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, July 29, 2008

It's always good to have a fresh perspective..and this time I have two. Mike and Kate, just back from Peru, and close friends to Caleb are pointing out how very well they think he is doing from the last time they saw him, just two moons ago.

I have been giving him chores to do - take out the trash, put the dishes away, make your bed, simple things in the past...and now we are progressing to cutting a section of grass, and helping move wood. He is pysically doing quite well, if only slower than his rapid fire velocity prior to the accident. He has more weight on him than I am comfortable with - but that can be said about me as well. We will take to the gym this fall.

It seems to me that his brain is the mirror to the movement of his eye. It moves at a slow, blinking, staring leisurely pace, this eye, as tho he is trying to siphon out what makes sense to him in his new world. It remains a sincere eye, one that holds so much hope. It is a big, beautiful blue eye with feathers dusting over it ..so soft and protective are his lashes.

We hold faith in him and in each day.

13 comments:

Kevin Scalley said...

Sharyn,

I second Mike and Kate's opinion. I definitely think Caleb is doing better! Caleb greets me with a smile and calls me by name in his conversation to me...
I like that!!

Kevin

janet said...

Great news...here's to perspective, healing, hope and faith for Caleb and for all of you!
janet

Marcia said...

Sharyn,
So glad to hear you are having a Better day! We all have ups and downs, just know that you are not alone.

Hope you have another great day today....and another tomorrow, and another the day after...
It's a process and a journey.

Have a great day!
marcia

C & E said...

Sharyn,
I was just in Wellfleet for 2 weeks & I saw your boys(individually)going about their business & I saw all of you together(?)having dinner at The Juice. I never approached any of you as I felt overwhelming shyness & didn't want to intrude/offend. You all looked so great & it warmed my heart to see you all doing the normal day to day stuff. You have come so far in this past year. I know life is hardly back to "normal" for any of you, but you are all still together. A family wrapped in love. Stay strong!
C&E
Toronto, Canada

amy in ct said...

i hope to meet caleb one day.... to meet all of your boys.
keep smiling
keep the faith
we are with you all
peace
amy in ct

Anonymous said...

A fresh perspective and a hope-full post....So glad to hear of forward motion! We have faith in you, too, Sharyn, to meet each day as Caleb does, with an open heart, a grateful soul, and the healing that comes with hope.
Sending you, Caleb, Kai, and Max love and peace each day....
As always, with hope,
peg from PA

tim bob said...

I mirror the sentiments of Kevin, and Mike and Kate (bienvenido!!). Every time I see Caleb he is markedly changed though I seldom go more than a few days between run ins. Even the other day when Max and Lara and Sam and Danny G and I all had that (impromptu) slumber party and I showed up in your kitchen out of the blue, Caleb didn't miss a beat greeting me with that big ol you-know-what eating grin of which we've all grown so fond. Nary a discouragement should drag you down from here on out, Sharyn, but look to us, and others, for support when times are trying.

tim bob said...

p.s. C & E - I surmise there must be "normal" families in Ontario, as I have yet to find one Stateside.

Jackie said...

Dear Sharyn,
Ever since our last annual family pilgrimage to your beautiful town, not a day has gone by that I haven't checked the blog and held all of you in my heart and daily prayers. Sometimes I blog and other times I just ponder and marvel at your strength and grace and wisdom. But as we begin packing for our upcoming trip (at last), I have to share a few thoughts with you. I wonder if you will ever know the impact you have had on so many people. You stated that some have thought you were too personal with your writing. But these are your truths, and they are universal truths that resonate with so many.Years ago, my youngest son wrestled with depression. I spent years blaming myself for not being able to prevent it in the first place and then for not being able to do some special mother thing and make it go away. It certainly has taken its toll on him, (like not going to college), but he has emerged the caring, loving young man I knew he would be and he is happy! And I am proud to have him claim his place in this world. So, your boys are hurting and you can't keep them from that, but be confident in the foundation you've given them. They'll emerge the strong, loving young men you've raised them to be. And Caleb is getting better, and he will live a fulfilling life---thanks to you.
So, as we prepare to visit your beautiful shores, please know that I hold you in my heart and I thank you for speaking with such integrity in a forum that allows so many to share in something healing and good.
Jackie in NY

Julie said...

Amen Jackie! You said exactly what I wanted to say.
If they have 1/2 your strength Sharyn they are ahead of the game!

Timbob, you seem like such and nice person, and Kevin you crack me up, but then will bring tears to my eyes in your next post.

J

penny on st.john said...

Dear Sharyn et all,

I have marveled at your honesty and warmth and courage. Anyone who thinks your posts are "too personal" obviously doesn't get it.

It has been some time since my words have appeared here but only due to the "work" thing and lack of a computer at home. Your words alway move me and make me think about life in general and choices we make and hardships we endure.

The healing continues and you have our support, always. I know you are tired (emotionally) but you bounce back with more strength each time with seemingly fewer set back than before.

I think of you all every day and wish only the best of everything each day has to offer.

My best wishes and love,

Penny

NY/Wellfleet Mom said...

Sharyn:

Your observations about Caleb's brain and the movements of his eye were perceptive and beautifully written. I've re-read that paragraph several times over the last few days. It's so moving.

As always, thanks for sharing with us. You and your family are in my thoughts each and every day.

NY/Wellfleet Mom

Jeff- in the Berkshires said...

Great news and a great perspective from Mike, Kate and Kevin.

Everything in nature moves at a deliberate rhythm that is nurturing and curative. Sometimes its not distinguishable but there just the same. If we let ourselves, I believe our body recalibrates itself from our sometimes frenetic patterns to the rhythm of nature. In that shift we make a space for healing, both physical and spiritual.

As you continue to hold faith in him and in each day, so do we and in you as well.