So as I sit here and miss the smells of the wood burning stove with cinnamon/clove steaming on top, the fresh smell of sheets on the line, and my pine Christmas candle billowing around the house disguising the smell of boys, I am happy to say that this Caleb of ours who always throws the snake eyes, pulls a rabbit out of a hat and trips over four leaf clovers has done it again -- he is slowly - but most definitively pulling through. The infectious disease people are once again smiling and saying things like " he makes it look so easy"..."he has done it again".
I am guarded, like a snake just out of his skin, but I am confidently basking none the less and I want to say that if your prayers are working this well... couldn't you just ask for Brad Pitt to come waltzing into this room?
Another week and we will have a time line for the new shunt which needs to go in and then it will be a wait and see situation before Caleb is discharged. He has lost ground here - happens whenever someone is in bed for a time, so he will more than likely spend the next four weeks in re-hab at Spaulding -- this time we hope the Spaulding in Sandwich instead of Boston. For the time being I have been graceously offered the use of the apt I had before and can stay till the 27th..thank you. The boys, Tim, Jan and I will celebrate Christmas in room 34A and I am in hopes that for Christmas I will get one more kiss from Ari before he and Loren head back to California. (Ari is yet another one of my boys . now a grown , successful man.)
I have packed some Bailey's nips into my purse and will flood my hot chocolate tonight in celebration as I sit on the sill looking over the Charles. I have this game that I play where as each car passes over the salt and pepper bridge, I match it with something I am grateful for. Your names are glowing in those headlights. mumsie
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I did not read the last few posts until just now- I am heartbroken for you all. I am glad the news is as good as it is but my eyes well with tears - for after all your family has been through yet another set back. I was at a training last week about yoga and mindfulness in treating anxiety and depression and the presenter said something that really stuck with me and comes to me now- I am paraphrasing but-
When sorrow and difficult things happen and when we struggle, life just keeps rising up again to meet us. Life is rising up for you all and will rise up again and again no matter how many times you need it to.
Laura in CT
YEAH, Sharyn -
such fabulous, welcome news! I've been thinking of you all pretty much non-stop for days - keeping me awake at night...I will sleep much better tonight and dream of icicles thawing and Brad Pitt (Is that really who you'd like?) waltzing you right off your feet!
Love, Love, Love and I'll have a Bailey's myself tonight in solidarity-
Susan
I am at a lack words to describe the magnitude of your strength. Keep on keeping on.
Best, Kelly Gazzano
And your names float like silk in the candles we light. Knowing that Caleb has come through brightens this dark, Decembr night. I, too, will sip some Bailey's with love and gratitude...
Yahoo ! Gail
We are always by your side...
Sharyn,,
I would switch my prayers in the direction of Brad Pitt presenting himself to you.....but he'd most likely have at LEAST 4 small children tagging along behind - PROBABLY NOT what you had in mind!!!
We are SO relieved to hear that your boy has done it once again...truly, our prayers for him never stop.
We just signed the papers for our annual Wellfleeet slice of heaven for this coming august - Gross Hill Rd....we will be keeping our eyes out for one of the most wonderful and special and spiritual families there are. I think we will be within stomping ground of you guys!!
We will continue to send healing thoughts to your boy - and you just keep on doing what you do best-and that encompasses SO many areas!
All the best,
The Kaplan Family
in NY
OK so I,m busted - Johnny Depp is more to my liking.
Hi Sharon, Here's to good news, and
counting blessings! You are warmly held... in blessings of friends and family, spirit, hope, loving connections...we wish for you a peaceful Christmas together, and lots more healing for Caleb.
Janet and David
thinking of you caleb... so glad to hear your better!
I'm breathing a huge sigh of relief - I was thinkin' we might have an insurmountable fundamental difference right off the bat...Johnny Depp is a much wiser (and yummier) choice, and for YOU I'm willing to share!
Giggling uncontrollably into my Bailey's and cocoa,
S.
