Farmers

Tucked away on a working farm in rural Ontario, Three Oaks Cabin stands as a tribute to a son who was both a farmer and a volunteer firefighter – a young man who lost his life to suicide. His family, carrying unspeakable grief, chose to create something life-affirming in his memory: a place where others on the edge could come to rest, reflect, and feel less alone.

When I visited, the mother – quietly carrying the weight of loss and love – was between guests. The farm was in its busiest season, yet she found time to meet with me. She was exhausted, mid-laundry, preparing for the next arrival. The cabin had just hosted six firefighters the day before. Another group was due the next day. Despite how full her plate was, she greeted me with kindness and strength.

Three Oaks operates entirely on donations, and yet it’s booked far in advance. That alone speaks to the depth of need. It isn’t only farmers who come here – it’s rural volunteer firefighters too, often without access to the mental health support available to their full-time counterparts.