Joanne C. Care Companion in Kansas City, MO 64110

This is my first time applying for a position like this, so I have no formal experience to submit as this time. While I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Bloomsburg in Bloomsburg, PA., it's not something I think about a lot. It is not what has motivated me to apply. It has it's place, of course, but companionship caring is so much more than coursework or head knowledge.

I've been thinking a lot lately about how everyone who meets me tells me that I need to be in the field of caring for others because of my deep empathetic and nurturing qualities. My life has been filled with others who come to talk to me and receive back "a little bread for the journey."

Sometimes, this is just with someone who needs a visit, good conversation and to be "sat with," to give their regular giver a much needed break. To them, I apply as that good conversationalist, all around good person, and fun and good humored companion they would feel comfortable leaving a loved one with.

And I suppose this may also appeal to those who may just not be feeling up to snuff, and just need a friendly ear to download to once in a while. To them, I also submit my application.

And finally, I submit my application to those who suffer...

You know, we speak so fluently of difficult experiences, of events, of happenings, using vocabularies punctuated by time and by place, trying to muscle our way through the whats, the wheres and the hows. Yet we often don't give real attention to, nor have the words to describe, or sometimes even can admit, what's really happening...we are suffering.

Suffering and making a way for it to be described, noted, honored, accepted is a vocabulary we are not taught in a society that thrives on production, achievement, advancement and materialism.

Healing from suffering happens as a journey. It happens over cups of coffee and heartfelt conversation; in books read, art and music; in forcing ourselves to get beyond our four walls and take little ventures to a park; in placing a new reverence for taking care of the sanctuaries we have in our body and our home, especially if they have been violated. And so much more than can ever be listed.

How to describe suffering, honor it, accept it as where we currently are and then begin to make the humble journey through it...well, if this strikes a chord with you or someone for whom you are seeking a companion, not a psych counselor, but a caring companion, then I may be your person.