[Tonchi]

I remember learning how to walk, so I must have been no more than 18 months old. It was in the old Eduardian townhouse in Richmond, Virginia, where my dad's family lived, and they were passing me around between the family members sitting in chairs. Even from the beginning I had to do it my way, and I squirmed out of somebody's arms and headed for the nearby coffee table with one arm out to hold onto it but I didn't make it that far. I did one of those baby-flops with both hands on the floor, which was covered by an ancient Afgan carpet, red with patterns I've always called "popsicle designs". That same carpet is now stored in my guest room and the home that was in our family for 100 years is now sold, so I will probably never give up that carpet.