Hello all
We are excited about the results of Caleb's test and Kai and I are researching places to move to next while Max prepares to pack up some of the things Caleb will need for rehab. We will more than likely be getting on our way either tomorrow or the next as Caleb is once again absorbing his CSF fluids naturally..and we hope that this remains the case which will mean no further surgical procedures.
This is a wonderful New Years gift as I am at the end of my rope and Caleb is clearly depressed now, feeling the effects of falling backwards from illness and lack of therapy. We need to go!
I read somewhere that the meaning of an event in your life doesn't come from the event. It comes from you and the lessons you're needing to learn. Kai and I sat sharing a steak dinner and a glass of wine last evening addressing this. It is always easier to find the "answers" for what the other person needs most, but harder to put a finger on what you personally need to do. I am searching myself, as both the boys and Jan are doing to find the valuable pointer to meaning in all of this. We want to triumph over this tragedy, bring our Caleb back, be open to the opportunities that will present and to learn more about the most important life in all of this - our own.
Your own.
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52 comments:
YAY!.....deep Breaths...and snow in the Pine trees to you all...we love you!!!Hope yr Move is Gentle...
Closer....is.....Closer!!!
light!ly...ch/dad
Big love to you dear Sharyn and family, and love to those who love you. Go good.
Jenny H.
Great news Sharyn! Those new years wishes must have worked!
Love Ali Manchester UK
Sharyn, you and Caleb and your entire host of family and supporters are never far from my thoughts. My family and I were in Provincetown over the Christmas holidays. Driving through Wellfleet back and forth from Boston in between working and random days off, I thought of you spending lonely days at MGH. I'm wearing my "Pray for Caleb" sweatshirt that you so kindly gave to us here at Spaulding proudly! I am blessed to have been able to be a part of Caleb's journey. Reading the blog always brings a tear (or 100!) to my eye. I'm so glad to hear that Caleb is doing better. Chin up! You are all beautiful people!
Love,
Christine
Sharyn,
Great news! I had heard this rumor last night... I just said this to a wonderful new friend that I think you learn a lot more from listening than you do talking. Many here have learned so much from "listening" to your words... Hopefully, if you put your ear to the ground your "answers" will come to you for the meaning of all this.
Word of advice... Just don't put your ear to the ground near me.
Second thought....I think I might like that sight!
Kevin
Sharyn,
It's just about the right time of year to let our melancholy feelings get a hold of us.
Caleb is strong and he will be ok.
You will be home soon and remember that we never know what is in store,nor can we control what we are handed.
You are a strong and shining star -this is a bump on the road and the road continues ahead.....
Walk on -
With love,strenght and light -
"The Kaplan Family"
in NY
You rock.
What good news - soon Caleb will be at rehab in Sandwich, you back in your home in Wellfleet to heal yourself - for the moment a share of our focus will go to Peg who needs us so badly!!
What wonderful news. All will be well from this point forward.
Of course this is great news...but trusting all this is probably getting harder and emotional toll can be exhausting...Each Potter and/or Lindsay, take care of yourself, even Caleb..Believe he is capable and let him be the teacher. Some deep breaths would come in handy, too. To the "what is the meaning of all this?"--we can ask that with every large or minute challenge, but it is good for soul searching, but that can be exhausting too. My thoughts for your next journies-each one. Your getting closer to the cape and that is good right there!
Sharyn, Your post made my hair stand on end. Something about the contrast between the encouraging news and your sense of being at the end of your rope. I am sure it is hard to feel secure in feeling hopeful after all the setbacks, and yet you have no choice but to push forward and muster the energy for hope.
Finding meaning in life's random cruelties seems impossible. There is no meaning except finding the depths of the human capacity for love and compassion in the face of adversity. In a world that often seems hateful and cruel, it is still amazing how much love, kindness, and compassion we can find.
Amy from western MA
Mumsie -
We are doing a dance of joy for you all...such good news! To echo ch/dad - Closer is DEFINITELY Closer, and none too soon!
I am convinced - and I know I'm risking the broken record thing here, but - gifts arrive when you least expect them, and in the most unlikely packages. The gift in all of this will present itself to you when you're ready to recognize and receive it. You will probably have an "A-HA" moment in some ridiculous place like the grocery store or the library - your tears and your own very public dance of joy will inevitably be witnessed by neighbors and strangers who will be rendered speechless and fall in love with you on the spot - receiving your clarity and revelation as a gift of their own.
Sounds hokey, I know, but I'd put money on it!
Please rest when you can, let your boys carry as much of the weight as they (so clearly) are willing to and know that we're all out here for the long haul.
