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.

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Just how far we have come

Hello out there in blog land- I have missed hearing from all of you, but find it difficult to sit down at the computer as often as before with soooo much to do. Caleb is progressing - sometimes it feels like a snail pace, but he is going forward and I have to remember that it was the turtle not the hare that one that famous race. Leb is now ambulatory so we are finding it condusive to doing his therapy as an outpatient rather than an in home where we could not convince a speech therapist to travel this distance. Is Wellfleet in another country or something? He likes his work at RICH and does it willingly knowing that this is key. He is now making little jokes when they occur to him and we are delighted at this as this is a reminder of Caleb's former self - always so full of laughter and always with full intensions of making us crack up. We are quite simply blessed to have him home and blessed to be able to feast our eyes on him at all given hours of the day. Kai has been traveling home every weekend which is a strain for him, but he insists on it and Max has been my right hand man, always eager to help out with his big bro when possible. Max is generally in charge of the day's walk with Caleb and Spud and I feel this bonding is perfect for the three boys even tho Caleb was caught eating the dog's treat during the last trip and Spud was pissed. Caleb's appetite is enormous .

As for me- well I can only say that out of this tragedy - a tremendous treasure has been placed in front of us. We are stronger now than ever and we are each seeking out the gift that Caleb has brought to us. This has touched each of us personally and has shown us that a slightly lower form of us has transended into a slightly higher one-- we are becoming a better self.

As always- blessings to you, mumsie

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
What a nice blog. It made me laugh on a day which was tough for me. Sounds like everything is moving forward (yes!). Wellfleet is starting to look like the season...and season's greetings to you all. Gail

Unknown said...

i had to giggle about spud getting mad at caleb. when liam and i were little he had a friend who chose to eat snausages as a yummy afternoon snack so it seems only natural that a dog treat would be a good crunchy find. on second thought, that was also the friend who dared liam to eat a flower and had poison control called.....anyways.

i am so glad to hear how well caleb is doing. fresh air, salt water, and the best little family ever are the best medicine. i am constantly thinking about all of you.

hannah in portsmouth

Anonymous said...

The new season brings new beginnings!

Keep on doing what you've been doing Caleb! You have amazing strength (obviously inherited from the beautiful family and friends around you).

Sharyn, hopefully you're taking time to relax and soak in all the reasons why you love this town so much.

Peace and love!

Anonymous said...

Good to hear from you, Sharyn. It sounds like you are adjusting to the "new reality." Wishing you the best holiday season.

Amy from western MA

Anonymous said...

So great to hear your update- I have been waiting on word from you all. Sounds like it's a good word! I am trying to remind myself daily to relax and enjoy the season and my family and not get too crazy- it is so easy to get a full to do list! Hopefully you are relaxing and enjoying each other as well.

Laura in CT

Clance said...

Hey Miss Mumsie & Fam..

What wonderful words we are blessed with before us, I am overjoyed that you always look to the bright side of life, and Leb is encountering his joking side again..

Blessed be, and enjoy! Xoxo.. Clance

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,
Thank you for the post. I can just picture the "tilt" of Spud's head wondering what Caleb was up to. I am so glad to hear that Caleb is walking so well.

Season's Greeting to you and your family.
Peggy from Western MA

Anonymous said...

And wild and sweet
the words repeat
of Peace on Earth
Good-will to Potter men and Mumsie
xoxoxox
kolleen

Anonymous said...

Hey there,

So nice to hear your voice again -
I know, I know - it's not really "hearing", but it sure as hell feels that way!
I'm thrilled that your news is so good - ain't nothin' wrong with a snail's pace..."slow and steady" as they say.

We're preparing for Christmas here - welcoming Liam home from school and, as ever at this time of year, counting our blessings and choosing perfect gifts for those we love. You have all been given that gift already, in Caleb's very presence, and I feel Like It's Christmas morning for me, too, by osmosis!
Joy is a word that we use too infrequently - usually at holiday time - but I find that joy in Caleb's face, Jennie's face, Max's face here on the blog and in your voice, Sharyn...and it's a beautiful thing.

Caleb's tees (the check is in the mail!)will be tucked into our stockings - sorry for spoiling the surprise, Hannah - don't tell the boys!

Wellfleet, to those of us who love it, is the actual center of the universe and NOT in another country at all...it's just that it's a pretty well kept secret!

