I was living on the Cape at age 22 and returned home to buy my sister Carol's VW bug, drove the 800 miles to Wellfeet only to have to fly back the next day. Carol was broadsided by a drunk driver and was in intensive care. I was met at the airport by my brother Steve. He is a man of few words but the look in his eye told me it was grim. He said to me " You need to be strong for mom" - no - can you be strong? - just "you need to be." His look also said- I believe you can do this---- and so I did.
When I traveled cross country with my 3 little ones and Cedar in tow I drove a Camper which was given to me and believe me-the old adage," you get what you pay for " applied.. The floor board on the drivers side was wide open to the road in parts, it was covered in rust and was making funny sounds as we pulled out of Fleet for a whirlwind cross country tour. Our pit stop in Ohio on the farm brought peels of laughter from my sisters all poking fun in good spirit, but it was my brother who said out loud--"If anyone can do this, Sharyn can." --- and so I did.
Isn't it that blind faith that someone has in us that can make us pull ourselves up by the bootstrap and carry on with the belief that we can?
As I sit with Caleb while sleeps in the early morning hours when only the outside world is whispering, I tell him quietly..."You are healing, you are beating the odds, you will astonish everyone with your recovery, you are healing easily and completely." ------and he will !
I have contemplated so many times what it is that brings you all to us at this time when it is so badly needed. You have helped us so much more that you could ever know....and I could stare off into this moment forever.........mumsie
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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)
MORE POSTS!
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18 comments:
I know there's been the unspoken agreement to stay away from profanity here, but that post was fucking beautiful.
I remember, Sharyn, when you wrote that losing Caleb was just NOT an option...right then and there, that was blind faith...a true belief.....I was told once, that I was a strong woman, not asked if I was...and I think that made a big difference...Caleb is knowing that he is going to improve and improve...and we better not ask him .... there will be a pirate sneer that interprets as "are you kidding?'
Dear Sharyn.....thank you for ....ruminating....and remembering....and ruminating some more.....out loud.....we all love you for every word....and the tears,too!!.....
but/and....speaking of remembering...Cedar came back with many tales...many many tales of the west....and he's since been back a few times under his own command...
but/and....perhaps the Most prominent story was when he told of the ......hmmmmm... Colorado "Statie"...roaring up behind you....and the four "littler-than NOW"-ones....shaking in their "teenaged boots" when he asked for the title to her newly traded Cadillac....bought in Utah....and she said she (Sharyn, of course)had no title.....long pause....and she....Sharyn....was told by the MAN in Uniform....that perhaps she should just ....keep on driving....and Good Luck!...and Sharyn had no further (title issues) til she was gonna drive that Canary Yellow Cadillac in the Fourth of July Parade !!!!.... That's as precise as my secondhand memory stretches back.....Sharyn will have to fill in THOSE details....if and when she chooses....All I know is that my response was .....Whew! Only Sharyn....."OUR Sharyn".... coulda pulled THAT one off!!!!...and Once again...welcome Home to Fleet, Sharyn.....we ALL love you....light!ly....ch/dad
your living a full life man, it's a blessing to be able to feel so much in such a short time. You will look back to this life in your next life and smile at yourself.
xoxox,settie
you're
I always spell that wrong.
settie
Sharyn,
I had forgotten your camper trip story…I did remember the “Yellow Caddy” that Chuck mentioned here. Gee, your sisters laughed at you?? How terrible! ;-D Your brother was right on... If you fell in shit you’d come up smelling like roses! Happy Valentine’s Day! Bring someone with you before you take on your next vehicle… This is good of you to remember the happiness you have had. Plenty more to come for the Potter/Lindsay clan for sure!!
As you said Sharyn, you do get what you pay for, but I say some of the best things in life are free.
So why would’nt we all come visit you here to follow the journey?
It’s free!
Kevin
LIFE is what draws us here, don't you think? It could be any of us in Sharyn's/Caleb's shoes, and many have already been to greater or lesser degrees. Our humanness is what keeps us coming back, to insure that Caleb is "up and at 'em", and to hear Your (Sharyn) deep reflections of the day....why? because, we are on the journey with you, we become "One". We pool our energies together to nurture, support, love...whatever is needed. We in turn are loved, nurtured, supported in our lives..it IS the law of attraction.It is a breath taking phenom in motion.
