The Bergsma family of Lambton County is building a cabin in a 50-acre woodlot to serve as a respite for farmers and first responders dealing with stress.
It’s their answer to the suicide of 18-year-old Travis Bergsma who had just finished building a hog barn on the farm he purchased as was moving the first hogs into the facility.
His parents had also just finished building a new barn.
Diane Bergsma said they never noticed that Travis was so stressed. They knew he was feeling stress, but considered it normal and short term related to all that was unfolding then.
Since that travesty in 2020, the family of seven children has continued to ponder what could and should be done to help farmers and first responders experiencing mental health issues and stress.
Travis was a member of the local volunteer fire department.
The cabin they decided to build is called Three Oaks Respite Cabin and will be ready by August.
There will be registered therapists from the National Farmers Health Alliance to tend to those taking advantage of the respite.
“We hope that will prompt them to seek ongoing professional therapy,” Diane said.
There will be a tractor parade Aug. 12 to mark the opening of the cabin.
Information about the project is at threeoakscabin.com .
