12 Comments
User's avatar
Shelley Ipad's avatar

I love this story Bob. It reminds me of my Dad who was an electrician. He wired people’s houses and built huge hydro electric dams. One day he was doing some work at our local “Mental” in the Kamloops area where we were living. He was up on a very high ladder and one of the patients was watching him from below. The man suggested that Dad take a slightly different approach to fix the problem. You know Dad said, that’s a very good idea. I might be crazy said the man, but I’m not stupid.

No longer politically correct language, but a powerful statement of the man’s worth.

Expand full comment
Bob Chartier's avatar

Classic story indeed…it’s been quite interesting to see and hear folks comments. I appreciate your thoughts so much and would love to hear more from other readers.

Expand full comment
Meredith Campbell-Jess's avatar

You have such a gift, Bob. The way you can bring a story to life through your words...wow.

I always enjoy what you share. Look forward to the next one.

Expand full comment
Lmfca's avatar

I believe you have nailed it.

Let's shut it down so these people can live in the community.

Oh, and those services we said we would provide in the community? Have patience, we will get around to it.

Awfully hard to find meaning in your life when the cardboard box has to be found again every night.

Expand full comment
Bob Chartier's avatar

Thank you for the feedback and your thoughts. It was a big promise that never got past just being a promise

Expand full comment
William Irwin's avatar

Wonderful story again, Bob. I grew up south of Weyburn which as you might know, also had a very large mental hospital that performed many extreme therapies. Even though we lived 15 miles south, one night a man left the facility and walked all the way down to our farm. My mother heard a noise about 2:00am and when she walked into the kitchen, she was startled to find this man sitting at our kitchen table. Harmless but still very unsettling for us, my father drove him back without incident. And, our facility was dismantled and the patients left to scatter to no one’s advantage.

Expand full comment
kevin procyshen's avatar

I enjoy reading your stories Bob. Thanks !

Expand full comment
Bob Chartier's avatar

And I appreciate your reading and feedback on the stories Thank you

Expand full comment
Erica's avatar

Wow. Thank you so much, Bob. May your story inspire all of us to find ways to beautify the stories that shape around us.

Expand full comment
Bob Chartier's avatar

Thank you Erica. I love how you bring the focus to the storytelling rather than just an opinion.As I age I find my thoughts drawn more to story and less to polemic. I appreciate your taking the time…

Expand full comment
Erica's avatar

I have to tell you that my roommates and I have watched a number of Korean dramas because the storytelling is so good. Many of them mimic western types of movies, but some are real gems. We watch them on viki.com. If you need a recommendation to start, try the historical series Poong: the Joseon Psychiatrist. There are actually two seasons, each about 16 episodes I think. We loved both of them. (You can purchase a monthly subscription to avoid the ads.)

Expand full comment
Bob Chartier's avatar

Thanks for the tip. I will check it out

Expand full comment