Heyyyy!! Brad Pitt is MINE!!! However, I will gladly put Johnny Depp in your sphere--another pirate seems fitting and a good diversion for you. Go girl! Go Caleb! Love, El
Sharyn, I just had to share after reading about your headlight game. When I was a little girl I used to be enthralled with headlights on cars. I believed that I could tell how each "car" (or occupants?) was "feeling" by the look of their headlights. After reading your comment I felt compelled to share as I have never met someone who shared my fondness (for lack of a better word) for headlights. I haven't posted in a while but continue to keep Caleb and your precious family in my thoughts and prayers. Take care and Happy Christmas, Kara K. Duff
I am glad that he is on the mend again. Maybe staying at Spalding is not such a bad thing anyway. There are pros and cons to having him home right now. It is easier in some ways emotionally but maybe he can make more progress in a facility. This is a long haul Sharyn. It is a journey of years not days or weeks or months. While I hold out the greatest hope for Caleb's recovery and believe that much improvement is possible I do not make light of your circumstances. In many ways your journey is much more difficult than mine. Bradley was born the way he is, There was no other Bradley. He has improved over time and that's great but he is the person he was born to be. Caleb is fulfilling a destiny that was not predicted. That makes it so much harder. Still somehow I continue to have faith that Caleb will be restored. He has such amazing will, as you all do, and that can make all the difference.
Suzanne
Johnny Depp... the Pirate... of course!
We're SO relieved to hear that the immediate crisis appears to have passed. It sucks that you're all going to be camped out for so long there again, but as folks here have said, this too shall pass. Breathe deeply, and sleep well. We love you.
Jerry G
Oh,good, now I can exhale. One more hurdle jumped (or snuck under) and all I can say is... more power to you! We're so w/ you, the town is tuned. For bravery and strength, the Von Potters take the cake. The whole damn cake! Have yourseffs a merry little Xmas. Wishing love, peace and health, David W.
Stay strong Sharyn. Caleb is one heck of a fighter! DNA remember!
Our thoughts and prayers are always with you!
TC
I thought Brad Pitt was too white bread for a girl like you
......Johnny Depp,that makes much more sense.
so sorry to hear you are looking out that window again, but relieved to hear your boy is fairing much better this time around.
with gratitude and blessings,
Tracy
ps.
when I am anxious or feeling worrisome, I too play divination games with passing cars and headlights. I ask questions, the way you would a Tarot reader....and I have a little system that gives me yes or no answers.
ok, I should probably talk to my therapist about that one huh?
Sharyn,
All I see when I think of Johnny Depp is Edward Scissorhands... Why don't you try some one suave and intelligent like Sylvester Stallone! Go Rocky! Now there's the fighter for you!
Kevin
Dear Caleb and Sharyn,
Thoughts and prayers continue your way tonight and everyday....am hopeful that the healing will continue, and that you Sharyn will feel our presence there with you, when alone. How I wish we could transport and be there for you and with you. Sounds like Leb is doing his part, with flying colors...keep it up Caleb...we are right there with you too.
Hey if the Depp stops by tell him we'd like to see his shining face here in W MA....boy, wouldn't that be fun...Santa he's not, but who cares! A beautiful boy, just like your Caleb....
Take care of yourself, my Dear... and Caleb, you too....never far from thought...
Abrazos y besitos para todos...
Be well,
Con Todo Carino,
Melinda and Mari
'Tis the season for miracles, so I am not surprised that Caleb has pulled another one out of his hat...I am thankful, and happy for some good news.....This is a winding road with few clues as to what's around the corner, but with time and all of the prayers and love flowing to you, hopefully it becomes a smoother course.
Oh, and by the way, I have always considered Johnny Depp to be my own personal imaginary sweetie, but will be more than happy to loan him to you....just don't forget to return him! And wipe the red lipstick off his cheek....oh hell, just keep him!
As always, with hope,
peg from PA
I vote Johnny Depp also...arrg..
Glad to hear things are looking up once again. Was never a doubt in my mind. Caleb is so strong and the power of prayer is a beautiful gift. Stay strong, take care of yourself....and enjoy the Bailey's
Dear Lindsay/Potter/Wellfleet Family - at this time of Christmas birth we send along our prayers. God is with you. Judith/family/Rochester,NY
What a welcome message to read this morning. I don't know how you all find the strength---but I guess that's the miracle of the human spirit. Your description of what you miss about your house at Christmas is so expressive that I can imagine why it would be hard not to be there.
