Surgery Date and a few thoughts from Stef

Wow. What a truly amazing and incredible journey we have embarked upon. Throughout the intensity of emotions and shock, doctor appointments and phone calls, North and I find ourselves in entirely new territory. It is unfamiliar - filled with all sorts of things to scare the wits out of us, but honestly, even more things to amaze and touch us, such as the outpouring of love, caring and support coming from literally every direction.
Cancer. A word so loaded with emotional reaction that many, including myself until recently, do all they can to avoid even saying it. But cancer is not the most powerful force in this situation. Yes, hearing the word and that "IT" was found in my sweethearts body, along with all the information about how it will be dealt with medically, nearly laid me flat. More than once. BUT.... I/we have found the strength to remain standing and face this.
ANd so much of that strength has come from a community made up of phenomenal family and friends, even miraculous strangers. Through the web of people we both are blessed to know over the years, and the gif tof the Internet, literally thousands of people, reaching around the world, have responded to requests for prayers and support.
Now THAT, added together with things like courage, conviction, connection, LOVE, faith, wonder, synchronicity and surrender (to a higher power - God, the Angels, the Universe); I feel that not only is North experiencing miraculous healing, but all who know of him and us are healing too. I say we just let this experience and the power of love and prayer serve to transform ALL of us. Let his diagnosis and healing process serve to awaken all of us to an awareness of something larger and more beautiful than the mundane things we allow to cloud our life experience. Let us all be more available to witness the miracles of synchronicity and connectedness that go on around us every day. THAT is how we help one another, and how we help ourselves.
I am glad I felt inspired to write tonight. This blog is a bit longer than I anticipated but so be it - my heart needs to get it out!
But now down to some logisitcs - such as surgery date. North goes in to UCI medical center on Thursday morning, March 23rd at 6 am. The surgery begins at 8 and, depending on a few variables (like how much the tumor has shrunk because of all the contiual prayers and visualizations - *hint, hint*), the surgery could take up to 12 hours. He will spend a few days in ICU, several more in a regular room and then comes home after about 10 days or so.
To all of you who have asked how you can help, there will be all sorts of new opportunities coming up to accept your offers in the coming weeks. Please keep visiting this site and check your e-mails as I'll probably send out quick updates or urgent requests if needed.
And for those who have asked, and anyone else inspired to help in any way, (food, errands, flowers, cards, and any financial donations, etc.) we continue to be humbly grateful and greatly moved by your generosity. (What a lesson in the power of receiving and accepting support!) Our home address is
North McKinnon and Steph Swink
257 Avenida Madrid, Unit A
San Clemente, CA 96272
THANK YOU A THOUSAND TIMES TO ALL OF YOU!!! And many hugs of gratitude to Joel for his invaluable help today with a new phone and my quircky computer. And to the rest of the core gang of angels so actively involved in setting things up to help us through this challenging time and the months ahead. You know who you are and we love you SOOOO much!
Namaste' and much love,
Stef