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.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

From my dear friend Anne- Sky & Cedar's mom

It is my privilege and pleasure to tell you that when I arrived this morning to spend a few hours with Caleb, he was in "rare form" as we say when someone is full of spunk! He always greets me with a Caleb Hug and a big smile. Kai is home for the weekend and I know his presence always adds an upbeat atmosphere here; Caleb is so glad to have him home. This morning Caleb's wonderful sense of humor is spilling out with every sentence; that wry -- almost-sarcasm that gets the whole room rollin'. In the past month I have seen such an improvement in Caleb's vocal/conversational abilities. The thoughts and words seem to be lining up and forming with much, much less hesitation and awkwardness. The spontaneous quality of his retorts is returning: watch out!! It brightens my day so very much to spend these few hours with this remarkable young man, who is working diligently and continuously to regain his independence. Caleb's schedule is rigorous with visits to various health practitioners and rehabilitation therapies. Never does he object, however, and he seems always genuinely grateful and eager to participate in whatever program is offered. With this attitude, there is no doubt that he will continue to progress as the Spring bursts new life forth from the deep sleep of Winter. It is also certain that on every level the support of all his friends - both new and old -- helps to carry him forward on his road to health. Blessings to all!

25 comments:

Anonymous said...

Anne,

This sure made a gloomy rainy day fell like the sun came out!!

Thanks for the wonderful post!

Kevin

Anonymous said...

Thank-you Anne. This is lovely!
Caleb, you're a wonder... we're glad you're doing so well!
Snowdrops are blooming here, and rain is good.
Blessings to all,
janet and david

Anonymous said...

It is always good to hear such positive news. It is bright and sunny here today with fresh snow on the ground, and Spring in the air despite a brisk wind. Sounds like Caleb is bringing his own breath of fresh air with his hard work at healing, and that gladdens my heart. Keep it going , Caleb! We are all right along side of you!
Sharyn, I hope you are well, I have been thinking of you.
As always, with hope for peace,
peg from PA

Anonymous said...

Thanks Anne! So uplifting to hear your description of Caleb and all that he's invloved in. I, too, felt the sunshine through your words. We have a lot of snow to contend with here, but the sun has burst through a few times and there is no doubt that spring is on it's way-just like Caleb!

Anonymous said...

Caleb,
Spunky is pretty much how I've envisioned you, oh and I already know you're adorable. You just keep on being spunky and working hard. Your progress is amazing.
Thank you Anne for your fresh perspective. Wishing you all peace.
Jackie

Anonymous said...

That was amazing news from you Anne. I am so glad caleb has you as he has always loved you like a mother. All the wonderful people in his life are definetly helping him along his recovery. You are a blessing.

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

Last summer, my partner and I arrived in Wellfleet on one of those early September mornings that say "life is good"....as we approached town, we saw "Pray for Caleb" signs everywhere, and then we strolled by the center of town, and saw the gathering of balloons, signs and memorabilia....what an awesome tribute. Being the... she calls it nosey, I prefer to say "inquisitive" self that I am..I asked the clerk in the store across the street, and she told us about Caleb. You could see the pain in her eyes as she spoke of the two of you, and her concern.

Later that week we returned to Belmont, unaware that you and Caleb had snuck into the back of my mind for the trip home. Soon after, I found this blog, and have kept a watchful eye on you, and your sweet guy almost daily...

For many years, I cared for children and families, many of whom have had similar experiences.... Because they have parents like you, Sharyn, young souls and bodies, return after serious accidents that would render an older person damaged and unable to rise to the occasion. The love and support of a mother is medicine beyond the realm that we know today, and can perform miracles..I have seen moms like you so many times I feel as if I could write a text on how to survive with a mom's love, support and strength...

The kids thrive, and mom knows she cannot let her guard down for a second, so she plows through hour after hour, week after week, then month after month, until she can finally let go, at least for a few minutes, as her cherished child takes baby steps to becoming the virile young man that was injured on that fateful day in July...

I have sat with moms who cried, screamed, thrashed and sobbed under the breathtaking weight of this sorrow and tragedy, knowing that tomorrow, they will stand strong and continue on.

This life changing road that you and Caleb have been on is like no other...for him, you are what he needs...for you, the road is different.

Old sins, hurts and challenges bubble up to the surface, and scream at you in the darkest hours.
Old wounds gape open, and bleed profusely....uncertainties nag at you when you least need them, all coming unchecked when you are simply spent and feeling vulnerable.

I read your words and I wonder if you really know how remarkable a person you care, and how unique...Yes, there will be bad days, sad days, and downright intolerable moments, but know that all you feel is so understandable and "normal"....listen to your inner voice and whenever you have an opportunity, lift your face to the warming sun, and take a deep breath.

You are the reason Caleb thrives, and you will always be. Now it’s time to be good to yourself !!
Take care, and now that others are there for you, even if only in spirit !

Ace

Anonymous said...

Thanks Anne for the wonderful report on Caleb's progress.

Anonymous said...

What an uplifting post, Anne. Thanks for giving us your insights into how Caleb is progressing.

Amy from western MA

Anonymous said...

Anne, what a wonderful blog. We cyber folks love to hear how Caleb is doing from a fresh perspective. thank you.

Sky said...

Thanks mama...It's so nice to hear your words on here. Hope you don't mind if I post a photo. Love you!

Anonymous said...

