Providence University College and Eden Foundation, the fundraising arm for Eden Health Care Services which provides mental health services to a wide swath of Southern Manitoba, hosted Songs and Stories of Hope Healing and Community Sunday night.

Violinist Albert Bergen accompanied by Darryl Friesen on Violin Sonata No. 1 in G major, Opus 78

The event brought together classical musical performances by Darryl Friesen (piano), Laurelle Jade Froese (mezzo-soprano), Albert Bergen (violin) and Ray Giesbrecht (baritone), with the stories of those who have lived through and are living with mental illness.

Former Winkler resident Norman Siemens, who now lives in Winnipeg and teaches at Red River College, shared his story of attempting to take his life three times and how ultimately it was Eden Health Care Services that put him onto a path of healing.

But before Norman shared his journey back to mental well being, he outlined the circumstances that led to his decision life was no longer worth living.

And with all of those tremendous stresses on his life, Norman began to feel like he was losing control. It was that sense of loss of control that prompted thoughts of suicide.

We also asked Norman to share what he hoped people would get from his story.

Winnipeg born messo-sporano Laurelle Jade Froese performing Hermit Songs, Opus 29