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, May 8, 2010

Sometimes you just wake up and wonder why. Why this fate, why this life? Why me? I have been hesitant to write as of late because I have felt I was decieving you, but mostly myself... and not wanting to write non-truths, I instead just did not write at all. So many frustrations have cropped up along with my spring flowers so that I feel I have a field of dissapointments. I began to write about all my happenings and moving forward, which in so many ways we have done...but the truth remains...and no other holiday reminds me more than Mother's day, the truth remains that I am reminded on a second to second basis.. just how fragile life is.. how so many of us never felt anything could ever happen to our loved ones...and then a few of us get singled out..and life changes so radically from that point on. The truth is that in spite of moving on and getting hailed for doing "great things", I am still stuck in such an unbelievable saddness...I miss my old Caleb so very much. Caleb goes to town and everyone tells me how wonderfully he is doing..and yes, he is. But the behind the scenes goes something like this... I wake early to have just a moment of my time before the day begins with Caleb..but he is keen on my movements and my presence, and he wakes earlier than before...so there goes that moment of peace. He needs to be reminded of the most simple things each day, like changing a shirt after a shower, the most basic things..and I feel like a bitch having to bark orders at him..a brain injured person; still it all gets so old after awhile. One would think that going out in a crowd would be pleasant, a distraction at least...but it is the proverbial knife in the back feeling when I see his old friend shun him for a more interesting, fast paced conversation. Jennie visited with the news that she has a new man, a new life...something I knew had to happen ( but Og God, the pain in his eyes) Each night is play cards, play cards, play cards....I am worn and sad and tired of this game..of all of it. In the vein of moving forward, I did manage to get him into a day program in Yarmouth, but Mass Health denied his transportation...so I drove him to and from till I realized it was defeating the purpose of having some time alone. Money dwindles daily. Life just is not that fun anymore. Someone said to me that it is our God given right to "have a life"...but is it really? Because when you are faced with the reality of a disabled child, your life becomes theirs..no other way around it, thank you very much!
I am trying, struggling to find peace with this.. I am worried sick about Caleb's future...nothing that I attempt seems to come to fruition because of one road block or another...it is wearing at best.....Still I am reminded that just as you are at the lowest point, the answer comes walzing around the corner...so I hold on, and hold on, and hold on in anticipation. These are my truths.. a mixed bag daily of small grins and big dissapointments...of asking why over and over again. Now I feel more honest, and I thank you allowing it, encouraging it.
Happy mother's day to all mothers ( and fathers who take their place). It is a spiritual gift...and one that I plan to learn accept gracefully, no matter what the situation. Sharyn

26 comments:

Amy said...

It's good for you to vent. I think no one here expects you to protect us from your truth. We are here to listen and support, not pass judgment. You are entitled to feel whatever you feel. My heart breaks for you, and there is no easy way to make you "feel better," except to say I care.

Amy from western MA

peg said...

My dear Sharyn,
I am so glad that you have shared the truth of your situation with us. You have had such a hard road and it is natural and human to wonder why, and what the gods have in store for you next. By saying out loud what is happening in your head, you acknowledge that you are in need of some help, some respite from what has become your daily grind. I know that you do not begrudge this grind , that having to bitch at Caleb is better than not having him at all, but the memory of Caleb before his injury must cut through your psyche like a knife with every reminder, every morning. I am so sorry that this time of year now brings a pinch of regret instead of the joy it carried in the past.

Please keep holding on, help often comes from the most unlikely places. You have had a lot fall on your shoulders, and it is your load to bear, but it is my hope that by talking it out right here you will gain some peace of mind and perhaps some insight into how to reconcile your situation.

I wish I could help lighten the load a bit and I hope you know that I hold you and Caleb in my heart as fiercely as I have since the beginning. I am sending out a warm embrace filled with love, light,strength,and hope....we are all still beside you and will be for as long as you need us.
As always with hope and much love,
peg from PA

penny on st.john said...

Dear Sharyn,

Ideally it would be a wonderful thing if you knew of one or two people whom you trust to take care of Caleb for a week or so. Getting away--really away from Wellfleet and the "grind" would be helpful to your well-being. Every once in a while a person needs to "re-charge" and I think you are a definite candidate. It probably is easier said than done but perhaps you can make it a priority to find some willing soul or souls to share the time of taking care of Caleb for a few days. It might do you both some good. If I was there I would volunteer to help.

Well, that's all I can come up with at the moment. Please take good care of yourself.

Love and best wishes,

Penny

penny on st.john said...

OOPS! May I wish each and everyone of you a Happy Mother's Day!

HeidiTri's said...

Sharyn- I feel so sad for you. More than once, I have read your blog and wished that you lived in NY, so that I could point you in the direction of some wonderful services and agencies that work woth people who have TBI's.
Does Ma. have a medicaid TBI waiver program?

Leslie said...

I have been sitting here for 10 minutes or so trying to come up with something 'uplifting' to say. It's not easy. I completely feel what you feel. The weariness of it all, the sense of futility. I miss the old Kevin too and despise all the fighting necessary to get the care he deserves. I am often too tired to play cards, but it doesn't really matter, does it?

