Carol Blake Gerrond column: Something light, something serious
I’ve had some fun lately asking people if they have any “low” television. tastes. That is, any offerings they know aren’t high on I.Q., (the watchers may sneer at them all the way through), but they watch them.
I’m not talking about anything like porn or destructive political or religious rantings, of course, just addictive stuff that one turns off as soon as somebody else comes to see them.
To be fair, I won’t reveal any respondent’s name except mine. I will say all who revealed their secret TV life were adult, and considered sensible and responsible.
So I’ll go first. I just love to watch “Dr. Pimple Popper.” Yes, I even watch Dr. Sandra Lee, dermatologist, while munching on lunch or supper. I’m fascinated by the simply huge cysts in various parts of the body she takes out while the patient replies again and again, “No, you’re not hurting me.” Sometimes she uses an instrument that sort of chisels away excess flesh from a nose grown so huge the patient can’t breathe through it. Another frequent problem is cysts growing on the scalp. Not just one; a whole bunch. Gosh, it must feel good to get rid of them.
Now “My Feet Are Killing Me” – I can’t take that show. Foot surgery makes me shudder. But I do watch Dr. Younan Nowzaradan (better known as “Dr. Now”) on “My 600 lb. Life” take great slabs of excess fat and skin from those he’s already relieved of most of their stomach. The show consists of numerous shots of Dr. Now entering or leaving the consultation room, then graphic depictions of his surgical skills on mountainous bodies. Bariatric surgery I can watch. I do find liposuction a bit icky, though.
Of the people I interviewed, a teacher and a hairdresser shared my enthusiasm for Dr. P. and Dr. N, but three nurses definitely didn’t. I’m sure first-hand knowledge of such procedures kills some of the entertainment factor. However, one nurse can’t stay away from “Ancient Aliens,” and another loves reality court shows. I refuse to even watch the night skies for fear I might see a UFO. I tried watching a court show this afternoon, but it didn’t take. The third nurse reserved judgement on any of her t.v. favorites.
One respondent, a respected teacher, faithfully follows “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.” This drew groans from others who heard this, including me. Yet in the day, I watched the entire trial of O.J. Simpson. And I confess to watching a few hours of the Johnny Depp/Amber Heard train wreck last week. I suspect I had some company on these jaunts into HollyWorld, too.
Like you, I don’t know what draws me to certain painful or scary mental or physical situations I would never want to observe right in front of my eyes. We humans—we’re a case, aren’t we?
The above is just froth. But now I’d like to turn to a life well-lived: that of Josephine Norton Verbout. Jo died this week. More than ninety years ago she was born in Neponset. She grew up in Neponset, attended Neponset schools, and during the dreadful time of World War II, married the love of her life, John (Jack) Verbout of Neponset. Jack’s plane was shot down over France, and Jo lived through the stress of wondering if she’d ever see him again. She did, and they had a long, long marriage.
Jo was mother to five children, all of whom turned out to be talented, solid, successful adults. Not a small feat. They rallied around her in her last months so that she could stay in the home she and Jack had shared for years.
As a farm wife, Jo knew how to cook, preserve, launder, clean—all the jobs that go with a large family and often, extra people at the dinner table. She was always available to help with church, school, or community activities. Jo was known for her smile and pleasant attitude, even though things were no easier for her than for anyone else. She and Jack became pillars of the Neponset community. They were loved; they will always be loved.
I speak of Jo because I see her as a fine representative of what we humans can be. It’s not fame or money or anything showy that forms the solid core of these united states. It’s people like Josephine Norton Verbout.
Rest in peace, Jo and Jack. May we all keep the faith that people like you exist. Your friend, Carol
This article originally appeared on Star Courier: Carol Blake Gerrond column: Something light, something serious
