Five years ago tonight I saw the car come down River Road.I had driven my car 50 miles at the same breakneck speed to make the show time, 7 pm. It was opening day in Roanoke, there had already been two showings. I can still remember the feeling that came over me when I rounded the corner onto Grandin Avenue and saw the Marquee: Brokeback Mountain.The crowd in the lobby was huge, and gay men were in the majority. I saw faces there I recognized, had not seen in years and have not seen since. Had to twist thru them to get into the main theater. And nothing was ever the same. Back at the beginning of this blog I wrote about Curtis, he was a friend of mine. In the brief time we knew each other he introduced me to the song "Nobody Knows" by a bald country singer named Kevin Sharp. He told me how Sharp was battling cancer, and it was one of those details I retained even after I had forgot his name. This evening I clicked onto Brokeback Mountain Radio, and that song was playing. I saw his picture and recognized him. I was able to find out he lost his hair permanently, but won his battle against Ewings Sarcoma. His music career, well, thanks to Mr. Edison we can relive his 15 minute when ever we want. So here is to Curtis, who didn't make it, and to all the countless men and women, Jacks and Ennises, who have walked in this world, loving someone they can never be with, may the hand of grace that has brought me safe thus far guide them as well. Here is to Rich, may his story and his bravery be told down the generations. May grace guide us to a world that is not so lonely. [youtube=425,350]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wExJDsdExnA[/youtube]
Hi Truman, I may be coming to Richmond for a family wedding in April.