In Memory of Bert

In Memory of Bert

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A collective loss. I honour Bert Witvoet for his encouragement both as a writer and editor. He stuck with me when I was very ill with depression. He once took Betsey and me to a sight-seeing tour of the Niagara Peninsula, dropped us off in a drenching downpour at the railing overlooking Niagara Falls, and came back to pick us up . . . eventually. Some honeymoon. Our world is poorer for his absence.

The Importance of Listening
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The Importance of Listening

In her excellent article in CC Nov. 11, 2019, Amy MacLachlan made us painfully aware of the many ways in which professional psychiatric care is failing people struggling with mental illness. It often leaves individual sufferers with no choice but to fend for themselves as best they can, or become overly dependent on the help of friends and loved ones. This situation leaves those close to them feeling overwhelmed and under-equipped. The problem is so severe that we can speak of a mental health crisis.