He loves me more

.....than he loves his new TV...

Short story:
I broke John's (well, the family's) new 47 inch flat screen TV---with the Wii remote. (And he still loves me!)

This post has taken me almost 2 weeks to write.

Long Story:
Over the past two years, I've received a quarterly bonus. Each time, our intention was to pay off a bill faster or save it or something. Each time, the money slip away with nothing to show for it. A few months ago, John and I sat down and decided some things we needed and/ or wanted that were too big to save up for (new bed, TV, computer, etc.) We decided each quarter we would buy one or more items on the list. In April, the day before I flew to California for my Mom's 70th birthday, John bought a 50 inch plasma TV (which he later traded for a Vizio 47 inch LCD). Now, I like TV, but I don't care if it's a tiny screen and HD (high definition) means nothing to me. But John is a Techno geek (and proud of it). He can actually tell the difference between Food Network in HD (high definition) and SD (standard definition). It just looks like Food Network to me.

Over the past month (with our Tax stimulus check), we bought a few other things: a fancy remote ('cause I couldn't figure out how to turn everything on and off!); a Wii ('cause we were hoping to buy a Wii Fit so I could exercise some at home---still haven't found one!); and an Apple TV (to store our entire movie library).

The entire family (including my In-laws) have enjoyed the Wii. Last Thursday night, after bowling with my FIL, I decided to try out the new tennis racket John picked up. EVERY time I've used the Wii, I've used the wrist strap---except this one. After I served, I swung at my first return and heard a loud thud--before I even realized my hand was empty. The screen went mostly white, and John looked up and said, "You broke it".

I was stunned. How could I do something so stupid? I sat on the couch and cried. John immediately came over and held me. He told me he almost cried when he told me it was broken, but he said, "I realized it would have meant the TV was more important than you".

John had to explain to each of the kids (10, 5 and 3) why they couldn't watch our TV (or play the Wii). When each of them started to protest, he asked, "What is more important? Mommy or the TV?" Fortunately, the all answered, "Mommy". Of course, he had to have the conversation with the 3 and 5 year olds more than once.

For several days, I would be walking or working and suddenly start beating myself up again. But John keeps telling me that its going to be okay. He tells me to stop beating myself up.

(Oh....did I mention that the bonus program was abruptly cancelled? The bonus we were supposed to get on the 16th is gone?)

A couple of things that stood out....
My hubby is a TV addict. He loves his new HD shows. But he has not been watching much TV lately. It's just not a high priority. He isn't rushing to buy a new one. In fact, he brought in a little 13 inch (?) TV from the garage and is watching it.

Honestly, if he had been the one to break it, I don't know if I would have been as forgiving. Yes, I would have forgiven him. Yes, he is more important than the TV. But I don't know if I could have been as gracious. Would I have thought of his feelings before I reacted? or would I have said something I would have regretted? (Fortunately, these are rhetorical questions that I don't have to answer.)


Things we've found to be thankful for:
1. The old TV probably would have exploded from the impact.
2. It wasn't one of the kids who broke it. "Um...we are keeping your allowance for the next 10 years--as well as your first 4 paychecks!"
2. It wasn't FIL or a friend. Can you imagine---"Um...sorry I broke your expensive TV. Can I buy you lunch?"
4. We paid cash. Can you imagine having to make payments on a broken TV?
5. John has truly been forgiving and has not said a single harsh word---or allowed anyone else to make one. "What is more important: Mommy or the TV?"

BTW...we have a new rule. If anyone is seen using the Wii without the wrist strap, they are banned for a week!! And John found some TV Armor for the next TV.