What is it like turning 62 years old? "It depends on what time you gotta get out of bed," Alvin says.
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: Each morning, Alvin gets out of bed at 6 to go out and look for work. Concrete, construction: you name it, he's done it all. He's also a dedicated Real Change vendor and has been selling the paper for nearly four years.
Born in Franklin, North Carolina. Lived and labored in Seattle for 12 years. Nevertheless, when asked where he's from, his answer's literal: "I'm from my mother."
If there's anything that Alvin lacks, it wouldn't be wit. His responses to my questions? Clever and skillfully executed. But his facial expression never changes. The kind of guy who's hard to read. And his humor and intellect, maybe they come from age and experience. Or maybe he possessed them as a kid. Regardless, if you don't think fast you might just miss out.
So what is it like turning 62? Well, Alvin will be able to tell you on Nov. 15. You can find him selling the paper at his regular spot on First and Blanchard, so be sure to wish him a happy b-day.
If you make it there early enough, he might even say "Good morning."