You are right when you say that when you have a disabled child your life becomes theirs. So very true. Sad though, isn't it?

I guess the only thing we can do is look to the future. We have to know that our boys are going to get better. Maybe never 100%, but tomorrow they will be better than today. And the next day they will be better than tomorrow. We just have to keep our focus on that (at least that's what I keep telling myself).

So I really have nothing to say that is helping much, but just know that someone out there hears you. Someone understands. And someone agrees wholeheartedly.

Ellen Webb said...

Sharyn--You are the best mother to Caleb there could be; and if you are weary because that job is enormous, well, that's the truth of it. I am glad that you are honest about it because you don't need to sugar coat it for anyone. And I am sorry that I don't have magic words or solutions to make it better . . . you are always in my prayers, dear one. . . just the way you are and just where you are.

janet said...

It's never easy being a mother, and you've had extraordinary challenges. I think you're a super mother, and you have three great young men (who still like to be with you) to show for it. Healing and adjusting take a long time, and you can't always be positive. I don't think faking it is healthy. Just be Sharyn!
love & Mothers Day blessings,
janet

Jerry G said...

Sharyn, I'm so sorry to read this. As others have said, I wish there were some comforting words I could offer that would help. The situation is just an awful one. But you've shown many times that you're an incredibly strong person, and I have no doubt you'll get through this. Our thoughts and prayers remain with you and your family.
Jerry

Anonymous said...

Sharyn,

You have every right to be sad that you no longer have the same son that you had a few years ago. You miss Caleb and the dreams that you had for him.
(A few years ago my nephew Beau was diagnosed with schizophrenia and my sister-in-law's "world" fell apart. She "lost" her beautiful first born son and her hope for his bright future. Now she spends her time in psychiatric hospitals. When he's not in the hospital she has to wait for a nurse to show up two times a day to dispense anti-psychotic meds. Her marriage is failing and she's extremely depressed. But she gets up every day and puts one foot in front of the other because Beau depends on her for survival.)
You WILL make it through this dark and depressing time because you are Caleb's Mom and he needs you!
Keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers

Lin and Jim from Mashpee, Ma

NY/Wellfleet Mom said...

You're a wonderful mother, Sharyn, and an honest and caring human being. As always, my thoughts are with you.

NY/Wellfleet Mom

Lisa K. said...

Sharyn,

Thank you so much as ever for trusting us to listen to your truths. You continually navigate really difficult seas, and different waves come on all the time. Please know how many of us are eager to listen, and to offer whatever support we can. We'll still be here as the waves keep coming. Thinking so much of you, Lisa K.

nic said...

Hi Sharyn,

I'm a long time Lower Cape summer-er and surfer, and have been silently following your blog since Caleb's accident. Thank you for sharing your truth, your strength, and your journey - the truest and realest definition of motherhood. Know that while the concrete answers may not be visible right now, you have the warmest and most admiring thoughts with you and Caleb always, from both sides of the country and everywhere in between.

Kevin Scalley said...

Sharyn

Remember this...Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Pray for the ones who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a second chance, grab it with both hands. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy; they just promised it would be worth it....

Kevin

Unknown said...

Sharyn, were you able to get MassHealth to approve the transportation finally?? Does Caleb have anybody (besides you and his brothers) advocating for him? I might have some resource ideas as I just got a bunch of info about some new funds for folks with TBI. If you want me to forward you what I have, feel free to drop me a line at ekrol2001@gmail.com
Keep your chin up and remember you're not alone, even when you feel lost in loneliness.

Jeff- in the Berkshires said...

Sharyn,
You have so many who are on your team for support. Continue to share the truth. It is often the needs of the caregiver that gets pushed back for the ever present and openly visible needs of the injured. Try to carve out some time for you, for some respite for a break.

Unfortunately many of us are at a distance and limited in what we can do. I will continue to follow up on what leads I have and you will hear from me.

For those friends who are local, is there involvement for Caleb that that you can offer? Respite for Sharyn?

Bloggers out there, remember too the Caleb Potter Fund on the face of this blog.

Respite, support and activities, transportation are not cheap.

Sharyn, continuing to send good thoughts your way.

Jeff

Roberta said...

Sharyn- Yes, you are tired and overwhelmed with the length and breadth of the needs of a TBI patient. It is time consuming and endless. You do what you have to.

I for one am happy you are venting and letting some of the stress out.
You don't have to put on a happy face for any of us. We get it. Some days will be joyful and a leap forward in understanding and many will be tedious and a little sad. The main caregiver has to persevere and suck it up and that makes that person tired, angry and asking why. Surprise! You are normal and special at the same time.

I love hearing about your journey, whether joyous or melancholy.Keep
posting.
Roberta in Wellfleet

Alexandra Grabbe said...

