The Tao of Wahila

Back when I went to college, there was a fellow by the name of Kevin Wahila that attended the InterVarsity Christian fellowship with me on campus. Kevin was a great guy, very forthright and earnest, almost to a fault. In fact, he was so guileless and earnest that he ended up saying some very profound things without even meaning to.
Two of the funniest actually arose from a single car trip that I took with Kevin.
The situation was thus: Two of our mutual friends (Emily and John) were getting set to attend a wedding on the western side of Pennsylvania. Kevin’s girlfriend and my brother both attended Grove City College, which is also on the western side of PA. Kevin and I bummed a ride off of our friends with the intent of visiting his girlfriend and my brother, respectively. So, one Friday afternoon, all four of us piled into Emily’s Buick and headed West.
About halfway across the state, we stopped at a Pilot gas station/convenience store/restaurant. After we filled up the Buick’s tank and took our pit stops, Kevin and John noted racks of $15(!) boots sitting near the exit of the Pilot. Both decided that such a deal was too good to pass up and so they set off to buy the boots, while Emily and I headed back to the car.
John showed up at the car in short order, but Kevin was nowhere to be seen. John reported that Kevin had been right behind him in line, so we decided to wait for Kevin. After about 5 minutes, we saw him emerge from the Pilot, boots in one hand and the largest 3 wick French Vanilla candle I have ever seen in the other hand. He nonchalantly got into the car and, upon noting our puzzled expressions, said “What?”
I said “Kevin… what’s with the candle?” What followed was what I like to term Kevin Wahila Axiom (KWA) #1:

KWA #1: “You can’t buy boots at a gas station and not get your girlfriend something.”
Philosophical implications: Think of others before yourself, no matter the situation.

Kevin was (as ever) a bit confused at the resultant laughter.
KWA #2 followed soon after. Emily began to tire of driving and so Kevin agreed to take a spell in the driver seat. As we proceeded along highway 80, Kevin began to notice other Buicks on the road “Hey! Another Buick!” became a common phrase over the next half hour or so. After a bit of time, Kevin got a very thoughtful look on his face. We braced for the eventual Moment of Zen that was soon to follow.

KWA #2: “You never realize how many Buicks there are until you’re actually in one.”
Philosophical implications: It is often difficult to understand another person unless you are able to place yourself in their shoes.

I still crack up to this day when I think of Kevin.