A Special Wedding Event in Kentucky for an Old Friend

In mid-October, I (Rob) flew to Louisville, Kentucky to attend a very special wedding of a friend I've known for decades. 

(Photo: Rob (left) and Rick and Lamont at their reception) 

HOW RICK AND I MET ALMOST 30 YEARS AGO -  Back in 1997, Rick and I were in the same Meteorology program at Western Kentucky University in Bowling Green. We had every class together and became study mates and good friends. Rick worked at the Bowling Green airport doing weather observations which were critical for the pilots. At that time, I worked for a cable company in production and created my own public access weather show called "Weather Wisdom." I also worked part-time at WKBL-FM country radio in Springfield, Tennessee (not far from the border of KY) where I played a LOT of Dolly Parton music because I could.

POST GRADUATION - Rick and I also studied with our classmate and mutual friend, Ryun, and together we had some fun times. After graduation, I took a job in Boston for a year before going to the Weather Channel in Atlanta and finally to NASA. All the while we stayed in touch. During the 29 years, we talked on the phone, email and social media. Outside of my family, Rick is the only person who sent me a birthday card every year over the 29 years we've known each other. He doesn't have a brother, so he's always regarded me as his brother, as I have him.

Rick has endured a LOT of challenges in his life. Suffice to say, being gay in Kentucky in the 1990s was brutal. He also had health challenges and medication caused more serious health effects. But all the while, he kept pushing through.  He met Lamont 9 years ago, and was finally happy. Lamont became his best friend, his companion, his support system, and they found love.

THE WEDDING -  When arrived at the church in Louisville, I had not met Lamont before. He's warm and wonderful and it was quickly apparent he has a big heart. 

The church was lit up brightly, and had a warm feeling. They exchanged their vows and promised to stand beside each other no matter what challenges came their way. It reminded me of our vows (mine and Tom's) in 2009.

The reception was in the church's adjoining hall where there was some food, and of course, cake. I sat at a table with Lamont's family (cousins and brother) and they were warm and wonderful. It was a very special event.