NTRPG Con 2021 - Day 1 - An Emotional High and the Trip I Nearly Didn't Take

In truth, I almost didn't come to NTRPG Con this year. 

Why? 

Because I was afraid. Not of Covid, mind you. I was afraid of traveling outside my comfort zone with my "new normality". The medical necessity to take nine pills every morning and three every night. Of keeping an eye on my blood sugar, fluid intake, and daily weight fluctuations. The memory of my 2020 that went to shit at a hotel room, at another convention, in another state.

So, when I got my second Covid immunization shot, I immediately bought the airline tickets for Rach and me to go to NTRPG Con this June, this trip. I knew if I didn't go this year, this June, I'd likely never go to another convention again. Ever. Because fear consumes one like cancer. And if you don't fight cancer, it is sure to win. I survived cancer. I have good friends at NTRPG Con, Doug Reah and Rocky Gardner, just to name two, that have fought and are fighting their own cancer battles. I was not going to surrender to the fear.

I am so glad I am here. I'm getting to see friends and extended family that I haven't seen in over a year. Sure, social media and Discord chats help fill in some of the gaps, but nothing beats hugging the people that mean the most to you. Reconnecting with your community. I may even be physically glowing ;)

I am truly blessed.