Muttley, such a sad and lovely story. Thank you so much for sharing it. Have we crossed paths I wonder? I was a busker in Melbourne for several years back in the 80s. I also have a background in the medical profession and have memories that trigger overwhelming responses.
Actually one of mine includes a bear - speaking of waltzing with them. One morning my friend called me to her home. Her baby had died as the result of SIDS. She was trained in first aid but there had been nothing she could do. While we waited for the ambulance I was sitting, by myself, in the children's room with the baby on my lap. Her two-year-old sister wandered in, looked at us and picked up the baby's Teddy bear from the crib. "My Teddy now!" she said to me. "..... would like that." I said. "Take good care of him".
Joy

Muttley are you still in Melbourne. There's a wonderful festival next weekend just East of there. I could sing "Waltzing with Bears" for you if you'd like to meet me there. Cheers Joy