What I find as I go back and read through blogs from months ago, there is a rhythm/flow, almost musical. Sharyn, you would voice a need, and the community would be there supporting Caleb, you, Max, Kai, Jan, Jennie....that dynamic, call it love, brings us back. It's what we all want and crave in our lives...and Kevin is SO right...it's free.
It's always edifying to have someone voice back to you something about yourself. It's like you might not trust it coming out of your own thoughts or mouth, but, if, someone else said it, then it must be true.
Has something changed today? I sensed a need for reasurance. You are doing everything right for you. You are doing fine. We are here for you, Caleb, and family..we are drawn to each other..for this I am Grateful.
Blessings my Dear..let us know if there is anything else you need..
Con Todo Carino,
Melinda
Sharyn, is anyone surprised that timbob broke the profanity rule?Thanks for breaking the proverbial ice!
You are strong, and you inspire strength in others around you. This blog, the people in the community of Wellfleet and its surroundings, have proven what amazing things can be accomplished with postive thoughts. They just keep building, growing, multiplying... and let's not forget some of the great care you all received in Boston - from dedicated, well-meaning doctors/nurses/therapists...
Spending an hour/ a day / a week/ a summer in the presence of this family will always illicit much laughter, and many stories worth repeating. Sharyn, one of my personal favourites contains the punch line : "smells like ___________ (word that rhymes with bike)."
Thanks for the memories, inspiration, love, and sharing.
ciao bella, Claus
SS Mom says....
When I read this quote I think of you, Sharyn, whom I've never met, but feel priviledged to "know" through this blog. You have definitely chosen the "daring adventure" path!
"Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. To keep our faces toward change and behave like free spirits in the presence of fate is strength undefeatable."
-Helen Keller
What brings us here, as Melissa so eloquently said, is our shared sense of humanity and community. Those of us who have never met you got pulled into that community by being in Wellfleet when this all happened and we felt your and the town's pain. Once drawn in, how could we not stay in and see this journey as it continues?
Amy from western MA
Silly Sharyn -
You can't seriously believe that we who come here are not getting something remarkable in return for our time and well-wishes.
You and yours - "OUR Wellfleet family, OUR Wellfleet boys and their beautiful mom" - have been a real part of my life and the lives of my children for many more years than we've actually known you...we carry you in our hearts, have for years, and will always do so.
I began here with all of the little hairs on the back of my neck standing on end in an "It's such a small world - no shit, REALLY small!" - zero degrees of separation moment...a moment which was the precursor to months of laughter and tears, revelation and prayers, recognition and a deep-seated sense of connection to something so much larger than myself.
Your willingness to open your heart and share your hope and fears and memories - your boys and your lovely extended Fleetian family with us all is unparalleled and crazy beautiful. I'm hooked and can't help myself - I'll always come back for more. You are a tangible example to me of the true meaning of "living out loud."
Thank you...please know that our candles continue to burn bright for each of you, and we're all looking forward to an amazing celebration in July! I have another of those "little hairs on the back of my neck" moments every time I imagine the powerful JOY that will fill the air!!!
As always...Big Love,
Susan
------and he will !
Why are we drawn? I think Melinda and Susan have covered many of the reasons. But I occasionally ask not only that but why is it that I feel drawn to check the blog at unusual times and find something just posted there and others seem to also.(I don't get automatic updates) Why are some out-of-towners drawn and others not?
And then I stop questioning and think why not. Are there really coinsidences? I am not a religious person, though I have a very deep spirituality. From that level I feel that there is something much greater going on here. I don't want to analyze or question it, just be with it and smile.
Sharyn you have been feeding Karma over the years before many of us "met" you and it is coming back as you need it and you continue to feed it. You speak to us on so many different levels and in so many different ways and hopefully we do that to you in return.
He will heal, he is beating the odds, he does astonish everyone with his recovery, he is is healing easily and completely." ------and he will!.....and you will!
Much peace to you!
