STEALING KEVIN

If you’ve ever encountered me—traveling, hitchhiking, drinking, or perhaps in the upper or lower berth of your bunk—you’ve probably heard me mention Kevin, one my most valued and singularly outstanding friends.

I reference him frequently, either in the telling of a story, fond recollection, or in the commending of his marvelous talent and humor.

So, I’m in Queenstown with a few of the bunkmates, namely—Joseph, Sarah, Kaisa, and my friend Robert, who I first encountered in the Bay of Islands. We’re seated around a table in the dorm when I mention Kevin, as a friend and drummer. An hour or so later, we’re doing the Facebook thing and Kaisa notices that I had, at one point, used a picture of Kevin for my own profile. Everyone laughs and I explain the unique brand of humor my friends and I share.

Way later.

We’re in a bar and somehow, naturally, the subject of Kevin comes up again. Laughing, one of them says, “Kevin is so cool! I want to add him on Facebook!”

Systematically a plot is formulated in which all four of them, seated there, that night, will not only friend-request Kevin, but also change their profile pictures to a picture of Kevin, beforehand.

They do it.

The requests are sent.

He reaction?

Priceless.