Thinking of you all and hoping that all those lights----headlights, candles, streetlights, the moon, the sun, the holiday lights---help to brighten these days.
What a welcome message to read this morning. I don't know how you all find the strength---but I guess that's the miracle of the human spirit. Your description of what you miss about your house at Christmas is so expressive that I can imagine why it would be hard not to be there.
Thinking of you all and hoping that all those lights----headlights, candles, streetlights, the moon, the sun, the holiday lights---help to brighten these days.
Oh, that last anonymous was me. Pressed ENTER too quickly!
Amy from western MA
No fair making me cry this early in the morning. The people at work already think I am nuts!
They were tears of joy though. I'm happy that you sound so relaxed and that the boy is bouncing back so quickly. It is the love and strength he got from being home that made it so easy.
How wonderful that you once again have a place to stay in Boston, and that you also have your Bailey's supply. Kevin would be jealous if you started trading at another liquor store in beantown. As for Brad and Johnny, I hear they both have hygene issues, I would go for Colin Firth or Hugh Grant, I'm a sucker for an accent.
Blessings always,
J
Great news that Calebs doing well. That boy is astounding!!
Best wishes for your date with Baileys, and for your revised Christmas plans. Ali manchester UK
GREAT NEWS ABOUT CALEB! Continuing prayers for you and your family. I dunno about the Brad Pitt thing either....but, I'll give it a shot.....MERRY CHRISTMAS...I'll be checking in on you here daily....update or none...........
Yeah,yeah Brad Pitt and Johnny Depp-young whipper snappers at best but what about Pierce Brosnan? He portrays inner strength and self confidence plus not too shabby looking!
Back to reality------a big relief to hear all is on an even keel once again. Whew!
Caleb probably heard about the snow ball fight and wants to join in!! I can almost picture it all.
Christmas will be merry and the New Year will be happy. Love to all of you and Sharyn keep the baileys flowing. Hot buttered rums are kind of good too. Peace.
Penny on St.John
Great news...Dosn't surprise me much since Caleb is the fighter that he is! Oh and for the Brad deal...I spoke with him last night and Angie is being a bit selfish these days..oh well "). We will keep a log on the fire for you all and wish you all the best in recovery...like Bob Marley said...Everythings gonna be alright!
Love and peace,
Christa, Noah and Jack
Wilmington, NC
Arrrrggg!
I saw Loren the other night at the Bomb Shelter, it was so nice to see her, though i didnt get to see Ari but at least i got one! I hope you get your Christmas wish of one last kiss from them before they leave! They are such a beautiful people, as is the Potter family. May the room in which you have Christmas in be filled with warmth, love and happiness during this holiday season-and may it follow you wherever you go.
Love you all for the great down to earth people you are,
Be well Caleb, Be well Potter family.
Love Arozana
Still praying for Caleb and I will pray that George Clooney walks into the room (he is single and you two would make a great couple) Brad is not, nor is Mr Depp. Maybe I will pray for a real and accessable man to walk in the room and be dazzled by your beauty, wit and strength.
Happy holidays to you and the family. Health and continued recovery to Caleb. There is an angel on that boy's shoulder.
Patty
Good to hear that Caleb is continuing to teach those medical people to expect the unexpected.
What they are learning from working with Caleb will have a rippling benefit to many many patients to come.
You well know this is a long haul so any ground Caleb has lost this time he will regain and then some. Its just part of covering the territory. It serves no use to think about the ground loss with such progress made in a few days.
Christmas in room 34A won't be as cosy as being at home but you can't match the warmth of being surrounded by the ones you love. We will continue to hold you warmly in our hearts and minds and will be smiling back from those headlights (perhaps even making some funny faces as we pass)
forget brad OR johnny...what about jody foster!?!
i am so happy to hear that he is doing better..and i love the image of the headlights...just don't imagine me as a deer!
seriously (can i be?) love and light and healing prayers to you. he has been in my thoughts A LOT in the last few days, and clearly, in a lot of others' as well..somehow, it all works.
