MY ORACLE

Every Friday, I receive an online newsletter from bridge expert Barbara Seagram which includes an interesting bidding quiz.

For some strange reason, I feel a personal connection to Ms.Seagram. Maybe it's the fact that she's the same age as me. Perhaps it's the homey way she responded to my email when I first inquired about buying one of her bridge books. (Your book is in my daughter's mailbox. Just slip your money under the door when you come by.) Or maybe it's the fact that on the two occasions I've sent her bridge questions, she replied within the hour, the first time as she boarded a plane to do some charity work in Cambodia. Talk about being attentive to one's followers.

As I thanked her for the answer to my most recent question, I referred to her as my Delphic Oracle, always there with so much wisdom to which she replied, "I think that is the nicest thing anyone has ever written to me....except maybe the man who wrote to me and told me I had the control techniques of a dominatrix!"

Indeed, Barbara is an expert who doesn't cling to her pedestal.

Unfortunately, in her most recent newsletter, Ms. Seagram shared some distressing news.

"I have been diagnosed with breast cancer. It is very small (about the size of a small green pea), it is very early and the prognosis is excellent but, needless to say, it is a challenging period in my life. I have had a biopsy and I have an appointment with the surgeon next week on Thursday. Next will be surgery and all the treatments that follow. I am lucky to be at Sunnybrook Hospital which is an excellent Health Care Centre. I owe a great debt to the radiologist who found this tiny mass."

I've just sent Barbara a few words of encouragement as she begins her new journey.

I'm sure you will be getting lots of free advice but the fact that you are sharing your diagnosis so openly reveals that your acumen extends far beyond the bridge table. 

 If it takes a village to fight cancer, know that through your newsletter, you have just enlisted the help and support of an entire bridge nation of people who are rooting for you. 

And remember, that kind of loyal support trumps cancer every time.

All the best,

Mike