WOW, Ace, what incredible words coming from someone who apparently has experienced this first hand. I'm sure Sharyn will gain strength from your eloquent posting.

And how much fun to hear such encouraging news from Anne, Sky's mom. Sky seems such an amazing young woman....beautiful beyond words, loving, generous, constant, wise...........so I can only imagine the Mom who raised her. Kudos to you, Anne, for all that you must be...........another one of the incredible Wellfleet community! Thanks for the uplifting update.

South Shore Mom (ps thanks Susan)

Sharyn said...

Thanks Sky - I tried to get Cedar's name on the blog post and it would not accept so many characters--You always manage to pull it off. -

Anonymous said...

Wonderfully written, Mama Anne!
Thanks for the update, and I luv u!
Xo..Clance/Kate

Anonymous said...

Happily March 1st to all who circle Caleb through this amazing "digital fire-circle" that it has become....we've had a little of all that March has to offer....to ... this edge of the BLUE......

slush....rain.. crust..sunshine at times....not much snow....a nice surf-swell and offshore winds on the ocean side.... a brisk wind....an amazingly BRIGHT sunset and Now....clear clear skies..with....Bright Starshine!!!

..aaaaaahhhh...Cape Cod...in the Earliest of "springtime"...

thanks to you, anne....for your "close" perspective....of Cabes....as...the/an... "other mom"....and more!

Breathe Deeply, all....it's the newest month....in the rest of our lives....

light!ly from the Hollow....ch/dad....and GB

ps Rage on , Caleb.....can't wait to hear/see YOUR words on the Blog again....sooon, I hope!!!

Anonymous said...

Great news Anne, thanks for the info burst! Thanks also to Sharyn and Jennie for keeping us all in the loop.

Spring is just around the corner for Wellfleet... Here in Oregon it's fully on the cusp...with bulbs shooting green outta the ground and trees wanting to bud...yeah!!

It's so good to know that Caleb is so very well set up to thrive with success between the speech work with you, yoga, accupuncture, that great green food that he drinks, all of the work with body, mind, spirit and nutrition that Sharyn is doing with him (not to mention queen of the shuttle service between the great activities, chef and coordinator of what must be a VERY intense daily organizational planning), Max's daily workouts, Kai's dedicated weekend visits, the painting, and all of the rehab work... geez... everyone must be exhausted at the end of the day/week/hours over there...good work team!!! You all rock and are very rock solid too.

Love Jenny H.

Jeff- in the Berkshires said...

Thanks Anne for the close up perspective of a close friend. It is great to hear how well Caleb is progressing and so much warmth comes through in your words.

This is one of those posts when, as an outsider, I feel I am eavesdropping on a tightly connected extended family (blood & non).

Thank you for sharing so openly.

Ace, your words echo some much truth. Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Sun came out for real in England. Thanks for the update, so great to know Caleb is doing good. Ali Manchester UK

Anonymous said...

It's wonderful to hear of Caleb's progress. It feels like spring can't be far off. Those Cape Cod smells of spring -- fiddler fern and beach rose mixed with the sea air and warming earth -- will quicken the pace of your healing.

Although I don't comment often, you are part of my daily meditation. Sending love from Seattle.

Anonymous said...

Caleb:

Your spirit, strength, courage, and resilience are inspiring, incredible, and just plain AWESOME!

NY/Wellfleet Mom

Anonymous said...

Well, I posted a long and poetic post earlier today - but it is nowhere to be found - basically, I said "what Ace said" LOL
So very beautifully - I might add!!
There IS no love like a mother's love - and I believe that Caleb felt it EVERY MINUTE after his accident and that called out to him and led him out of the dark and into the light....like a good"Mumsie" does naturally!

His strength and spirit doesn't hurt either - OR his amazing brothers, or Jennie,etc. But Sharyn, there is a reason you are so depleted - you gave it all to him, so he could soak it all up and draw from it....as time goes by, he will need to draw a little less each day..and I hope you are able to draw it back in and keep some for yourself, something certain kinds of "Mumsie's" sometimes have trouble knowing how to do!! (wink,wink)!!

Nancy in NY

Anonymous said...

So great to hear such good news and it is always good and so interesting to hear from a new member of your "tribe" It is such a wonderful close knit community- I envy you that. I felt that Welfleet was special from the moment I first visited. Keeping you all in my thoughts as always.

Laura in CT

Anonymous said...

Thank you Anne for sharing your time with the Lindsay/Potter tribe. It is truly remarkable how clearly I can see what's happening through the words you all share with us. By the end of each posted blog, I have a little tape that runs through my mind, and I feel as if I'm there sharing the experiences with you all. I am so pleased to hear of the continual progress being made by Caleb. That's really wonderful, and must make everybody there truly grateful. I know I surely am, as are so many other folks who have held him, and his family in thought and prayer.

Thank you so much....and CALEB, if you are reading this, so glad to hear about how well things are going for you and how amazingly strong and courageous you are...way to go!!!

Wishing you all a glorious and prosperous week. WE had no rain in W MA, just more of the white stuff. I yearn to see the green...soon enough, I'm sure!

Take good care.

Con todo carino,

Melinda

Anonymous said...

thank you anne
we love to hear the good stuff!
prayers to all
amy in ct

Anonymous said...

Sharyn and Caleb -
I saw you today - i was pulling down bank street and you were just leaving the markey - I got a good look at both of you and it warmed my heart to see the two of you out, enjoying the town and both looking completly normal and at ease.
It took my breath away -