Doing the right thing

I have made commitments, and I almost always honor them. The few times I haven’t have been due to circumstances beyond my control, and those who’ve been affected have understood. This time, for a change, it’s been harder to make the right decision. What goes into doing the right thing?

I dropped out of Learning 24 (in Dec) when the source of the commitment abandoned their support. I hadn’t intended to go, but they asked. Then owing to a management change, they reneged. And the conference understood.

I was committed to DevLearn, however, despite the same change in support circumstances. Not only did I have a session accepted, but I was going to do a book signing too.  Then I agreed to host a panel, and then to co-facilitate a workshop. I was excited and eager. It is my favorite face-to-face conference.

So, no worries. Until…I got Covid. The first time. I’ve had the vaccinations, and wore a mask on my travels. But this was bad: fever, sore throat, more. My voice sounds more like a croaking frog than human voice. And my voice is bad enough as it is!

Now, the CDC says that 24 hours after the fever’s passed, you’re ok as long as you take precautions: masking, distancing. However, I can’t really facilitate or moderate a panel without talking to folks. I can’t really be around folks without a mask when I’m eating. I’m going to a crowded place that doesn’t want you to stay in your room (no water boiler, microwave, or refrigerator in the room).

Not an easy decision. I really wanted to meet my commitments to the Guild, I love the event, and I could use the exposure (see management changes, above ;). On the other hand, I wouldn’t want anyone else to suffer like this hit me, and traveling where I’m around lots of folks just isn’t smart. I’m risking lots of other folks’ health. That’s not a good choice.

It might also preclude me from getting better, what with travel and being active. I’m being quite sessile, and isolating from my family. Not fun, but it’s right for them and me.

In the long run, I decided to not attend. It’s a sacrifice for me and the Guild, but at this time it’s the right thing to do. I may find out tomorrow or midweek that I could’ve been ok or at least attended the later things, but hindsight’s 20:20, as they say. At this point when I need to make decisions on travel and accommodation, the proper thing to do is to not expose the rest of you to this.

I’m not happy, but I am convinced I’m doing the right thing. And that’s better than the alternative. I won’t see you in Las Vegas, but you’ll survive, and most likely better than if I did. Safe travels, and if you’re there, have a great conference!  At least I should be online the week after for the Learning Science conference, Stay curious, my friends.