But I Digress. . .

One disaster that could have been averted at our house is the tragic death of the television set. It sits on a high rolling stand in between the living and dining rooms. My three lazy-ass brothers are lounging on the couch and tell me, at age five, to turn the set around to face them.

I do my best—it’s big and heavy and wide—but on the last turn the stand begins to sway. It feels like classic slow motion. The sway turns into a fall, and the TV comes crashing to the floor, screen and interior tubes broken into bits, scattered everywhere.

There is a look of horror on the boys’ faces as they process the meaning of this. As one, they turn and roar at me while I try to stand my ground.

If I had the words, I’d have said, ‘You assholes! It’s your own lazy fault. I’m too small.”

The television cannot be replaced for a long time, due to lack of funds. I’ll never hear the end of this.