When It Gets Too Munsch

When It Gets Too Munsch

News spread across the world recently that beloved Canadian children's author Robert Munsch, 80, has made the profoundly difficult decision to access Medical Assistance in Dying (MAiD) as his health continues to decline.

Munsch, whose stories have enchanted generations, announced in 2021 that he was stepping away from writing after being diagnosed with both Parkinson's disease and dementia. At the time, he spoke openly about how his imagination had always been his greatest gift and feared losing it more than anything else. In light of the recent renewed media attention, Munsch's daughter posted a heartfelt message on her father's Facebook page, reassuring fans that her father is still doing well and clarifying that his decision to pursue MAID was made several years ago.

Even so, the announcement has reignited national and global conversations around life, death, dignity, and the choices we make at the end of our lives.

Understanding M.A.i.D. in Canada

Dying With Dignity Canada

Medical Assistance in Dying was legalized in Canada in June 2016 after years of debate, advocacy, and court challenges. While the law created an option for Canadians facing unbearable suffering, it also opened the door to ongoing moral, ethical, and cultural conversations about autonomy, compassion, and the value of life.

Despite being legal for nearly a decade, MAiD remains widely debated and, in some circles, stigmatized. Misinformation continues to circulate, leaving many with incomplete or misleading understandings of what the process actually entails.

To qualify for MAiD in Canada, individuals must meet strict criteria:

• Be at least 18 years of age.

• Be mentally capable of making healthcare decisions at the time of the request.

• Provide informed consent after being fully informed of alternatives.

• Make the request voluntarily, free from pressure or external influence.

• Be eligible for provincial health services in their area.

• Have a grievous and irremediable medical condition, defined as:

• A serious and incurable illness, disease, or disability.

• An advanced state of irreversible decline in capability.

• Enduring physical or psychological suffering that is intolerable and cannot be relieved under acceptable conditions.

These safeguards are in place to ensure the decision is thoughtful, informed, and deeply personal.

For more information, facts and updates always refer to Dying with Dignity Canada.

Canada is not alone in offering this option. Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Belgium were among the first countries to legalize assisted dying, decades before Canada followed suit. Australia legalized MAID in 2021, and several U.S. states allow similar practices under the term "physician-assisted dying." Most recently, in the summer of 2025, the United Kingdom began passing legislation to decriminalize assisted dying after years of heated debate.

As more nations adopt these laws, a global shift is taking place: societies are beginning to recognize that quality of life and dignity at the end of life can be just as important as extending life at all costs. It is also important for end of life planning to discuss different options including legacy planning, planning your life journey can be a very rewarding experience.

The Legacy of Robert Munsch

Robert Munsch is more than a bestselling author—he is a cultural icon. His first book, Mud Puddle, was published in 1979, and from there, he went on to release more than 75 titles over the course of four decades. His books have sold millions of copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple languages, ensuring that his stories touch children far beyond Canada's borders.

Classics like Love You Forever, The Paper Bag Princess, Alligator Baby, Stephanie's Ponytail, and Mortimer became childhood staples, passed from one generation to the next. His stories were silly, whimsical, and heartfelt, often blending humour with unexpected lessons about love, independence, resilience, and self-worth.

For many parents, Love You Forever became a gift almost as essential as baby blankets and onesies. For countless children, The Paper Bag Princess was their first introduction to a heroine who was smart, strong, and utterly uninterested in waiting for a prince to rescue her.

Robert Munsch Day has been celebrated in classrooms across the country for years. I remember dressing up as my favourite Munsch characters in primary school, and decades later, I watched my son celebrate the same tradition—proof of the timelessness of his imagination.

Munsch once reflected on his diagnoses by saying his stories would "probably be the last to go." His words, woven into the lives of children and parents everywhere, have already created a legacy that will outlast him by centuries. Planning your legacy, does not have mean being a famous writing. Simply using a life journey app, such as EXIT Life Ready app, could do the trick.

Conversations About Death, Dying, and Dignity

At E.X.I.T. Life Ready, our mission has always been to open up space for difficult but necessary conversations. Legacy and end of life planning are at the heart of what we do. Too often, discussions about death are avoided until it is too late, leaving individuals and families unprepared, overwhelmed, and struggling with decisions in moments of crisis. An app that supports a holistic approach, Legal, Health and Legacy.

Robert Munsch's openness about MAiD highlights why these conversations matter. Talking about death does not hasten it, but it does make it less frightening. It allows people to express their values, clarify their wishes, and ensure that their final chapter aligns with their sense of dignity and meaning.

Terminal illness and suffering force us to confront questions of control and compassion. Clinging to hope is natural, but there comes a time when acceptance may bring more peace than resistance. For some, MAiD represents a way to end not life itself, but the suffering that overshadows it.

Munsch's announcement has sparked another round of dialogue in Canada and beyond. What does it mean to suffer? When is it compassionate to let go? Who gets to decide when enough is enough? These are not easy questions, but they are necessary ones.

Legacy Beyond the Stories

Legacy is more than the books we write, work, or possessions we leave behind. Legacy is how we are remembered, how our choices impact those around us, and the way our values continue to ripple through future generations. Legacy planning should not be optional, therefore, a legacy planning app is a must.

At E.X.I.T., we believe legacy is not something given—it is something built, intentionally and personally. We exist to help people shape, preserve, and share their legacies on their own terms. From planning and securing vital documents to recording memories, wishes, and values, we aim to ensure that every individual's story is told in their own voice.

Robert Munsch's legacy is undeniable. He has sold millions of books, inspired teachers, entertained families, and encouraged children to laugh, dream, and think differently. But now, his legacy expands beyond storytelling. By being open about his choice to pursue MAiD, he has added his voice to one of our time's most challenging and essential conversations.

Just as he once challenged us to reimagine fairy tales and family bonds, he now challenges us to rethink death—not as something to fear in silence, but as something that can be faced with honesty, courage, and dignity.

Avid reader, daughter, mom, wife, blog writer, and a true believer.

Brea Wirta