Hey folks! Yes ... it's me! :>) Figured I owe you an explanation, if not an apology, for the long silence.

Some wise acre, whose name I should remember but don't, once said that there are only two things we can count on for sure ... death and taxes. Well, I have always paid my taxes willingly (took to e-filing like a Newfoundland dog to the rescue), but never gave death much of a thought. It happened to old people, to other people. Sure it happened to friends and family ... but moi? Not possible. Then on December 21 past, as the result of a very sharp family doctor following up on a routine blood test, I received the shock of my life ... literally as well as figuratively: a preliminary diagnosis of a life-threatening form of cancer that runs in the family - colon cancer.

The following month or so was a blur of activity and mental anguish as I prepared for one of only two possible outcomes - I would either be cured or I wouldn't. That was the stark reality. Pretty scary stuff ... and nothing at all like the stock market game! :>) There was the confirmation biopsy (a New Year's Eve gift), further examination and assessment, discussions with the surgeon about options and possible outcomes/complications. And all of this while still contemplating the impending loss of my brother.

But you know what folks? Knowledge is power,in both medical and financial matters ... and I went in to surgery February 4th fully informed and confident. I had, from the outset and despite the shock, decided that I would invest in "life" the same way I have always invested in the stock market ... for the long term.

Surgery went extremely well, recuperation has gone smoothly (aided by two glorious weeks of the Olympics!) ... but of course I have one more big investment to make ... six months of chemo starting very shortly. The "downdraft" won't be much fun, given that I feel so well right now ... but hey, the past two years in the stock market hasn't been much fun either! And that has not kept me from continuing to invest (couldn't resist buying more JDU a couple of weeks ago!).

So all-in-all, it's been just one more challenge to be faced and conquered. But I've learnt a few things along the way:

1) Family, friends, and colleagues are the most precious "investments" in life, treasure them and treat them well.

2) A positive attitude is the next best thing to a miracle cure.

3) Live a good life today and don't take tomorrow for granted.

4) Never be afraid to think about the worst of all possible outcomes, avoidance is a recipe for disaster.

5) And above all, pay your taxes with a smile ... access to quality medical care ought to be the right of every Canadian citizen regardless of ability to pay.

Somewhere along the way I managed to have paid for my Charter Membership to the Fool ... hopefully a continuing investment for the long-term. I may not feel much like chatting and participating over the next few months ... but I will undoubtedly be taking a peek every now and then. Glad to see so many of the old crowd still hanging around.

Oh yeah, and what was that chatter about "blue hats?" I don't see any blue hats.

Live life, folks,

Ted