Thanks for keeping us posted - and for sharing the lovely, ordinary news about walks and jokes and dog treats!

Big Love,
Susan

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update Sharyn.
I too laughed out loud at Caleb snacking on Spud's milkbone. Hope Spud doesn't hold a grudge! Best wishes for Caleb's continued progress and THANKS for the hoodie! Happiest of holidays!

Deb - Groton, MA

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn,
It's good..........it's all good!! What a great Chrismas gift for all of us! Have a joyous holiday season with your brood. You deserve it like no one does!!
Love to all,
Susan, Christa, Jeff and Kimme ( all home from college...yes!)

Anonymous said...

I would just like to share a bit more positive news. Caleb CALLED ME ON THE PHONE TODAY!!! I seriously messed my pants- I know I've used that before, but seriously this time it's true! His voice was much clearer and audible than a month ago when I visited at the homestead. It was a beautiful thing- he said he was doing pretty good, loved me, loved the pictures of pirates, ships, and eye patches from my 5 year old that we sent in the mail.

I so rejoiced at the thought of Caleb deciding he felt like calling me, doing it, and speaking clearly and logically!

Love to all- xoxoxo

Anonymous said...

Ms. Sharon,

You've not only shown us how a family can grow from such a dark day, but you've taught us that we can grow as well. You've shown such great strength and pride through all of this (and some weakness
– making you only more human) and I am honored to have been along for the ride, even if only through the blog. You have no idea how much your sharing this with all of us has changed so many people.

I for one, always tried not to take life and my family for granted, because one just never knows. But I think it's even more so now, after reading and experiencing this with you and your wonderful friends and family and extended family from July til, now. Yes, I've been checking in since a friend sent me the site in July. I've been cheering and smiling and crying and praying with you all the way.

You are all awesome. I'm so glad you have all 3 of your sons. You are truly blessed as are we for your sharing something so personal with so many.

I hope you have a very Merry Christmas!

Godspeed Ms. Sharon.

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn,

Tell Caleb if he's hungry I have plenty of dog treats at the store. Or if Spudley wants he can certainly have some too! The more the merrier! Do you make the dog treats yourself or buy the ones at the store? I have a great recipe if you would like it! My tail is wagging so I have to go.. Ever here of a Scalleywag?

Kevin

Anonymous said...

Forward motion is forward motion, regardless of the pace, steady as you go. It is a treat to hear happy news, especially now. Life is a marvel with it's twists and turns, but the straightaways where you can see a distance down the road are the best...you know what you are hoping for,you know what you need and want, and there it is right in front of you, just a few more steps down the road. The journey is the thing... each step bringing us closer to who we really are... with lessons about strength, humility and grace, all of which the four of you have an abundance. Drink in the joy of each day together, each bit of progress made. We are all learning from this, Caleb's gift.
A better Christmas gift I can not imagine: spiritual healing and growth. My best to all of you.
As always, with gratitude and hope,
peg from PA

Anonymous said...

Sharyn
nice to hear from you again.
Are tee shirts available in town anywhere or do they have to be ordered?

Anonymous said...

Season's greetings Lindsay/Potter family.....and all my fellow bloggers. What a wonderful post Sharyn. Sounds like things are progressing nicely. What awesome news for all of our holiday season.
Keep up the great work Caleb.
Peace and love

Anonymous said...

you rock, mumsie!
you all rock!
it sounds as tho things are falling into place for your little family. i am so glad that caleb is home and progressing, even a snails pace of progress is progress none the less :)
it is wonderful that you will all be together for the holidays.

yes, how far we have come.... all of us. i know that i have transformed from this blog and all the wonderful things that have been said in these pages. i have gone thru some tough decisions in the last week or so and i know that i am a much stronger person now than previous to july of this year.
i thank you sharyn, and this whole cyber-family for that change in me. this village, this tribe of wonderful people who have the power to heal!!

keep up the great work caleb!! i hope to meet you soon!
amy in ct

Anonymous said...

Sharyn
Like the others, I have cherished being apart of this cyber neighbourhood and it has reiterated the importance of family and being grateful for what we have, every second. I now need to learn to let go of the frustration I feel when those around me dont do the same!
I have laughed (again today over the dog biscuit!) and cried many times and am overwhelmed with JOY that you are all together this Christmas.
Happy Christmas to all you bloggers from Cape Cod and elsewhere.
Ali Manchester UK

BenBirdy1 said...