Dear Sharyn,
i am so happy to read that caleb is on the mend. hoping for all of you that he is going to be at the spaulding on the cape, closer to home...
i was pulling medicine cards this AM, and came upon hummingbird..
"hummingbird can fly in any direction- up, down, backward, and forward. hummingbird can also hover in one spot and appear to be motionless"
"because of their magical qualities it is said that hummingbird conjures love as no other medicine does"
so, the rest of my story today is meant to make you laugh.(best medicine)
i was working on a movie premeire in LA a few years back and Johny Depp & Jessica Lang walked into my kitchen to graciously say thank you.
i am not one to be star struck but i felt as tho i had been hit by a bolt of lighting!!!!
i imagine that i probably looked like spudley when caleb ate his dog treat with that "tilted" head, going back and forth.
i am going with all the other lasses & lads on this blog and will be more than happy to share!!!!!
peace,thoughts & healing energy
Sharyn
Thanks for the update, your strength is unmatched by all but your Caleb. So happy to hear he's doing well.
St. Theresa's Prayer:
May today there be peace within. May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith. May you use those gifts that you have received, and pass on the love that has been given to you. May you be content knowing you are a child of God. Let this presence settle into your bones, and allow your soul the freedom to sing, dance, praise and love.
Now on a lighter note, forget about Brad, Johnny and even George! I'm sure there's a hansome Doctor that looks forward to waltzing into Caleb's room to see you!
Deb-Groton, ma
I love you too lady!
I Love you too lady!
The ups and downs of this journey are breathtaking. WOW. Welcome back, Caleb. And Sharyn, I admit I'd switch teams if it were Johnny Depp. He's a hottie.
Lesa
PS Don't tell Shelagh!!!
Sharyn,
I am so very happy to read your post. I have been thinking so much about you these past few days. My 25 yr old daughter underwent surgery today in Boston, and I kept on thinking of all the eloquent words that you and others have written and the graceful way which you have weathered the storms. I can say unequivocally...this was most definitley not me. I was a basket case of worry and angst. I had to work incredibly hard not to fall into a dark, dark place of "what if." But eventually I realized I couldn't do this, so when I started to head to that dark hole, I made a conscious decision to pray for Caleb instead (and of course for my Cait)...a much better use of my energies. It really helped me through, especially as I sat at the hospital today waiting for the phone call that would tell me that all was okay, which it was. So to come back and check the blog and find that in the last day things have looked up for you, well I am happy and grateful, and I continue to wish you well. And my positive thoughts and prayers will continue for you all. Be well,
Mom in CT
It appears that Caleb's guardian angel is a workaholic. That works for me...he truly is blessed with the grace and determination to go the distance and of course that apple did not fall far from the tree...
Fight on Caleb, fight on...oh and Sharyn another yummy hot chocolate treat is: vandermint and hot chocolate, it's like drinking girl scout thin mints...mmmmmm.
peace to you all tonight-
Audrey
Still sending all of you positive vibes from Washington Square.
Sharyn, your words so often blow us away. You're a star.
May Brad, Johnny, Jodie, George - not Sly Stallone - too mushy after all those steroids - may they each come in turn bearing gifts...
xo
Matt, Mo, Jonas and Zib
We are by your side-
The Whole Richardson Family at the Farm
Candlelights, headlights, flashlights and Christmas lights.....
May they all burn bright and grace your way back to the Fleet.
Kevin and I would count station wagons on our way to York Beach Maine when we were kids to make the ride go faster. I will start counting them again for a speedy
better xoxoxox kolleen
you're amazing, sharyn- thinking of you through all of this. i used to drive a Duck in Boston and it has been years since I thought about the Salt and Pepper Bridge- thanks for making me smile.
I too forgot about them calling it the salt and pepper bridge. You know Brad isn't as cute as he used to be plus he seems to be taken. No, I am going to pray for someone better looking than that for you and someone who is available. When I lived in Boston the supermarkets in upscale neighborhoods were hot spots for meeting people. You never know, anything can happen. Love, Susanna
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