Big Love (and wild dancing) from all of us,
Susan
I was so hoping for good news to take with me in my heart tomorrow and to add to my mindful thinking in the week to come. I have it now...Thank you Sharyn, and Caleb et al.
My love goes where you go.
As always,with hope,
peg from PA
P.S.
I have the coolest pair of sushi pajamas to wear to the hospital tomorrow, along with a Buddhist prayer card to tuck into my panties, so I know that between all of you and all of the rest of the cosmos I am in good hands. I thank you all for everything, it means the world to me.
Fight on Caleb!!!
As always, with hope,
peg from PA
A huge hug to you, Sharyn, on this day in the pursuit of a lifetime.
Love,
Alexa
Sharyn, we're soooo relieved to hear this. It really is great news (though certainly noone could blame you for feeing a little gun-shy at this point!)
As for discovering the meaning in all this... consider that you may need the perspective offered by the passage of time in order to be able to view this past year through a prism that may reflect meaning. I'm betting it's just too soon, and that you shouldn't try too hard to "see" it yet. Maybe the meaningfulness to you will come in the form of realizing, in retrospect, how much stronger you are than you had ever believed.
Remember my wife Lana's story - her dogged determination to manage Rebecca's recovery led her, eventually, to an entirely new career. She went from the starched-shirt corporate world to the stay-at-home-mom world to the richly-rewarded Special Education Teacher world - this last world being one in which she *never* would have envisioned dwelling until some pretty awful events exposed a dimension within herself that she never knew existed. But, she wasn't looking for it... it just evolved, presenting itself slowly... over the course of several years.
So, FWIW, enjoy this good news for what it simply is... good news. Cut yourself some slack, enjoy that occasional steak dinner, and don't drive yourself bonkers seeking the truth. The truth will come to you.
Tell Caleb that things are about to get a whole lot better for him... because they will!
Much love,
Jerry G
Love the good news, Caleb. Your special gardian angel will get you through. We get so anxious waiting for new updates. You need to come home to our Wellfleet Woods, Sharyn, spend a little time here, and let some things go. You'll know what and when. God Bless and Hugs. Happy New Year. Natale
Love the good news, Caleb. Your special gardian angel will get you through. We get so anxious waiting for new updates. You need to come home to our Wellfleet Woods, Sharyn, spend a little time here, and let some things go. You'll know what and when. God Bless and Hugs. Happy New Year. Natale
To the Potter/Lindsay Family ~
May the Lord smile on you all and hold you gently, because you are a special family. And may warmest thoughts and best wishes be with you all, with a wish for lots of love and laughter, warm with happiness in the new year.
Hugs and God Bless ~ Natale & Peter
To the Potter/Lindsay Family ~
May the Lord smile on you all and hold you gently, because you are a special family. And may warmest thoughts and best wishes be with you all, with a wish for lots of love and laughter, warm with happiness in the new year.
Hugs and God Bless ~ Natale & Peter
Someone told me once,
When one door closes behind you, a new one opens.......
Like you, I always wonder if I chose the right door or should not have let the last one slam behind me
Life unfolds and your heart will lead the way
xoxoxo kolleen
Sharyn,
I spent this cold afternoon tossing old journals into a big bonfire. I realized after rereading them, that I know what my life was like yesterday, two years ago, twelve years ago...what interests me now is today, paying attention to what is in front of me and not focusing on the good/bad that came before...we really can't go back...only forward...
Wonderful news, Caleb and family!
I am sure you are all ready and anxious to begin moving forward again. Congratulations on yet another victory/battle won, Caleb. You are an amazing young man, and many people are keeping you in their daily thoughts and prayers.
I know the journey must seem daunting, to say the least, but hang in there. You are moving forward, even if it is two steps forward, and one step back.
Blessings to you and your family.
Sending positive thoughts and prayers to Peg in PA. Good luck tomorrow, and get some sleep tonight.
Hope that the new year brings health to you, caleb and the family. Also lots of strength to be shared with all at these times. Stay warm out there in the blustering blizzards that somehow give a slight comfort like a warm blanket nuzled up to your neck. Love you lots. Grace
Good news on the test results. My bet is that your own immune system is seeking some relief.... hope you put together a care plan for yourselves. Draining your adrenal system can happen when you've been under a lot of stress. Please, please take advantage of all the wonderful people who can help, i.e. acupuncturist, massage, reike, etc. when you get home to recharge your battery. This would be helpful for all ... even the hardiest fighter needs a bit of nourishment. Healing thoughts with Peg today as well. love, ann m.
