We came so close to attending Halcy-Con, but a family medical emergency changed everything. The car was packed, and we were ready to leave on the day of departure when the situation took a turn for the worse. While I was disappointed, my family came first—they needed me.

It was hard not to feel the sting of missing out, and the fear of FOMO started creeping in. But then something amazing happened—the Halcy-Con community and my friends rallied around me. Some friends shopped for me at the marketplace, others gathered free swag and even took the time to mail it all to me so I could feel included from afar.

I was able to do a little shopping myself too, thanks to vendors who had Etsy shops where I could order some of the items I missed out on.

What brings me comfort now is knowing the convention organizers have already announced another Halcy-Con next year. I’m excited for another chance to attend, though there’s still a small part of me that worries something could happen again to keep me from going. But for now, I’m holding onto that hope.