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, January 13, 2009

I know that "they " say that bad luck runs in threes..and tho I don't like to think of myself as a believer of hocus pokus...that thought...it has danced in my head. So now that I have a little bent-up left arm in a sling like a little broken birdy wing...I feel happier knowing we have hit that lucky number. Perhaps we can rest easy. I found myself face up within seconds of hitting an ice patch and staring up into Caleb's face who looked slightly bemused and bewildered with my state. .....lying flat on my back, writhing in pain.
Now I know that you will think me certifiable crazy, but I am glad that I pulled a ligament and that I suffered through the night. It has had a profound effect on me...First it has made me even more compassionate about what all Caleb has gone through to get to where he is today...and secondly, and perhaps more importantly, it has allowed to help me stop beating myself up over the why's. Why did Caleb fall off that skateboard..why when he was so sure footed ? As I was falling it was like trying to catch smoke..nothing to grab onto.....and down I went with no other choice but to plummet, and now I know that he too must have experienced that feeling..and I get it.
My friend Anne and I have been discussing pain in our collective lives and pain that we see in others..and we were talking about how all of us have a choice each and every day to choose to be happy or not - no matter what the circumstances....almost in spite of the circumstances.
So just for today I am going to rub my little broken wing and treat it tenderly and bless it for giving me another chance to choose .

20 comments:

grace said...

Sharyn, did you break ur arm!? ouch but what a realization of how some things just happen like that and down you go. But the only place to go from there is up. YOu always make the best of it. love ya

Susanna said...

That is a great way to view what happened to Caleb. There really is no "why" is there? Stuff just happens. I am so sorry you hurt your arm, I hope it heals quickly. I think oysters supposed to be good for healing that sort of thing, maybe you should eat lots of them. Your not the only one who fell on this slippery stuff, there has been a lot of that going on.

jff said...

Ouch! Your arm will be close to your warm and wonderful heart, being nurtured like you just DO....and also accept some sympathy! Caleb can help out with some things, too, and he will like that! Feel better!

HeidiTri's said...

Heal quickly and well Sharyn.

janet said...

Dear Sharyn,
Even with your sore arm in a sling,
you gave a fantastic talk this evening! Sending healing blessings, and peace.

Anonymous said...

Dear Dear Sharyn....Sending healing thoughts your way, an Intention for a quick recovery. A little role reversal is good for the soul. Let Caleb take care of you...it will do him good to be the caregiver. And, be ever so grateful that he's there to share this time with you. We've been doing our share of "plunk" in the slippy sliddy snow and ice too.....AHHHH, beautiful New England!!!!!

Take really good care~Relax by the fire, cup of cocoa in hand, and dream of all those beautiful places you'd like to be or that you've visited before and "loved"....All is well in your world.

Mandando abrazos y besitos,

Con todo carino,

Melinda & MariElena

NY/Wellfleet Mom said...

I'm am so, so sorry you're injured, Sharyn. But how like you to land "face up", and find a positive spin and a life lesson in an otherwise painful experience. You're amazing.

Sending positive thoughts your way for a speedy recovery. And some warmer Wellfleet weather! Brrrrr!

NY/Wellfleet Mom

tim bob said...

and if there's still anyone out there who thought she couldn't do anything under the sun, Sharyn can in fact drive a stick shift with only one arm. wishin you a speedy recovery, and I trust Max and Caleb are taking great care of you.

aimai said...

Sharyn,
What an incredible person you are. Your post reminds me of that famous haiku (there are many versions)

After my house
burned down
I saw the moon
more clearly

My daughter had a school project yesterday--she had to take an old suitcase and pack it as though she were going to be a refugee, photograph the objects she put inside, and then write about it. They made me do the same thing. I refused to pack the imaginary bag, but I thought a great deal about it and wrote about it. Because I've thought for a long time about being a refugee, having to leave behind the things we love and start a new life in a strange far country.

I thought a lot about each thing, and whether it would fit into a suitcase, and came to the conclusion that not only would few things fit, but that few things were necessary, once you asked what they were really *For* other than memory aids, security blankets (which I, personally, still have 48 years after it was given to me)or tokens of past relations.

It seems to me that you are slowly looking at your suitcase of memories and relationships and realizing that you are moving on, in your undiscovered country, and that what you've taken with you is good, and what you are leaving behind is also good.

aimai

Clance said...

Sharyn, I am sorry to hear of your fall! Well, hopefully you are done.. could be a lot worse I suppose...

I had a great dream of Caleb last night, a bunch of us oldschool lads were "ragin" around like we do/did best, and Caleb was of course crackin us all up. I miss you guys lots, and still hold you in my prayers!

Thanx to everyone for keeping Chris Malatesta in your thoughts/prayers.. he is doing well, still has a LONG way to go, but has been responding and talking a little bit, of course trying to get outta the bed! Please continue to send him good healing energy, we all know any little but helps!

Be well..

Kevin Scalley said...

Sharyn,

So let me see here... This strikes me as an opportune time to take advantage of you here! You only have one arm to fend men off here when you usually need three! Hmmmm

OMG! I just fell off my computer chair and sprained my ankle in my race to get to you!

Ok, how about I'll massage your arm if you will massage my ankle?

YES? no?

Kevin

Jerry G said...

Hmmm... a triad of bad luck, posted on the thirteenth... it would seem the gods of numerology are against you!

More seriously, I hope the arm is feeling better....

Tracy in the Berkshires, Ma. said...

Sharyn,
your sincere Transparency always moves me.I am so sorry to hear about your spill, "Falling Down ain't easy".....Its ironic but I have been making a mixed cd of music for you and Caleb that I have wanted to send since you put the word out that Caleb could use some mail.....this song,which was an obvious choice for the mix always made me think of you and your struggle with Caleb's accident,this post inspired me to share it with everyone here,
go to
www.myspace.com/michaelmerenda
click on the song "Crutch" on the player.
I,ll be mailing the cd out soon.
You,Caleb and your daily inspiration touch so many.

mia said...

ouch!!! aw, sharyn...i hope your arm heals faster from all the love.

Mommato2 said...

Sorry about your arm. Your strong spirit and deep love for your boys come through in every single post you write. xo

blackbird said...

Oh! Sending my thoughts for quick healing...

sashawk said...

Sharyn,

Your blogs are so enjoyable. I hope that you write a book, I will be a customer for sure. You have natural talent, have you read On Writing by Stephen King yet? That is truly a great read. Hope all is well, and your family had wonderful holiday celebrations. -sas

peg said...

There is nothing like an injury to put things in perspective, and place us someone else's shoes at the same time....Wishing away your pain and for a speedy recovery!!
As always with hope,
peg from PA

peg said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anonymous said...

Feel better and take it easy! And, you certainly weren't alone in falling on ice -- there were TONS of people at the emergency room for the same exact problem the other day!! Lots of love and healing thoughts to you!