This is a ramble, but I am the CHENG and no one can stop me…

It is another year, and its almost hard to believe. What was ‘2 weeks’ to flatten the curve is now nearly two years of people dying. We had high hopes for 2021, but it was just 2020’s bigger, meaner, brother. We lost Russ, and with that, our way for a little bit. Besides Russ, everyone on this chapter lost someone dear this past year – I don’t think any of us were spared. Grief and morning has become part of the ‘new normal’.

But we also started going out again. Seeing people again. We even started gaming again. Writing and engaging became a big thing! Our motto was never more true “Been there, done that – Back for more.” Loss is no stranger to this crew. Building the memorial page for this website was, I have to say, a weird thing. Can’t say I enjoyed it, but I think I needed it. I hope it helps others here in our chapter too. A reminder not just who we lost, but that we always pick ourselves up when it happens. A reminder that those viewing it are still here.

And now we start another chapter (pun intended). A new CO! Friends departing to start their own chapter! Another batch of hooch distilled from the radiant heat off the warp core! Ever onward! There is more Trek to consume, and geek out about together, than ever before. We have a Region summit to go to (pretty sure it will happen this time)! I really feel, and hope, that healing can begin in this new year. We need it. But I do know, that this crew is here, it’s strong, and it’s a big part of what got me through the past two gonad-stomping, shit sessions that called themselves a calendar year. And this fictional ship will be there for all the highs and lows going forward – that’s a big comfort.