March 11, 2016, at a bar in Brooklyn celebrating David’s birthday (which Kavi and I originally tried to secretly plan for a day David was busy, whoops). Kavi drank a beer a complete stranger left behind, brought cupcakes that he shared with everyone at the bar, and tried to get an Uber for two of my friends when they missed their bus (but his phone had no service, and he was devestated that he couldn’t help). He also gave the barback and bartender his famous mega-tip. As everyone left, Kavi ended the night sitting quietly with his hands near his face, palms apart and fingertips together; a way to feel his heartbeat and calm down, something that he learned from his grandfather. It was all of the best of Kavi on our last night out together.

When friends I knew, new friends, people that I had begun to love and cherish would hear me speak about Kavi, they’d usually quite quickly realize this is someone whom they’d learn a great much about before ever meeting him. “You don’t have to preface the story with “my friend, Kavi…. we know who he is. We practically know him from all the things you’ve told us” they’d proclaim. It’s true. I’d gush about him. I’d gush and I’d gush. But those moments when I got to watch people meet Kavi for the first time were some of the most delightful. Because no matter how much I hyped the man, he always blew people away. The way Kavi made others feel when around him is a feat unto itself. I recall dearly Kavi and Kevin Niemela meeting for the first time and upon seeing their friendship blossom I was filled with such adoration. Kavi spread love and joy so readily.

My girlfriends through the years have been seriously worried and insecure because of the level of love I spoke about Kavi Pandey. They were afraid, they said, that I would never love them like I loved him. I was without words of comfort in these moments, moments that often led to divisions and eventual breakups. The truth is they have always been right. He is a love supreme.

Well, I’m crying now. Love you all.