Julie Jennings has dedicated her life to giving support, smiles and colour to families living through losing a loved one, especially at Bear Cottage Manly.
‘Do you feel like you’re a hero?’ Mosman local Julie Jennings takes her time to answer this question, after receiving the Bear Cottage ‘Superhero Award’ for her dedication, care and service to children with a life-limiting or terminal illness. Julie, 68, says she still feels a bit ‘overwhelmed’ when she received the award during the annual Bear Cottage Superhero Week Party. The not-for-profit organisation supports and provides end-of-life care to children and their families in New South Wales.
“It’s a great honour to receive this award,” Julie says. “My husband is very proud of me, as is our daughter. They said it was well deserved. I’m not sure, but they seem to think I do a great job, so that’s good”, she says with a giggle.
Julie, who has a background as a nuclear medicine technologist, has dedicated her time for the last eight years as a volunteer in the Bear Cottage in Manly, the only children’s hospice in NSW.
“I was volunteering elsewhere, in an organisation called The Compassionate Friends, and I was looking for somewhere new to go. I love working with children and families, and the Bear Cottage seemed like a good place as I knew someone who worked there.
“(In the Cottage) I do whatever I am asked. I interact with the children and do some housekeeping and administration work. And I love doing face painting,” she laughs softly.
Although she doesn’t recognise herself as a ‘hero’, Julie knows working at the Cottage is not for everybody and takes significant emotional strength, compassion, and love for others.
“You have to be a certain type of person. One of the most challenging things is when a child is at the end of their life. The parents know their child is dying, and they feel helpless, and I feel helpless, too. But I’ve learned over the years that one of the things I can do is sit with these families and be with them in those moments. But it’s rewarding to feel that you are helping someone else in their hour of need,” Julie says.
The experience as a volunteer, especially at the hospice, has allowed Julie to develop new skills, connect with people, and heal. In 2005, Julie lost her youngest son, Martin, who was 20, in an accident.
“I’m still processing. It was horrific. And three or four years after Martin died, I decided to start helping others in the same situation. I remember telling one of the Bear Cottage parents that I understood what she was going through, and she said, ‘No, you don’t. So, I told her about Martin. And then, she said, ‘So, you’re still alive?’ and I said, ‘yes’. You do live on; it’s just a different life,” Julie explains.
“You learn to live with the loss. A lady told me that when you have a loss, it’s the size of a stone, and over time, it will shrink to a pebble. It will always be in your pocket, and you will carry it. And at times, it’ll grow and speak; other times, it’ll stay small.
“Being in the Cottage helped me to overcome my pain. It is a very supportive place. Most people there don’t know about our son, and I’m just honoured that I can help others on their journey.”
To Julie, part of the healing also comes from spending time in nature surrounded by colours. The more vibrant, the better.
“I knit colourful items, blankets and bags, and I give them to the children to pass on. Having time for yourself is important if you have a difficult day at the Cottage. To take time, sit with a cup of tea and enjoy nature,”, says Julie.
“Volunteering has enriched my life and broadened my horizon. I have learned about human nature and the law. And now that I’m retired, it keeps me connected to other people. This is an excellent way to support people in need.”
Bear Cottage relies on donations to support all families caring for a child with a life-limiting or terminal illness. To support Bear Cottage, visit bearcottage.schn.health.nsw.gov.au.