Mornin' Sharyn,
Candles are burning here in Eastham for Caleb and for Peg from PA on
this pretty and cold sea-snow morning.
janet
i always feel like a day late and a dollar short these days because i am torn away from my computer more and more, so i end up adding a comment 1 or more days late.... but i hope that you still get a chance to see them so that you know what you mean to me.
i also search for the meaning in things and what i was to learn from events.... i know that i have learned so much from your words and your journey.....about myself and life and enjoying what you have and cherishing what is in front of you.
peace and good thoughts to you and your family today.
have a smooth trip to your next destination.
amy in ct
Hello all - I am definitely not as eloquent as most on this blog, but wanted to send along my prayers for a bright New Year to all of you. None of us know what each day will bring to us, but we try to wait with anticipation of the blessings all around us.
I also add great thanks to Susan for the photo gallery. It is so wonderful to put faces to names - that's me with my husband, brother/sister-in-law/nieces on Lecount Hollow Beach 2007 - can't wait to get back.
Keeping you all in prayer (including Peg) - Judith/family/Roch, NY
"God wants us to move through this day with a quiet heart, an inward assurance that He is in control, a peaceful certainty that our lives are in His hands, a deep trust in His plan and purposes, and a thankful disposition toward all that He allows."
Wonderful news. Happy New Year to all.
Peggy from Western MA
I have been gone for 10 days or so, and so therefore I have been out of the loop....Gads... so much has happened. Sharyn,Jan, boys, I am thinking and praying every day that depression does not overcome you all. I see that now there is some light again. Let us hope that this is yet another beginning of a major move forward. Caleb staying at Spaulding is a good thing. I hope you have good snow tires! I love you all. Lisa
I hope your move is to the Cape and RHCI, that place is great, the staff is friendly, and they will make you feel at home.
Plus you will be once step closer to Wellfleet.
I feel certain that once Caleb is in therapy again the depression will be gone. He will feel better, and see improvements within himself.
Please know we are all praying for your family and for the happiness 2008 shall bring.
J
Definitely full of good news-the fluid being absorbed and the discharge.
Sharyn, I agree...the journey is where the most lessons are learned and the destination isn't necessiarily what is fully remembered.
One can fully appreciate Caleb being depressed. Thus the timing of moving on is even better.
May the wind be at your back and sun in your faces as you return to the Cape....
Positive thoughts also going out to Peg in PA today!!
Great news, Sharyn, that Caleb can close this particular chapter in his life. Moving forward towards hope, healing and recovery. One victory at a time. Prayers to Peg as well. This blog group has proved itself to be a powerful ally against all the s--- in the world!! Kevin, you are too funny! But you are right...the answers will come! Love..........Sue
This is great news, I firmly believe the less extra holes Caleb has in his head, the better. This will decrease the risk of infection and now he can get on with the business of healing. That any of you feel depressed is something to be expected, in fact I think this is an example of Caleb showing a normal and appropriate emotional response. Many people who have had major life changing surgury go through a period of depression afterwards. Sometimes medication can help them get through it. Doesn't being in the city make you appreciate how peaceful it is here? Love, Susanna
Dear Peg in PA, Good luck tomorrow. Really cool PJ's help alot. If you can put a smile on a busy nurses face, you've done good.
What wonderful news for you all.
As others have said today- the lesson may not be clear for some time. Maybe what you are learning from this experience will help you or someone you know in the future- in some way you couldn't even begin to imagine right now. Maybe it is through this blog and the ways you are helping many of us to see our own lives and loved ones differently- that is certainly part of the gift.
I do believe you can tell a lot about a person's character by how they respond in times of crisis and so one thing you have certainly shown again and again is what remarkable character you and your family have.
Happy and Healthy New Year!
Laura in CT
ps- also sending my most positive thoughts for Peg today.
Sharyn,
Susan in Portsmouth has said it far more eloquently than I could, so ditto to her last 2 posts. (And I totally agree with the dancing in the library/grocery store scenario!)
Peg, you are in my thoughts and prayers--snuggle down in those sushi pjs, feel better soon & know that in addition to Buddha there's a whole virtual tribe who loves you and carries you in their hearts!!
XXOO Goatlady/Alycia
Thank Jah the Captain will be on-Cape. His friends have always been such a big part in his everyday happiness so being closer to home should turn his spirits around again. At this point, it sounds like Caleb's happiness is the focus of his well being, and we will all strive to make him smile! Get some rest Sharyn. Bloggers worldwide have been focusing most of their prayers on you these days! Be open to new things in this year of new begginings, you sound like you may need someone to talk to on a professional level. Sunshine and longer days, happy new year.
Hang in there Sharyn, for each day of doubt, of despair, of wonder, of worry, say to yourself, "this too shall pass, this too shall pass, this too shall pass", you will survive, Caleb, god bless him, will survive, and the days of lightness, laughter, joy and peace will once again be yours.
