"Our son, Sol, was four weeks old when his care was transferred to Bear Cottage, the children's hospice for NSW. It was scary and felt bittersweet, but this quickly turned into a heart-warming and cherished experience. 

The moment we arrived at Bear Cottage it was like being wrapped in a big warm hug. Bear Cottage is a kid’s paradise with all the added 'homey' comforts. The staff went over and above to make us feel cared for and supported, while also giving us the space and privacy we needed.

Sol was born with a complex and life-limiting condition and spent the beginning of his life in the neonatal intensive care unit. It was a very difficult few weeks, especially because he wasn't able to meet any of our family or friends, but the moment we reached Bear Cottage, that all changed.

At Bear Cottage, it felt like we could leave our worries at the door and focus on making the memories we wanted with Sol.

From the nourishing home cooked meals, casual chats with staff, art therapy, doggo cuddles and even a reflexology treatment, the level of support was overwhelming. It was clear that everyone wanted to make our time at Bear Cottage as positive and memorable as possible.

Taking Sol to Bear Cottage also meant we could, in a way, bring him “home” - the exciting moment you dream about being a first-time parent.

Being at Bear Cottage allowed us to have our huge families around all day, every day - they even hosted a family event for Sol in their picturesque gardens. This was hugely important to us and meant Sol could get to know his cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents.

As locals to the area, Bear Cottage felt familiar and safe for us. We were able to take Sol down to the beach for the first time, out for bush walks and even on a tour of the St Patrick’s college building. We'll always be reminded of Sol when we walk through those grounds.

We’re forever grateful for the space that was held for our family at Bear Cottage and the tender guidance we received at every difficult stage.

We never really knew about Bear Cottage and what they did before our experience, but we’re so grateful for who they are and what they do. They helped to be a guiding light through some of our darkest days. Our family will treasure the memories made at Bear Cottage for the rest of our lives."
 

In loving memory of Sol Mackenzie Tesseyman, forever the warmth of the sun on our skin.

Written by Sol's parents, Nina and Pete.

October 8 is World Hospice and Palliative Care Day – a day that celebrates the support hospices like Bear Cottage provide to children and families during their time of need.