The last forty-seven days have been the most difficult, stressful - and unbearable days of my entire life. From seeing horrible images up close, to almost losing my own life - to losing my best friend - these last forty-seven days have certainly taken their toll on my existence. So with all of that stress and tragedy on my shoulders - I certainly needed something to take my mind off of all that I have experienced at least for a little while - and that something has been the South Park Brooklyn Mini-Con.

From the moment Montel arrived on Wednesday to last night's party that still wasn't over when I got up for work this morning - the last four days have really proved to be the perfect medicine for the infection that struck myself and the world on September 11th. Having a home full of the friends I spend every day with - and the friends I met only once has been so much fun. From the gifts they have given me to the costumes they have dressed in - to the moments when we just sat in a circle and enjoyed each other's company - this Mini-Con has been a blessing in disguise.

I remember how much fun it was when I went to Colorado in June and spent a weekend with Arthur, Bob, Steven, Devorah and twenty or so other people at the First Annual South Park Convention. I also remember the fun that I had with Montel in Alaska. And the fun that I have with my friends here at home is what has kept me going since this horrible tragedy. And now that they are all together - I am slowly starting to remember what life was like before it was changed forever.

Today I get out of work at 1:00pm. And when I do - I will be meeting Christine, Bob, Arthur, Steven Devorah and Montel in Manhattan - and then going back to my house for the second of two blowout Halloween parties scheduled for this weekend - which will be attended by many other local South Park Digest members that I have yet to meet - which means more introductions to old friends.

I really want to thank Montel, Bob, Arthur, Devorah and Steven for coming here to New York and for showing the monsters that use fear as a weapon that their mission failed. By not canceling their flights - these five people proved that the terrorist's goals of disrupting the lives of those who choose freedom rather then terror as a way of life has not been met - and never will. I also want to thank Christine for not only being ok with so many people staying at our house - but for being the perfect hostess - and the perfect partner.

In two hours I leave work and rejoin my friends - and for the first time in forty-seven days - I can't wait for the fun to begin.