Hi, Sharyn. I had not checked your blog in a while. I'm so sorry to read this post and can only imagine how heartbreaking the situation is for you at times. We are not far away. Most often, we are here, due to the B&B. If you ever want to drop Caleb off, please do. We walk on the beach several times a week. Would Caleb ever want to come with us? At least that would give you a sense of some peace. I recognize the need, since I home-cared my mom for so long. Caregivers must remember to take care of themselves. Not wanting to impose on you or Caleb. But please consider us an "available resource" ...

Unknown said...

Dear Sharyn,

It’s been a long time since I’ve been on your blog. Not sure what brought me here tonight… maybe an email from Judi that got me thinking of Fleet, maybe reflecting on the point I’m at as a mother, with my only child a year away from graduating hs and heading out on his own… bittersweet… our job as parents is to give them wings and teach them to fly off… and I thought of you, and how you gave all three of your kids wings… but now Caleb needs to be back in the nest. (Excuse the hokey, extended bird metaphor…) Don’t know if I could possibly offer a drop of solace… someone who has known you only peripherally, but has watched you shepherd those lovely young men into adulthood… how could you possibly not feel the sorrows and disappointments you express in your blog, the ups and downs… even those of us who are on the scene once-a-year miss seeing your old, charismatic Caleb… we’re grateful to see the new Caleb, but feel how bittersweet it must be for you to have him with you, how much energy and courage it takes to navigate where you are and where he is. Please know that even those of us at the fringes of your world admire your spirit, your honesty, your devotion and your love for the people who mean everything to you. It’s okay to be tired, to pull back… and it’s okay to dance and live. Let yourself be.
Eve

Anonymous said...

My Dear Sharyn....It is good to "hear" your voice....though somewhat weary and troubled. The very fact that you can share what's in your heart is a very helpful. The "drain" you speak of is not unexpected, and your feeling are totally justified. The "systems" you are dealing with are meant to be complex and not easy to navigate. There are some of us here that are quite familiar with these systems, and we are joining forces to see if every stone has been turned. One of the brilliant and heart warming aspects of community is the networking that takes place, and the sharing of resources. So my Dear, do not dismay, your admirable spirit has not been diminished because of your heart felt honesty, rather we rally once again to see how we might be of service to Caleb and you.

Please remember, while most of us are not visibly there in Fleet, you and Caleb are never far from thought...warm and loving Intentions follow you and Caleb, with only the highest possible outcomes and greatest good being held for you both~

We love you both, and continue to hold you both In Light and Love,

Con todo carino,

Melinda and MariElena

Julie said...

May the outpouring of positive love and light that people are sharing with you here on the blog get you through your most gloomy days.
Ask for help Sharyn, some time for yourself so that you can recharge your batteries.
People would never offer their support unless they truly mean it.

J

Samantha Garbers said...

Sharyn,
Your post was so moving. I have asked around among friends for resources for TBI among adults, and responses have been pouring in! I have heard from 4 different friends in less than 2 hours. You are not alone.
I would love to send you some of the contacts and information they passed along - can you please email me your email, and I will send them directly?
Sending you a hug -
Sam G in NYC (samgarbers@hotmail.com)

Mike said...

Hello Sharyn: We've never met, but i visit your blog periodically, and was stuck by your last entry. I respect your "put it out there" attitude, and wish i had some magic words or something to say that would bring you and Caleb peace and comfort. I was actually inspired to write a short piece on my blog about this. Check it out if you'd like
http://mikesshortattentionspantheater.blogspot.com/

I hope this Saturday night is peaceful and calm.

Jackie said...

Sharyn,
I am sorry it took so long to respond to you; but I like to fix things and I can't fix this. First and foremost you have not deceived or let anyone down. No one who follows this blog has anything but love and respect for what you've been through and are going through and how you continue to pull yourself up by the bootstraps. I can only imagine (and I shudder at the possibility) of such loss and constant realization of the situation. Having said that, I know that you will rise every day with new determination, because you have to. And we will be here offering whatever we can; tangible or not. We care. We want to help.
Much love,
Jackie in NY

Jeff- in the Berkshires said...

While I know its a couple days from now, I want to wish Caleb an early Happy Birthday!!

Hope you have a great day!

Linda said...

Sharyn,
My soon to be 25 yr old son Tyler suffered a tbi 2 1/2 years ago. I have just recently found your blog and see myself and Tyler in so much of the journey you write about. I am sorry to have read your Mother's Day posts - glad that you felt safe enough to share your despair and sorry that you are feeling it - though it seems moments like that are inevitable. And I know from reading forward that better times have followed. We are indeed a community - though it takes a while for us to find each other - we mothers of these injured sons (it is so often sons). In the fog of those early days I never did think to blog about Tyler's journey - wish someone had suggested it - but wrote many e-mails which I have saved, and have felt moved to write a book about the experience.
I feel privileged to have found you and Caleb. I wish you many more joyous moments and join my voice to the chorus that you surely must hear: voices reminding you that brains are never finished healing, that Caleb's (and your) life will continue to enlarge in ways yet to reveal themselves.
Linda from Oregon