FAMILY MATTERS
Imagine growing up with only black-and-white TV, no 7-Eleven
By Ka'ohua Lucas
"Mom, we really need a bigger TV," my 13-year-old complained, scooting his chair closer to the 19 1/2-inch screen.
"Be thankful for what you have," I said, pausing from chopping a cucumber. "You know, during my days we didn't have nearly as much as you do today."
"Please, Mom," he begged, eyes still glued to the TV set. "Not another 'I remember when' story."
Aue! Kids these days.
They have little appreciation for what they have.
I used to live in Ka'a'awa. Or as we called it, living in "da sticks." There was no 7-Eleven, only Ka'a'awa Store.
Mrs. Anzai, the store owner, scolded us when we would take too long deciding what treat to buy with our hard-earned allowance.
I would bribe my younger brother to use his quarter to buy crack seed. Then I would eat it.
I do remember the TV set my 'ohana owned. It was a 19 1/2-inch black-and-white. Cable had not reached our side of the island. The image on the screen was always fuzzy. Sometimes the characters appeared with a ghost-like twin.
An antenna perched on the roof of our house was supposed to help with the reception. But when the weather was poor or the ocean's spray clung to the aluminum rod, the antenna would shift, causing the image to distort and turn snowy.
This occurred at least once a week.
Dad would either have to use the garden hose to remove the salt from the antenna. Or don a garbage bag that he had fashioned into a rain slicker. There was always a ladder under the eaves of the house for such an occasion.
One of us — usually my brother — would hold the ladder as Dad hoisted himself onto the roof.
As the wind and rain whipped around him, he patiently shifted the antenna to gain good reception.
Meanwhile, Mom and I would watch the television as the images on the screen gradually materialized and became sharper.
"OK, 'nuff, Daddy!" I shouted.
"What?" he yelled.
"I said, good enough!"
"She said, 'Good enough,' Dad!" my brother hollered.
Today, my boys are not burdened with a TV antenna, or a black-and-white screen, for that matter.
My eldest son's goal is to someday own a 50-inch Sony PlasmaPro Flat Panel Display.
I can recall an 'olelo no'eau: Kau ka maka, or: The eyes rest upon (him or her). Translated, it refers to a longing to possess a certain thing.
As I continue to remind him, bigger is not necessarily better. And watching too much TV certainly will turn your mind to mush.
Reach Ka'ohua Lucas at Family Matters, 'Ohana section, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802; fax 525-8055; or at ohana@honoluluadvertiser.com.
