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.