Peg from PA., my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as well today on this very long day. Great PJs, reruns of I Love Lucy, and some homemade chicken soup in your hospital bed will surely help you through.
Peace to all-
Audrey (from the Cape)
Sending extra strong and unwaveringly positive thoughts out to Caleb and Peg from PA.
NY/Wellfleet mom
Hello Sharyn and family.. and everyone out there in the internet world.
I am SO glad to hear about Caleb's progress! I think about you all so much, I swear I have random dreams about Caleb, Kai, and Max a few times a week. And not just sexy ones... haha. JUST KIDDING. But I do dream about them alot, and always good things. It makes me happy to walk out of my house into the brisk Canadian cold warmed with memories of you all. Thank you for your constant and thorough updates, it means so much.
I'm praying for you all. I love you Sharyn, and I send Caleb all my strength.
Miss you all. Love you all. Haley
And GRace will take you home once again....Healing is taking place even as we speak, for all of us, in so many ways. The process is oh so different for each and everyone of us. Sharyn, Jan, you two have been troopers,ever so faithful. You deserve some well earned rest and relaxation....it will come, soon. Caleb, like you, is processing all that has taken place and is absorbing these expereinces as he can. He will be fine! You will be fine! You have stretched beyond your believed capabilities, and you are emerging brand new..take time to breath in all that has happeneded, and feel gratitude for all that has transpired. You are stronger, and oh so courageous...give yourself a break....take a nice soak, beautiful music, a beautiful candle, and embrace the essence that is you, beautiful you.
Our thoughts this night are also with our dear friend Peg in PA. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. My affirmation for you is....Peggy is healthy now, only healthy tissue exists in Peggy's body, and all fear is released and replaced by Love and Gratitude, Now and Always. Be well my Dear, we hold you in thought and prayer. Sleep well.
Blessings,
In Light and Love,
Melinda
Have been thinking of dearest Peg all day, She of the Buddhist Panties....
Hoping that all went smoothly, that our Peg is resting comfortably and that she can feel us all out here saying our prayers by candlelight.
Have also been feeling incredible warmth for Caleb today - He of the INCREDIBLE Buddha nature.... Getting out of the hospital and moving, even if it's only in the smallest increments, toward home is the best kind of medicine.
Big Love
Susan
Sharyn - In Praying for Caleb Potter you have written the book on how to love, loose, win and take back.
Publish it!
Hello... good news!! I haven't been commenting but I have been thinking abnd thinking about you guys. And sending more and more love to you all. It is all so weird still and I can feel the dragging on of it. I hope this winter is filled with moving forwar, re-hab and noooo more set backs! I miss you all soooooo much. I am leaving soon for the winter but will stay in touch via this. Love you! With deep graditude and respect.... Jah!!
From the heart flows all joy & gratitude... go to and trust from that place. I love you all.
Maryann in NY
"Everything in life is either a blessing.. or a blessing in disguise." - yogic saying
We love you, Sharyn!!! Please stay well, and just take in all that you have endured....A bright light will shine through all this eventually!!! Please give Caleb a GIANT hug from us, and tell him,"We love him".
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Nicole and The Miners
dear sharyn,
all i can do now is send you some words of RUMI.
I have lived on the lip of insanity, wanting to know reasons, knocking on a door.
It opens.
I've been knocking from the inside!!!
peace, light, love, energy to all of you.....
Hello All -
I've just had the nicest email from Peg. She's feeling well, greatly relieved and now just waiting for test results, which will take another 8 days. I'm quite pleased to let you know that her spirit and sense of humor survived the surgery completely intact!
Rest well, Miss Peg, and know that we're all sending nothing but positive thoughts your way!
Big Love, as ever,
Susan
Great news about Peg, once again the power of prayer is amazing.
So good to hear good news from Jennie in above post and good news about Peg from PA.
Be well all
Mom in CT
Homeward bound! It is a beautiful thing. Build a fire and have a hot toddy Sharyn. The New Year holds great and wonderful things. Caleb will bounce back because he is young and full of goodness and strength.
To Peg---I wish you well.It is very scary--been there done that and I am a survivor of 18 yrs.now. I always thought of the experience as a job I hated but had to endure. Just think positive thoughts and lean on your friends for they can help. There are lots of support groups out there and really good books--Love,Medicine and Miracles is one. I think that is the title--it has been a while.
Peace,love and happy thoughts. Penny on St.John
Sharyn u r a q t !! this dumpy the truck erer slightly rusty
If you've gotten this far don't pay attention to rules on nights in or around Boston? Please let me know got a busy schedule but can manage some fun time to fit you in..hey if there is anyone looking for something to do and you are interested in hanging out......brunch and music.....let me know could be nice, johnny hoota
617 512 0579 only hoota in the book
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