And blessings back to you all, Sharyn.

xo Catherine

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn :),
I'm happy that Caleb is able to go for walks, and that he gets to enjoy the wonderfully fresh Cape Cod air.

Chris will be over this morning to see you guys, and he is exstatic. He loves his "Potter/Lindsay/Spudly Time"..LOL he made sure that I had NO PLANS for this morning because there is just no way that he would miss an oppertunity to go to your lovely home, and spend time with your lovely Family.

I hope all wellness stays with you and yours, and that the Holidays are unforgetable.

And as always...please remember that I am here for "Whatever" you may need!!!

Love, Hugs, Kisses, and a glass of wine to you.......

Love, Nicole Miner :)

Anonymous said...

I've seen a look in dogs' eyes, a quick vanishing look of amazed contempt, and I am convinced that basically dogs think humans are nuts.
For Spudley, love, Susanna

Anonymous said...

Hey to all as we approach the Winter Solstice and the solar turn-around toward longer days and shorter nights.....AND some winter weather to slide around on!!!!!

Thanks to Cedar and Ennie for making sure that Caleb was in attendance at the Old Wharf Dory Christmas Party last Friday night. It's all-ways an anticipated night in the Fleet....with great attendance by the younger crew of recent years.....SOOOOOO good to have Caleb there....great food....great company.....and sweet sweet to have our Cabes with us for the Holidays.....thanks again to Cedar and ennie for making the effort.....light!ly.....ch/dad

becky said...

Sharyn - Yes, you have touched a LOT of people! I'm happy to hear that you are getting into a "new" normal(ish) routine! Thank you again for just that - touching my life and my families life. I mailed a check to you yesterday! Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Upper Cape.

J

Anonymous said...

Hello Mumsie, Caleb and family. It's always so good to hear about continued progress with your therapy and recovery, Caleb. Yes, Wellfleet is just a better place to be - not foreign to anyone who has spent some time in town. We spend more time our 'outerreach' than any other place during the year. Since the 1940's it has been the most special place in my heart. Orleans isn't so far to go for medical care and therapy. I remember when we had no public services including electricity or even a car radio. My family couldn't afford extras, but we did camp out in Wellfleet and thanks to my parents, we enjoy the good life in Wellfleet today. Be well, be safe and God Bless. Hugs and Love ~~ Natale

Anonymous said...

The tortoise and not the hare... the marathon and not the sprint... that's what it's all about!
Thinking about all of you as we move ahead into the holiday season... Be well -
Jerry G

Anonymous said...

Yes, Queen Sharyn, I think Wellfleet is another country--people dream of coming here for years, make pilgrimages to get well, and spend their time talking about it when they're gone. :) It's a holy land.

I hope the sea continues to make Caleb well and strong again.

love,
Mia

Anonymous said...

sharyn-

You guys HAVE come so far!

You guys are well into this journey and doing so well with many more good things to come. Be strong and be happy.

dm

Anonymous said...

Hi Sharyn and clan,
It's so great to read your blog again! I know how hectic it can be to sit down and write something when other,more pressing things occur...but it sounds like all is going according to plan and Caleb is coming along just fine.
Court is now tube free too and I think of your blog when Caleb became tube free!! What a difference. Anyway,a very merry holiday season to all and I'll be in touch. Much love to all of you,
Julie-Courtney's Mom

Anonymous said...

You've given birth twice! All of you! I continue to send blessings your way...
Maryann in NY

Anonymous said...

love you all so so so much. think about you and pray for you everyday. merry christmas. give all the boys a big sloppy kiss for me.

haley via canadia, xoxo

Anonymous said...

Just thinking about you all snug in your home, TOGETHER, and wanting to thank you again, Sharyn, for opening up your heart to us in your blogs. We continue to think of you daily. Sending love and peace.

Jeff- in the Berkshires said...

I was thinking of the Cape beaches today as the wind was blowing the snow about and picturing how a snow storm looks on the ocean.... which of course led me to think of you all.

Good to hear that you are all progressing well.

Good wishes and thoughts continue to be sent your way!

Anonymous said...

Have a great snow day, Caleb & Family

Anonymous said...

Your house looks beautiful and cozy from the outside. I hope your feeling it too. I have been walking by your place twice a week at night to rehearse with Randy in the studio. Some day soon when we are ready we'll play for you guys. Caleb could use some KICK ASS ROCK!!!

xoxox,settie