From Stef - The somewhat silent partner speaks

Strange. That is what I say these days about the sudden change in the way life looks and feels and moves. So many of you who visit the blog or receive it’s notes via e-mail, have followed the journey of North’s experience from his perspective and the updates from family and friends. Even though I have not been a big contributor to this written part of the journey, (so far) I have been here, dealing best I can with all these changes, and being inspired and touched by my North-Star and all of you.

The sense of awe and gratitude I feel for the truly incredible outpouring of love and support is beyond description. I knew people in general were good, and I’ve felt blessed to know an exceptional chunk of humanity personally, but what I didn’t know was just how extensive that “chunk” was! SO many people have shown support in so many ways, all of them profoundly meaningful. We both continue to be moved and deepened by the love we continue to receive.

Today I will touch on a few important and timely things, such as …

Where we have been, how we are now, what we are facing, who we are becoming, how you all play a part and how you can help.

Where we have been – Shocked, frightened, confused, and shaken by the diagnosis. Then surrounded by loving friends and prayed to peace, strength and conviction. Then shocked again (I was) of the incredible dramatic nature of the surgery and how unrecognizable my beloved was for many days. He still looks different but I see my North man reappearing.

How we are now – Healing, recognizing God in everything and learning how to be with physical changes. Settling in to a new pace and diet, ready to be with our friends again and preparing for the next phase of treatment.


What we are facing – Almost two months of radiation and chemotherapy and various effects of that. Dealing with the uncertainty of the unknown – physical, financial and emotional.

Who we are becoming – New and improved versions of ourselves! We are going deeper into our relationship with Life, God, each other and all of you. I am dedicated to being courageous, compassionate, open, receptive, giving and committed to recognizing the gifts in all of this as much as possible.



How you all play a part –The community that has sprung from this “tragedy” in our lives is the “pearl of great price.” Birthed out of a gritty and difficult experience called cancer; a collection of fabulous loving people have come together with the intention to give love and support. What has happened is that each one, so I have heard, has been surprisingly blessed and “healed” in return.

How you can help - We need you. It’s that simple. Your prayers and support definitely made ALL the difference before, during and after surgery. We are certain this was KEY in how quickly North was able to talk, walk and come home. And it was the glue that kept me together. To all of those who surrounded me physically and spiritually, I thank you SO much.

SHORT TERM– Keep up the prayers! Today we see the hematology oncologist (chemo Dr.) and add what we hear there to what we learned Friday about the effects of radiation. This begins soon and North’s Mom, Mary, goes home on Sunday. So to all of you who have asked for ways you can help, your time has come! North still tires pretty fast. Just the act of making a smoothie and drinking it wipes him out for a bit. But he is getting better. However, we’ve been told low energy is one of the acute side effects of treatment and while I am working he’ll need help with making meals and cleaning up, as well as getting rides to and from daily treatments.

LONG TERM – Keep up the prayers! In light of the fact that North’s new job went away with the diagnosis and he cannot work for the next several months, a core group of close friends is working on a fund-raiser. I am working as much as I can with my partner, Jenny, to build our business “Organizing Angels”, so we need lots of help with this. The timing most desired and needed for the fund-raiser to take place is towards the end of June. North’s family will be here for Zach’s high school graduation and he will be at the end of his next treatment phase. Anyone interested in or capable of supporting this event in any way, please stay tuned, as more details will follow after the core group meeting this Wednesday.
Well, we are off to the doctor’s.
Thanks for reading and for all your love and care.
Many blessings,
Stef