This past week I received a phone call from a friend and loyal Premier Etiquette fan. She expressed how excited she was to see my recent email announcing our upcoming communication and etiquette skills class. I always get a warm feeling knowing people do read my emails. Don’t you?

She then told me that in the midst of reading my email, her excitement turned to puzzlement. She said to herself, “What? That’s it? One class announcement? No etiquette tips? No Fall fashion preview? Oh no, what happened to Tiffany? I’d better call her.”

I couldn’t have a better friend looking out for my best interests. We should all be so diligent as to find out what might be happening with a friend when something doesn’t seem right. She trusted her instincts and called me. I’m choosing to share this with you because perhaps you also have wondered, “What happened to Tiffany?” or “That’s it?” when you opened my last email. Let me explain.

This won’t come easy to me since I’ve been schooled to leave personal business at the company door. Rather, stick to positive subjects when sharing out-of-office happenings with business associates and clients. Nevertheless, here we go.

I don’t get by on luck. I achieve success through the help of a very strong, loyal team who has my back. We, the team, see ourselves as well armed soldiers fighting for the common good: stellar etiquette practices by all! When I found out that Charlene Nielsen, my Premier Etiquette In-House Editor, also known as my wonderful mother-in-law, was diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer in May, we all put on the brakes to help her.

Chasing doctors and appointments became our first and foremost task. Poise and persistence ruled as others were dropping the ball and prolonging her treatment plan. At last, chemotherapy was put into action and she finished her first round last week. It took us over two months to make the reality of treatment possible; it has been a grueling and frustrating experience. At the same time, we were blessed to witness her tenacious spirit rise again.  Some of you have had the opportunity to meet Charlene at events where I have spoken. You know her spirit and you can count on the fact that she remembers you!

So, now you know where I, Tiffany, have been. I haven’t given up on my work to rid the world of bad manners, nor have I stopped sprinkling etiquette dust on those who want the positive power of etiquette in business and elsewhere. I’ve simply been lending my heart and dedication to a much deserving loyal subject.

Thank you for your patience and assumed appreciation for our journey here at Premier Etiquette. On the bright side, the power of positive thinking has us all on the right track. I’m pretty sure every one of you reading my letter has been touched by cancer. The fight to beat it is unreal, cumbersome and it takes a team to battle it out. So, if a little bit of time passes and you haven’t heard from me, have faith that I’m here for you too and I will soon surface again. If I don’t, for heaven’s sake, call me!

Your Loyal Etiquette Soldier,

Tiffany