's in outpatient therapy. Then the therapists have all their gagets and you folks get out of the house. The house is yours and our love stays with you all everywhere you go. ann m.
dear sharyn,
emotions and feelings are such a strange and curious thing..
it has taken me a long time to realize a few, and it will probably not be until some other lifetime that i understand the rest...
if i had never felt pain, i would of never known what it was like to feel good because there would of been nothing to compare.
if i had given up on memories of the past i would have lost many joyous smiles.
and if i stopped asking all the questions of why, when, where, what-if's i might not have heard any answers.....
so,question everything, do waste time on the past and allow the pain..
it is all part of the healing...
light.. love.. peace
sometimes the fear of it all can bury us
Sharyn, I know calebs schedule is full of family and friends visiting and calling. Just want you to know that i think of you so often and will see you again soon. Stay warm by the wood stove! Love you lots...grace
Dear Sharyn,
Some thoughts and suggestions from my own experience -Memories are just that - memories -we sometimes choose to compare what is with what was or what could be, and as we all know -it is fruitless. Wrap them up in a soft imaginary blanket and put them to in a safe place. Visit them now and then...unwrap & smile upon them, but don't let them run your life. Try to do some kind of ritual that will help you to let go of the yearning for things to be as they were. Learning to accept life on life's terms, today, this moment, and live with gratitude for the opportunity to grow in spiritual understanding is , for me, the greatest of all challenges. I learn it one breath at a time, one day at a time. This I know for sure -we are not in control of others - we cannot map their paths, we can only leave crumbs to guide them. You can worry and worry and worry, but it won't change a thing, except to deepen those lines, as you said. Talk to your spiritual guide, let go of the reins...trust that the universe will provide just what each of your children need. Remember the Gibran poem - "our children are not our children..." Trust that you do not have to take care of it all...My prayers go out to you for peace and acceptance in your heart.
For Peg, as many have said, you've been so eloquent all these months -may you now have all you need to help you through - no matter the diagnosis.
that max in a special one....everytime I look in his eyes I want to hug him. You have good men surrounding you sharyn...and caleb is finding his way.
Sharyn, put your worries about the distant future away for now. Focus on small things and accomplishments. At this point there are no certainties about how much better Caleb will get but looked at another way, there are also no limits.
Learning is not a straight forward thing. It comes in fits and jumps...it backslides...and leaps ahead again. I am sure you have this experience yourself. Right now, its as if all the comfortable well worn trails in Caleb's brain that lead from one place to another where washed away in a great storm. He will build them back one by one. Don't despair. He is young. There is lots of time for improvement.
Unfortunately recovering from this kind of injury usually takes a lot longer than you expect but lots of people with severe head injuries eventually do end up recovering close to completely. I have met quite a few of them. Right now, just keep putting one foot in front of the other and try not to worry about looking to far down the road.
damn straight, woman!
all will be well. our prayers are still with you and will always be with you....
you are fighters, all of you and all will be well.
please know that i am thinking of you and your family and hope that someday i can help you out in some small way, as you all have helped me realize i must grab life with both hands and have fun! i can honestly say that 'i own my life' now, since 'meeting you'.
thank you for all that you have given me. and blessings be with you and yours.
amy in ct
That poem from Max is one of the sweetest tresures in your whole house. Your computer room shines with the love of all three of your sons. You are so loved, Sharyn.
Apologies & Blessings~ Across Town Admirer xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Hi Sharyn,
You sound like you are doing as well as can be expected right now. Your roller coaster ride is only part of the way through as we all know who are in this rocky boat....
I would love to order some sweat shirts if there are any left, one medium and one large. You can send them to:Julie deAnguera
c/oBrenda Ricker
194 Miner Rd.
Greenfield, N.H. 03047
Thanks so much and as always I hold you and the clan deep in my heart.
Love, Julie/Court's Mom
p.s. I love the poem!!
Dear Sharyn,
I know a little more than I want to know right now about the struggle between life and death. Since I've seen you all in Wellfleet I've battled my own life-threatening illness - the hospitals, the pain, the body and mind I don't recognize, yes, life can unravel so quickly. Selfishly I follow Caleb's progress because it's easier than thinking about my own swirling death sentence. Mostly you inspire me to let the sun hit my face daily and be grateful. when I think of you the sun is always shining. You know it's not possible to adjust to so much change so fast. I know too, but some days still hurt like hell. So like you and Caleb and all the other people out there who are going through a bad storm, I believe in life and love and try and accept whatever comes next. I hope and pray this storm passes, for you, for me, for all of lovely Wellfleet.