Thank you Sharyn! Again - your continued story brings me strength at a time in my life that I need it.....SO Great to hear that Caleb is doing so well and healing. You all are still in our prayers daily. Becky
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
I think I can make it now, the pain is gone
All of the bad feelings have disappeared
Here is the rainbow I’ve been prayin?for
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
Look all around, there’s nothin?but blue skies
Look straight ahead, nothin?but blue skies
I can see clearly now, the rain is gone,
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.
Dear Sharyn,
My thought is '' It's in the tough times of life we find out what we are made of".
Last night I was awake in the wee hours one of my favorate movies was on.It's a Wonderful life.
The movie tells about a man George Bailey, who is planning to commit suicide because of some serious problems in his life.He is talked out of it by his angel "in training,"Clarence. George tells the angel things would be better if he had never lived,so Clarence shows him the diffrences his life has made and how it affects the others in town and his family.
It has a happy ending including his little daughter saying,after hearing a bell ring,"Every time a bell rings,an angel gets it's wings."There are several nice themes that flow through the movie.Clarence accomplished something then progressed to a new spiritual level is one theme of the movie, showing we continue to help others and to progress when we graduate to the spiritual dimension.Another theme is how each of us contributes to the whole and how each life is interconnected.When we understand that love and kindness we share has a ripple effect, it make it even more rewarding to share possitive energy and to help others. Sharyn I thought of Calebs blog and how you share your love,tears and laughter with your tribe of wonderful people. There is an angel watching over Leb her name is Mummsie. You dear woman have such an effect on your family and your little town of Fleet and the tribe.Caleb is healing you are healing your family is healing.Peace
Even as tuff as this all has been, you all have always been a family to have those moments/memories that make you laugh, ask why, & give thanks. Like any of us, but you have been blessed in way that your lives have never been dull!
Down the road, Caleb will look back I am sure, laugh and poke fun at himself cause thats what he has always been been taught to face fear, be true, & appreciate even the ugliest times. And he does it so well, & make us realize that life is precious, he has learned this from the best..
Caleb is SO humble, so human.. &t so natural at pretty much everything he does. I never doubted that he would bounce back quicker than one would have thought. Cause he is one bad ass dude.
I love you guys.. have a blessed day/night.
Xo..Clance
In those scary first hours a friend said I hope Caleb will be alright- my reply - Caleb is fine. Of course things would be different- the way hard. Caleb is strong- and so are you all. I knew this - felt certain of it. I knew the praying mattered- that in some way this was more than believing in Caleb's healing ... it was hope/love calling to itself. Your attention to every detail is an expression of this in form. As is letting space/trust/change in. peace ann m.
Sharyn it was a breath takingly beautiful blog. I think it has been your ability to captivate us with your raw vulnerable emotions that has allowed those who knew you or your clan to step up and help and for those who had yet to meet you the chance to give their hopes. It is a known fact that everyone in your family is amazing and leaves lasting impressions no matter the size of the encounter. We keep coming back to check the blog at odd hours and feel a need to add our hopes for all of the reasons that everyone has already said and because anyone involved is hoping and giving their own strength. We are all leading with our own "blind faith" that everyone keeps giving each other here and in person.
Sharyn I believe it is in those moments when someone is whispering in your ear giving you the push in the right direction that quenches the thirst for courage and comfort that we can fully recoop and rest peacefully. When someone is mending in such a vast and intense way it takes from everyone close as well as the person healing but the times that I have healed with greater ease and comfort were when I had my family watching over me, whispering occassionally in my sleeping ears. It is the hope we all carry around that we can fork over when we feel the need. When you can give your emotions over enough to focus on someone you care for that allows for vulnerability and also allows for those fabulous moments in life.
As always I will keep wishing all of you more fabulous moments.
Sharyn you have always been the powerful tigress with her gorgeous cubs always protective..always caring..but always allowing them to learn.. to gain experience..no matter what happens you will instictively be that tigress stalking in the tall grass waiting to pounce, but you gave them such amazing roots and such strong wings that they can accomplish whatever makes them happy.
So take a few breaths and a bubble bath for being such a great mom.
From what I have heard from everyone I talk to about Caleb I know he is going in the right directions. The things people say bring nothing but smiles to my face. Sending lots of love, comfort, strength, and hope to you, Caleb, and the whole family.
Lots of hugs and kisses,
Love Rachael
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