At the onset of the pandemic, when I first returned from Ottawa to weather the storm at my home in Renews, I took long morning walks. I chronicled my experience of stumbling upon a woodcarving in progress here, but what came after was even more serendipitous.
I lost my best friend to suicide more than 25 years ago. Her father was an incredible wood carver.
All this time later, I still treasure several of his creations. He instilled in Mar-Cha a love of working with her hands, and that rubbed off on me.
My appreciation for this particular art form left me feeling that my chance encounter with a puffin, perched on a single word — HOPE — was more than just a happy accident. I don’t believe in divine intervention, but I did feel my connection to Mar-Cha, and my commitment to suicide prevention advocacy, redouble.
Of course, we live in a small place, so I suppose it’s unsurprising that my neighbour quickly identified the artist for me.
But where the tale takes a turn towards the extraordinary is the motive behind the creative force who gifted our landscape with his talents.
It turns out the artist and I are, in fact, acquainted. Bill Guiney is a champion for mental health who regularly fundraises for the Newfoundland chapter of the Canadian Mental Health Association.
Both his daughters experienced suicide attempts, and he is an impassioned advocate for prevention.
The affinity I felt for that sea bird was born from a connection I couldn’t see, but somehow felt. I’ve never met a beautiful woodcarving I haven’t wanted to bring home, and that includes a life-size grizzly bear in my living room — which was a nightmare to install but brings me immeasurable joy.
Of course, I couldn’t wrench the puffin from its earthen stump, which sits beside a small brook — nor would I want to. Another mysterious do-gooder has built a beautiful stone bridge so the carving can be accessed more freely, and kind hands keep the path clear for those who wish to visit.
Instead, I commissioned the artist to create something special that I could see from my window. Something in remembrance of my best friend — and all those who have taken their own lives. A place that honours those of us left behind.
A gorgeous bench now adorns the beach in front of my house. It was carved by the hands that brought me hope in those early days, and it’s suffused with the same spirit that brought me peace.
There’s room enough to sit a spell and remember those we lost — and the joy they brought us while they were here.
Louise Bradley,
president and CEO of the Mental Health Commission of Canada
Editor’s note: today, Sept. 10, is World Suicide Prevention Day.
Know the risk factors and warning signs for suicide: https://cmha.ca/documents/preventing-suicide
How to get help:
If you or someone you know needs immediate mental health help, go to the nearest hospital, call 911, or call your province’s crisis line (see below).
Anywhere in Canada, you can contact:
Kids Help Phone
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1-800-668-6868
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https://kidshelpphone.ca/
Crisis Services Canada
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Phone:1-833-456-4566
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Text: 45645
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Chat: crisisservicescanada.ca
Provincial resources:
Nova Scotia crisis line Halifax:
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902-429-8167
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Toll-free: 1-888-429-8167
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Additional services: www.nshealth.ca/mental-health-addictions http://www.ementalhealth.ca/Nova-Scotia/
New Brunswick crisis line Fredericton:
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450-HELP (4357)
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Toll-free : 1-800-667-5005
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Additional services: https://www.gnb.ca/0055/mental-health-e.asp
Newfoundland and Labrador crisis line St. John’s:
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(709) 737-4668
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Toll-free (888) 737-4668
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Mobile Crisis Response team St. John’s (709) 737-4668 Toll Free: (888) 737-4668
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Additional services: https://www.health.gov.nl.ca/health/mentalhealth/help_now.html
Prince Edward Island crisis line
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1-800-218-2885
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Additional services: https://www.princeedwardisland.ca/en/informatio n/health-pei/mental-health-services