My son gave me a colorful picture he had drawn of the world with the words under it, "I am Thankful for the World". He was, like Max, in Kindergarten. I framed it and have looked at it at least once every day that I have been in my home since-he is now 23. He survived 2 separate accidents and it wasn't a certainty that he would-and I hear myself in your words, Sharyn. Clarity will come-don't be so hard on yourself. You're going to go backwards and forwards and it doesn't all need to be sorted out today. I know-easy for me to say! All of your boys will find thier way and you'll be right there finding yours as well. I've been where you are so trust me when I say that time is a great healer. Don't beat yourself up over the days when you look back-but be thankful for the days when you can look forward. Like my son said, thankful for the world. And Peg-I have been in your shoes and I know the agony you face. No matter what the outcome , you will persevere! You have a wonderful gift that you share with us all and a heart that knows no boundries. I read everything you write and always take something good from it. I hope that you can take some comfort in our words to you.
Carve some time out of your busy days (both of you!) for walks and lots of fresh air-and long soaks in the tub on cold winter nights!
Love,
Katy
I have been truly heartened and humbled by the kind support given to me by all of you. Saying thank you seems inadequate, but it is all I have at this moment.
I have been diagnosed with cancer in my right breast. It is very small, very removable, very treatable, and imminently survivable. It is still the scary 'C' word, but since I have said it, it seems that some of that frightful power has been taken away.
So I will do what needs to be done: I will take a page from Sharyn and Caleb's book, and make my way through ,day by day. I will listen to the chimes ring outside my window, look to see the stars through the clouds as they fly past and breathe deep the flow of love and life, of healing and peace that I feel emanating from this page. I am lucky....we are all lucky to have found each other and my heart is full to overflowing.
I am scared , but strong, filled with dread, but relieved, sad, but happy too.
Thank you all. I will put all I have learned from you, Sharyn, and you Caleb, to good use in the coming months.
Thank you.
As always, with hope,
peg from PA
I pray that everyone will continue to be blessed through all the anguish, frustrations, devastations, and hurt that we are all faced with. There is a quote that is near my desk, it says: Life does not put things in front of you that you are unable to handle. Life is difficult and sometimes unreasonable...but I truly pray that as the holiday season approaches, that for Peg, for Caleb, for Sharyn, for the Potter clan, for all that have adversity in our lives...that we may appreciate who we are, where we are, and the little joys in life that are constant.
*sunkissed and smiling...thinking of all of you :)
A philosophy professor stood before his class and had some items
in front of him. When class began, wordlessly he picked up a large
empty mayonnaise jar and proceeded to fill it with rocks right to
the top, rocks about 2" diameter.
He then asked the students if the jar was full? They agreed that it was.
So the professor then picked up a box of pebbles and poured them
into the jar. He shook the jar lightly. The pebbles, of course, rolled
into the open areas between the rocks. The students laughed.
He asked his students again if the jar was full? They agreed that
yes, it was.
The professor then picked up a box of sand and poured it into the
jar. Of course, the sand filled up everything else.
"Now," said the professor, "I want you to recognize that this is your life.
The rocks are the important things - your family, your partner, your health,
your children - anything that is so important to you that if it were lost,
you would be nearly destroyed.
The pebbles are the other things in life that matter, but on a smaller
scale.
The pebbles represent things like your job, our house, your car.
The sand is everything else. The small stuff.
If you put the sand or the pebbles into the jar first, there is no room for
the rocks. The same goes for your life. If you spend all your energy and
time on the small stuff, material things, you will never have room for the
things that are truly most important.
Pay attention to the things that are critical in your life. Play with your
children. Take your partner out dancing.
There will always be time to go to work, clean the house, give a dinner
party and fix the disposal." Take care of the rocks first - the things that
really matter.
Set your priorities. The rest is just pebbles and sand.
Dear Peg from PA, How great is that, small and treatable and just in one breast! I know it's hard to hear the bad news but it sounds to me like you are going to be fine.
I had a great Aunt who realized in her 50's that she had a small lump on one breast. This was in the 1950's so the treatment was chop off the breast. She decided she didn't want to do that and her children were mostly grown, so she decided to just take her chances with the cancer ( I don't want you to do this!). But anyway, whenever she was examined she just modestly covered her breasts and got away with it for years. Sometime in her 80's the cancer was discovered by a woman doctor who refused to not examine her breasts (and boy did my aunt have some choice remarks about her) and by then the cancer was everywhere. It was decided at her age and in her fragile condition that nothing would be done. She lived another 10 years well into her 90's so I think your chances for a long and happy life are good.
