Being “on” even when you’re feeling “off”
You know, back in 1999 I actually started writing a book about my experiences at The Shopping Channel. I’m at about 30 pages so far, but it’s only been 9 years……
Earlier this month I launched a Sterling Diamonelle Today’s Showstopper with an on-air guest, Lesley Young. She is a jewellery specialist who appears several times a month for different jewellery lines and has done so for probably 10 years or more. I am mentioning this today because I am particularly proud of my friend Lesley after this recent experience I had with her.
As I am walking towards the jewellery set at 11:59pm, after having just finished an electronics show and grabbing a quick swig of my water bottle from on top of the Associate Producer’s desk, Lesley calls to me while looking at me with a somewhat tired, sad look on her face. She has been crying. This is not the normal greeting from Lesley, who is usually smiling with excitement in her voice and chomping at the bit to begin her show. She asks me if I have been reading the papers about “the boys” up north. I had no idea what she was talking about. 30 seconds to air-time, they tell me in my ear. Lesley quickly informs myself and Charlotte, who was modelling the jewellery that hour, that a very close friend of hers lost his 20-year old son in a terrible car accident in cottage country involving 4 young adults in a car that lost control, veered off the road and landed upside down in the water. As a parent, I can’t even imagine the shock. 10 seconds to air-time. I simply said to Lesley that I was terribly sorry and that sometimes work is the best distraction. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1……’you’re up Norm’. “JUST FOR YOU, THE SHOPPING CHANNEL BRINGS YOU TODAY’S SHOWSTOPPER………!!! And away we went, full of excitement and enthusiasm for the Diamonelle simulated diamond necklace, bracelet and earrings deal.
Lesley was informative and energetic for the entire show, even though I could clearly tell that her heart was not in to being “on” today. There have been many moments for all of us on the air when we have had personal tragedy or just angst going on in our lives and being cheerful is not an option we would ordinarily entertain. Les is a pro. And, she’s my friend. The show was a success, and it’s because of her.
Have a great day and make it count…
Regards,
Norm Murray
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Norm, this post brought tears to my eyes. I was watching that night. Having become a Shopping Channel “junkie”, I feel like I’ve gotten to know the hosts and guests pretty well, at least their “on-screen” personas. I watched Lesley and thought that something was wrong.. and wondered if she had been crying. Now it seems I was correct in my observation, and having read your account, I found myself tearing up when I realized the truth of the matter. One of the reasons I keep turning to the Shopping Channel is because everyone seems to be having so much fun. I also watch and respect how difficult it must be to do what you do,(at least it would be for me) and how you all make it seem so easy. Lesley deserves real kudos for working through her pain, and showing us all what a true pro is capable of. Bless you all,
Lesley.. my heart felt condolences go out to you at this time.. to both you and the boys’ families. May time truly heal your hearts.
Kathy
Thank you Norm for writing this. I think it is important to know that behind the scenes anything can be happening in our lives both good and bad. You have been a wonderful friend to Lesley and I am sure that of all the hosts to work with that night she sighed a huge sigh of relief to see you there.
To the families of everyone involved, my prayers go out to you.
Kirsten
I wish to thank Norm for that touching way in which he looked after Lesley, the friend , he has and has had for so many years. I wish to tell Lesley, the young man that was killed in that accident was also a son of our friend, and my husband made it a point to go to the father’s home to give him our sympathy and understanding. I know that the father of the one son that we knew, was touched by the trip into Toronto that my husband made, I also was crying, as he has been a dear friend of ours, and we treasured that friendship for many years. My heart was with you, as you went through that hour on air, like a shining star that you are.
Norm, you are a friend, to many, and I know that Lesley needed you that day, to help her through the tears, that she valiantly held back.
You are both special people, you Norm, and you Lesley, and I knew it was a difficult time for you. I am proud of the strength you both had.
A very Faithful Customer of TSC,
Joy Coppel
I would like to thank Norm and Lesley for allowing this story to be relayed through this TSC Blog. Many of us reading this, are, like myself, very faithful viewers. We get to know ‘our’ hosts, your sense of humour, your personalities… to a certain extent. Lesley’s sadness that night, is something that each one of us can identify with to some degree. To know that you are true work colleagues and supported each other as a team, is a testimony to all of you at the TSC.
The show was a success, and it was because of all of you!
Sylvia