Rich + Jen

Tomorrow we are driving to the Catskill Mountains, where we will spend the weekend at a lovely resort celebrating the wedding and marriage of Rich and Jen.

Patrick and I have each known Rich for 13 years-- before we were even together. Rich is among my truest friends in life. While we drifted in college, returning to Albany after graduation was the beginning of a new phase of our friendship. Always, since those high school days, Rich has been an incredible friend to me- always there in just the right way.

I remember distinctly the time before and after Rich met Jen-- he, Pat and I were spending a lot of time together meeting up in Albany, playing frisbee in Washington Park, going out. I knew he was lonely before he met her, but I didn't realize just how happy he could be. Since Jen has been in Rich's life, he exudes happiness and excitement. Their happiness together is inspiring-- the kind of happiness that draws people to them. Their joy never excludes others, but encompasses them.

When Rich met Jen, I knew she was a cool girl, and I knew she was cool enough for Rich. I knew she'd be good to him, but what I didn't know back then was just how good she'd be to me. I am so lucky that Jen has become such a good friend to me, and that the four of us, even when many miles apart, have become like family.

It is a wonderful thing to see your friends find true love, and Rich and Jen's is true blue. This weekend will be a celebration of what these two have together.

There are friends that you just know will be there for life. These are some of mine. Here's to celebrating another beautiful life moment together, and here's to all the moments to come.