Pubdate: Wed, 19 May 2010
Source: Ottawa Citizen (CN ON)
Copyright: 2010 The Ottawa Citizen
Contact: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/326
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/rehab.htm (Treatment)

SPEAKING OUT

It is a rare parent who can make it all the way through a reading of 
Robert Munsch's touching classic, Love You Forever, without choking 
up. Munsch, whose manic and zany children's books are beloved 
Canadian classics, makes writing look easy. But he did something very 
difficult recently, and for that he should be congratulated.

Munsch, 64, confessed during a television interview that he has 
abused cocaine and alcohol, something he associates with his bipolar 
disorder. Munsch, who is treated as a kind of pop star by the 
picture-book set, particularly because of his wild readings, says his 
sad personal life has long contrasted with his public persona. He 
said he has been helped recently by both Narcotics Anonymous and 
Alcoholics Anonymous.

The reaction, as he heads on a Western Canadian tour, has been 
overwhelmingly supportive. This is not surprising. Every time a 
public person speaks out about mental health and addictions the way 
Munsch did, it makes it easier for others to talk about similar 
issues, to realize they are not alone, and to seek help. When no one 
talks about it, people tend to suffer in silence.

Some may see Munsch's failings as fatally at odds with his role as a 
children's author. But the message that none of us is perfect and 
life does not always go smoothly is as important as the depiction of 
unconditional love in Love You Forever.

Another public figure, Toronto Maple Leafs general manager Brian 
Burke, also spoke publicly about a difficult subject this week. 
Burke, whose son Brendan was killed in a car accident in February, 
called for an end to homophobia in schools. Burke has taken on the 
cause as a tribute to his son, who was gay. Coming from the macho and 
sometimes homophobic world of hockey, his words should resonate with 
many, and may help change the climate of bullying that still afflicts 
many young gays and lesbians. Speaking publicly about a personal 
tragedy can be difficult, but the rewards of doing so are great.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom