The days are moving slowly as if in a dream one cannot wake from and this time around, after having been home for 3 weeks, I am actually finding it more trying to be here. Caleb, however is thriving. He is gaining strength and endurance and if we win this medical lottery, he will continue as is and won't need the shunt back in. As far as I can tell, the test on the 31st will be the determining factor.
Kai and Max are taking a bit of a break at home, cleaning and preparing for another homecoming, even tho I will be the only one returning. I am excited about his going to RHCI in Sandwich. It will get him back more quickly to where he was when we did have him at home and give him a jump start for therapy in Orleans.. It's amazing how quickly one deteriorates just being in bed all day. As usual, his spirits are good.
I have discovered that even here, sitting all day watching my son fight for scraps of health - and where I constantly struggle to keep my grip, I can still say that if I find my glass half empty- I puncture it and drain it out imagining worse case scenarios. No matter how far you sink, there is always someone - somewhere who has it worse than you.......Smile on an inhale and breathe life in.
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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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December
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38 comments:
I love you, Sharyn. You make the world so much more wonderful.
Good luck.
love,
Mia
Sharyn,
I was once told one day in bed is 7 days recovery......but....it does happen....keep the faith sweet lady, it will be fine, he has gained so much strength he will be back to Caleb in no time
Sharyn, my friend. Wherever you are I am with you. Breathing and smiling. Max is bowling.
Sharyn -
The 31st is just a few short days away and I'm so sure that you'll have good news...we're all out here, as ever, with fingers crossed and candles lit.
Waiting is such a difficult thing - the old "watched pot" adage is so often true. Just keep breathing, girl, and take your cues from Caleb. His Buddha nature seems to shine through in all of your descriptions of him - the smiles, the kisses blown, the dog biscuit treats, the "thank you"....the constant "thank you"
While the half empty glass seems an inescapable reality at times, your ability to count your blessings never falters. I have learned so much from you in a few short months - about patience and faith and guts and gratitude....and the simple goodness of being present in each breath.
You and Caleb are loved.
Big.
Susan
What is left in a half empty wine glass is quite different than what is left in a half empty beer stein. It is all perspective.
I think you may have started this journey with the wine glass but as the challenges have continued to build up you've been moving up each time to a larger glass. So while you are still half empty I suspect that there is still quite a bit left in the rest of the beer glass and we are all out here ready to try and give you a refill.
From where you have come, from were Caleb has come and also being from being a parent I can only imagine how easily it is to go to those worse case scenarios. I think Peg put it appropriately a while ago, it sucks, sucks sucks and that is about it.
Try to take in what can add to filling that beer stein of yours. Caleb returning to RHCI sounds like the right move for him and you. You returning to Wellfleet sounds like the best move for you. Both of you will get the chance to refill your glasses.
So here's wishing for a successful test on the 31st and we will all be clinking our collective, if for some of us "virtual" glasses in celebration of your return and Caleb's return after therapy.
Sharon,
We are all breathing 'in' with you. Trust me when I say your journey is one with much company.
My entire family joins me in hope, love, strength & endurance for you & Caleb. We are with you for the long haul & will celebrate our 'New Years' when Caleb comes home. Much love from a distance...
MSala
BIG BIG HUG. LONG LONG HUG. LOTS of LOVE!!!
Maryann Stow
Sharyn,
Hang in there!
Caleb is getting beter.
The sun will shine brighter in Wellfleet when you return...
I'm sure of that!
Kevin
You have come so far, been through so much. The "home" stretch is near. Endure Ms. Sharon. We all believe you will. Now we just need you to believe too! Glass is always half full, always, unless it's empty, then it's time to open another bottle, I imagine Kevin will help with that!
Godspeed Ms. Sharon.
Sharyn, all you need to do to fill that wine glass to the brim, is to take a little bit of love from all those who have written to this blog. Your cup will runneth over. Ongoing prayers for all. God Bless and Love ~ Natale & Peter
Sharyn,
Love to all and Happy New Year! Sounds great!
Sue and kids
There are, indeed, so many other stories out there, ones with much worse case scenarios, as you put it - a mother struggling alone with a child's illnes, with no help from anyone at all. You and your amazing sons are surrounded by such love, wisdom, necessary humor, broad shoulders, open wallets, willingness to tend to business while you're away (and at home, I suspect), so it's wonderful that you can see your glass half full! You are not alone on this journey.It will take a lifetime to find ways to thank those who have lifted you up and carried you high above the crisis. How fortunate you are to have such a 'family'.
Happy New Year to all of you. It can only get better!
Sharyn, I'm praying for you and Caleb to be back in your home soon. Happy New Year. I soooo wish there was something more that I could do!
Good mornin', Sharyn, Caleb, and crew,
We're rooting for Caleb to win this medical lottery and get back to the Cape asap. Sandwich sounds so much closer to home...and soon everyone working there will be new friends.
We loved the pictures Jennie posted. Jennie-we hope you're feeling healthier and spending time with Caleb now-- or soon.