Love, yer blogger friend, Susanna
this is for Peg:
On the day Caleb was injured, my neice was diagnosed with stage 1 breast cancer. Her journey ended the same day Caleb came home to Wellfleet the second and final time when, following her prescribed protocol, she was declared cancer free! I will be using the same energy on you that I used on her and wishing you easy days as you deal with this. You already have your own wonderful spirit to guide you!!
For Peg-
It's a scary word-that"c"-but don't give it any power! If ya gotta fight it, make it a fight like this-you're going into it with all the odds stacked on your side! Like Katy said, you will persevere! Here's to you!
For Peg, Just another voice out here, thinking and praying for you and for a quick, easy and complete recovery.
Sometimes this blog is so humbling---so many people with so much strength to deal with life's struggles. It's a reminder of both how fragile and how tough we all can be.
Amy from western MA
For Peg, Sharyn and the boys -- strength, hope and positive thoughts from me -- i have received much from all of you. thank you.
Peg,
The candle I lit for you on Sunday still resides in my thoughts and I know that you are also receiving positive thoughts from many. That the cancer is limited and treatable is truly good news. I have faith that you will not be a victim but a survivor and not just in the physical sense. Peg, your posts here have been a touch of grace. It is good that some has returned to you.
Like Caleb and Sharyn and Kai and Max, many of us quietly face things in life that initially look insurmountable, but still we trod on.
We are witnesses here to the phenomenal strength of the human spirit (both individual and collective) and I often feel privileged to have been drawn here.
Peace,
Jeff
Dear Peg -
"It is very small, very removable, very treatable, and imminently survivable."
I will hold you to this, my friend.
Please know that I'm here, as are SO VERY MANY others, and will stay vigilant and hopeful for as long as it takes.
Would you mind if I share the photo that you sent me? I'd like to send it to Sharyn and Sky so that it can be posted here if they choose. I think it would be a powerful addition for those of us saying our prayers and lighting our candles to be able to see your lovely face when we do so.
Your are in my heart -
Susan
Peg,
Of course we all wanted to hear that your test results were negative...but this sounds like the next best thing. I am old enough to have had several friends tell me that they once had such a diagnosis. They did what they had to do at the time, and their lives returned to normal. Yours will, too.
May you have the best of holiday seasons,
Gail
"I am in good hands don't you think?"
Yes, Sharyn, you are in great hands. What a great gift from Max, both then and now.
Peg, love and light your way
To all, be well as life's journeys continue to bring us what they will.
Mom in CT
Dear Sharyn,
You and your boys will navigate this frightening path with the strength, courage, perseverance and good humor that have been with you from the start. The healing will continue. The course may become challenging at times, testing patience, endurance, trust and faith.
Allow yourself to experience all of the human emotions that go along with this healing... When you need to, get down on the beach on the wildest, windiest day when the surf is pounding and just YELL right back at it.
And at times you may need to remind yourself: "Just because I don't see what I'm looking for, doesn't mean that what I'm looking AT isn't what I'm supposed to see."
Each of you is exactly where you are supposed to be. And yes, I do think you are in good hands.
With lots of positive energy for continued healing,
DD
Dear Peg from PA,
You have given so much here during these many months...always kind, wise, hopeful, supportive and beautifully written. Always in touch with what is most important. May what you have given return to you a thousand times.
You are in good hands also: Your own strong spirit. We are all here for you.
Sending you positive energy,
DD
"For Peg"
"Worry looks around, Sorry looks back, Faith looks up."
This angel is sent to you.
Have faith.
Peg from PA-
I was certainly hoping for the best news possible for you but this sounds like it is the next best thing. I, too, have enjoyed reading your thoughts here over the last 6 months. You will be in my thoughts and please please keep us updated.
Laura in CT
Sharyn, Caleb, Peg... my thoughts and prayers continue to be with you and your families. Sharyn's post, and this ensuing thread, strike me as bittersweet. You're all facing difficult times, but the future is bright across the board. Keep the faith...
Jerry G
Peg from PA:
Stay strong. All us bloggers will be alongside you on your journey.
NY/Wellfleet mom
where can i mail my donation i live in northampton mass. thanks for all you do.
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