By: Georgi DeMartino | Opinion Editor
You probably tried to play with a Ouija board when you were a child, or maybe you played “Bloody Mary” in the elementary school bathroom, but paranormal activities have been a part of our culture for centuries.
Everyone’s seen at least one episode of the Long Island Medium on TLC, and had some kind of opinion about it. It’s always frustrated me that people are so close-minded sometimes, and I thought this could be a good way to discuss it.
This week, my mother attended a group reading with our neighbors, and while some of the readings that came through sounded sort of silly, my mom came back a total believer.
My father, on the other hand, is probably the biggest disbeliever there is. Being from Long Island, I sometimes get aggravated and wish I could drive over Hicksville, and bring Mrs. Caputo back to my house just prove how real it is, but that would be illegal, so I can’t.
Anyway, the way I see it is that there is no harm in this, and skeptics should just chill out for a second. I’m not sure what reasons other people have against it, but I know my dad’s, and that’s just about everything a person can think of.
“They’re just good guessers” – so what? Let them make money off the educated guess they just made about that old jewelry that belonged to your grandmother that you still keep in the drawer of your nightstand. Anyone could have guessed that anyway.
“I’m a Christian, I don’t need someone to validate an afterlife” – In various episodes Caputo has the spirit that comes through validate that they are at peace and with God by showing her a white dove. As a Christian, wouldn’t that strengthen your faith?
Besides that, Caputo is a practicing Catholic, who believes in God and attends mass every Sunday. I think if anyone would lose faith, it would be someone who has access to the other side, and here she is with a stronger faith than many of the practicing Catholics I know.
Caputo did an interview with the Hartford Courant in June 2012, where they discussed her family life since the show began airing, what her goals were when the show launched, and finally – what she says to her skeptics.
“I completely understand and respect all people that are skeptical. I just like to use the term ‘not understanding in what I do.’ How can I expect everyone else to understand it when even I don’t understand it half the time?”
If, at the end of the day, you still REALLY don’t believe in it, it isn’t hurting you. If anything, it’s only helping to lighten the grief of others by feeling that they can connect with their departed loved ones.
With all the heartache in the world, people like Theresa Caputo should be admired, not admonished. By helping one person with her gift, she is giving them relief that no amount of money could ever secure. So if you’re a naysayer, that’s okay, but also try to think about the good things that can come from these peoples’ abilities.
Not to mention this awesome quote from the Courant Q and A with Caputo herself:
“People have sent letters and e-mails expressing that they look at life so differently, or aren’t afraid to die, or their children had a fear of death but now they’re not afraid, or they have their faith back, or decided to reach out to family members.”
If you take a moment to look at all of the positives that come from this gift, the doubts almost pale in comparison. Just recognize all the people who Caputo has helped, and maybe then it won’t seem so absurd.
http://articles.courant.com/2012-06-26/entertainment/hc-theresa-caputo-0627-20120626_1_spiritual-medium-cameras-gift