Blessings and peace and health to all of you for the new year!
love,
Janet,David and kids
thinking of all you guys during this season...hang in there...we love you, check this site daily, and constantly keep you in our thoughts...stack and donna - asheville
Sharyn, you are a marvel....there is no doubt in my mind from where Caleb gets his fighting spirit......take that empty glass and see it fill....with healthy progress, with sweet kisses in the night, with Spudly's stolen biscuits, with whispered thank you s and sweet smiles, with strength, endurance,love, and hope.
We all love you, we are all there with you, when you smile, we are all smiling.......
It sounds like the emotional ups and downs are getting to you,...and understandably so!
when many of us express our sheer admiration for you its because we can,t imagine going through what you have....and doing it with such strength and grace.
The fact that you even see the glass is just more proof of the strength you possess.
and fact is yes,.... your cup runneth over.
Praying for positive test results on the 31st.
Its My Birthday so I have a big candle wish that day.
Tracy
Well the way I see it is if the glass is half full you must have drunk half and should be feeling about half a glass better soon. The other old expression that comes to mind is one step forward, two steps back. Well, WHEN Caleb doesn't need the shunt anymore it will be more like one step back and several steps forward. Go Caleb!
Love, Susanna
The two words that come to mind this day are: Persevere and tenacity.Your strength just keeps coming and coming.You are all amazing and wonderful and loving.From the very depths of my being I send you special thoughts and love.
We are all learning something from this heart rending experience.Faith in our Drs.,faith in ourselves and faith in the body healing are all part of the learning process. Caleb will be stronger in some ways than in other ways and he will still be Caleb.Obviously his kind and thoughtful personality is shining thru no matter what the challenges or outcome. Bless his heart and yours,Sharyn, and the rest of your family.
Happy New Year!
Penny on St.John
PS Our glasses are half full!!
penny on st.john
Anonymous Anonymous said...
Sharyn, you are a marvel....there is no doubt in my mind from where Caleb gets his fighting spirit......take that empty glass and see it fill....with healthy progress, with sweet kisses in the night, with Spudly's stolen biscuits, with whispered thank you s and sweet smiles, with strength, endurance,love, and hope.
We all love you, we are all there with you, when you smile, we are all smiling.......
As always,with hope,
peg from PA
December 29, 2007 11:30 AM
Sharyn,
Stay strong! We are praying that Caleb will be home where he belongs soon.
I'm praying for you and Caleb today.
dear sharyn,
no matter how far you sink, there is always someone - somewhere to pull you out!!!!
peace, love, healing to caleb & all..
Just sit, relax and visualize the sweet and sticky summer air of Wellfleet... you know, that kind of salty ocean air that blows in fresh from the sea, just after a rainstorm has passed offshore? Take a deep breath and imagine how much better this summer will be for all of you guys. Keep pressing forward Sharyn the days are gaining light now and we are moving on to a new year. The family will be back in full force soon... the boys hopin around town, and your hands back in the soil. blessings and love- clint in fleet
Sharyn,
You have a beautiful family, and a beautiful soul. Hang in there.
NY/Wellfleet Mom
chin up sharyn, you are such a fighter, just like your son. i pray for you that the test on the 31st has the results you wanted.
and you can welcome in the new year at home.
peace and prayers to you and your whole tribe today.
amy in ct
Thinking of you today on the 30th Sharyn and clan and hoping for the best results on the tests tomorrow. You are all goin' so good, working so hard for healing. There is a poem on one of my Yogi tea boxes that I love so much and I send it on to you for the hard times...it goes something like:
"may the long time sun shine upon you and the pure light within you guide your way on".
I like to think of that one when I find myself in a funk. It may or may not work for ya. I think it's actually on the sleepy tea so maybe they are referring to guide your way on through the night but I love it for the awake moments. Your strength, courage and capacity to keep going through all this to do what needs to be done is truly inspiring. Seeing you in Nov. I was reminded of your fun and bright light that does truly beam so brightly from within you even when there is a tear in your eye. I love you so very much. Be gentle with yourself always but especially with this next transition and don't forget to have a little toast for new years eve tomorrow. Hugs and gratitude to you for being such an open, wise and loving person. Gratitude to your tribe for caring so much about the Lindsay/Potter clan wellbeing.
Jenny H.
Hi Sharyn,
Happy New Year early! A new year a new start and lots of new energy.
There is no doubt that Caleb is a fighter. I have confidence he will be back in Wellfleet very soon.
Much love
Donna and Fran
Sharyn, Believing that all you need will come your way in the coming year. You are such a source of love, strength and compassion to your sons- you realize that the love is endless- and comes right back round to you. Hang on - we'll be right here- sending love and faith in the essence of this mystery we call life.
Hi Sharyn, I have been away in St Maarten for a week, but checking the blog when I can. I will be thinking of you all tomorrow, hoping that there will be good news and that 2008 will start off well.
