Hey Everyone,
Starting today, every Friday we are going to post an interesting mini-biography of someone famous who has learned to overcome the struggles with disabilities that life has thrown at them to make their lives a success. Hopefully, this will inspire others to not give up in the face of challenge and conflict, but to push through and be the best you can be.
Our first success story is someone who, if you were born here in Canada at least, has impacted all our lives even though his tale of struggle and endurance is often overshadowed by the wonderful tales he likes to tell.
Robert Munsch was born June 11, 1945 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, although when he became an adult he gave up his American Citizenship to become a Canadian Citizen. He now lives in Guelph, ON. Robert has suffered from dyslexia as well as bi-polar disorder and substance abuse. The beloved children's author struggled to get through grade school, and by the time he was completed had skill not mastered the ability to spell or do simple mental math.
Even though Robert struggled academically, he was always creative with his words and stories. He constantly wrote poetry throughout his education, although it was done as a personal outlet which he never thought much about.
After further education and a period studying to be a Jesuit priest, Robert began to work at an orphanage, and then moved onto a day care. It was here that Robert discovered the trick to nap time. Exciting and engaging stories. Robert began making up many stories, although he never really wrote any down or made an attempt to sell them. They were merely for the amusement of the children in the room.
Eventually, Robert was persuaded to turn one of his stories into a book, which soon became Mud Puddle. Mud Puddle sold 3000 copies in its first year. This initial success paved the road for Robert to go on to publish 54 books over time, and LOVE YOU FOREVER has become the number one children's book in North America with over 18,000,000 copies sold.
But Robert's road was not always one paved with butterflies and sunshine. Struggling to overcome his Learning Disability throughout school was a challenge, and later when he discovered his manic-depressive tendencies the path ahead of him seemed dark.
The book Purple, Green and Yellow tells the story of a little girl who draws on herself with "super-indelible-never-come-off-till-you're-dead-and-maybe-even-later colouring markers". When the mother washes her, she is horrified to discover that she is now invisible. The little girl solves this problem by colouring herself back in. Robert Munsch has expressed that this book is his portrayal of what it is like to live with depression. The feeling of losing yourself, but having to paint the picture of perfection to present to the world. Depression is a very challenging time, where even with proper support one feels alone and helpless.
To cope with his later diagnosed bi-polar disorder, Robert developed a severe addiction to substances such as alcohol and cocaine. This took him down a increasingly darker path until Robert was able to get the help he needed in the form of therapy and antidepressants.
Eventually Robert overcame the demons and began to enjoy life again. The treatment opened his eyes to how life can be without depression weighing him down. He is still writing new books, and loves interacting with the children he meets along his travels. Now Robert is an advocate for speaking out against the stigmatization of mental illness.
Robert worked hard to overcome the challenges presented by his chemical imbalance, and with his success he has inspired children all over the world with his stories. Robert Munsch is a true Canadian success story of how determination and a passion for life can pull you through any obstacle.