Amy from western MA, via St Maarten!
Sharyn, even in the darkest moment you manage to see the light and the love and hang on to the the hope that something super duper great is just around the corner. Your spirit is awesome, your thoughts profound and your optimism mind boggling..Since visiting Wellfleet in august , I have followed your jurney and marveled over your ability to be spot on.
More candles lit this morning, more prayers said by many. You have been in my thoughts.
The snow is now falling, a storm moving in to blanket the region. It is quiet in this white softness. It is restful in this turbulance.
Sharyn as I re-read some of your posts I was struck by how tired, how drained I would probably be in your situation. You have been "on" for so long, as an advocate for Caleb you must be unbelievably focused, you are glue for many people. Though I hope you are not "on" to receive our comments I know that even receiving support from friends or "strangers", however well intentioned, can take energy. I expect that on some level you don't want to hear anymore how strong everyone perceives you, you just want things to go back to the way they were. For things to calm, for you all to be back home, for Caleb to heal, for life to resume. I know that is what I would want. I would be grateful and angry and just plain tired.
We all struggle for those magic words that we hope will refill that glass of yours that is tapped so often and so deep, I and many others cosmically and spiritually continue to send our thoughts of healing and peace not just for Caleb but also for you and for Kai and Max. Throughout the day and night you are in our thoughts.
I truly hope that the results tomorrow will be as you hope and that when Caleb is transfered / discharged that there will be some time for you to take care of "you" and that you will take that time. You can only be at your best for others when you are also being restored and lady if anyone deserves some rest it is you.
I send you thoughts of peace on this snowy night. The bright moon is shining, its just watching the snow storm from the other side of the clouds. :-)
Blessings this night Dear Sharyn...Please know that thoughts, prayers, candles, continue to shine and light the way for you and your beautiful boy.This path has not been easy, but much progress has been made. Remember, every time there are setbacks your never go all the way back to where you were that last time. This healing journey is truly remarkable. Just when you thought you couldn't take anymore, you are once again stretched to the "limit", and you proceed being ever so glad that you took those steps forward.
You remind and humble us all by your courage, stamina, and good faith. We again thank you for allowing us to share this ride with you. I can only hope that we have helped sustain you, when you thought you couldn't take another step, and "carried" you when all hope seemed out of reach. You have done and are doing a remarkable job, and we all applaud your sparkle and determination. You are a true advocate....Caleb is a lucky young man to have you for a mom, as well as Kai and Max. What a strong and resiliant family...how lucky you all are to have each other.
Prayers are with Caleb tomorrow for his procedure. Whatever the outcome, you will move forward. Caleb's healing has been truly remarkable, thanks to all the tender loveing care he has gotton for all of you.
Be well this night, sleep soundly knowing your sweet boy is in the best hands around, and as you go off to sleep, with the snow falling ever so lightly know that you all are loved and cherished, and that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Caleb we love you, and are with you...Love to Kai and Max also...
Que duermes con los angelitos mi amiga,
Con todo carino,
Que Dios los bendiga,
Melinda
Funny....about ten minutes ago I started a comment that began with the Berkshires are blanketed in a soft gentle snow......I am awake and thinking of you guys.....I deleted my comment and went on to read recent posts and there was my virtual and actual neighbor posting similar sentiments.
Jeff in the Berkshires....I have restrained my self from saying what you did tonight so beautifully.I raise my glass to your words.
At times I have felt burdensome as a blogg commenter.....But it is the universal human experience that draws me to "your story", you and Caleb....and I am grateful for the exchange.Caleb will be,as always in my thoughts and prayers this morning as you await test results.
Funny....about ten minutes ago I started a comment that began with the Berkshires are blanketed in a soft gentle snow......I am awake and thinking of you guys.....I deleted my comment and went on to read recent posts and there was my virtual and actual neighbor posting similar sentiments.
Jeff in the Berkshires....I have restrained my self from saying what you did tonight so beautifully.I raise my glass to your words.
At times I have felt burdensome as a blogg commenter.....But it is the universal human experience that draws me to "your story", you and Caleb....and I am grateful for the exchange.Caleb will be,as always in my thoughts and prayers this morning as you await test results.
Sharyn,
Thinking of you and Caleb on another eve and hoping that all goes well today. Maybe I was reading too far into your words or projecting where I would be, but you seemed tired, even in your fervent desire to see the positive. I pray that your year can begin in your home, but if that is not to be, I pray that you can continue to be strong through this journey.
Mom in CT
Hoping for best results in today's test...and wishing the new year begins with Caleb's transfer to Sandwich for rehab. This will allow you, Sharyn, to be in your home - hopefully alone for a little while - to reconnect with yourself, rest, relax, and let go of some of the ever-present vigilance needed when you are by his side. It's time for you, now, and for letting go of the "shoulds" - the only should in motion is the one that lets you begin to heal...the road ahead is still a very long one, and the dynamics will be changing often, so here's to 2008 and your good health and happiness.
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