Companionship
Written by Jane Moore
Merriam-Webster Dictionary provides a definition of a companion as ‘one that accompanies
another.’ The first known use of companionship was in 1548. Just imagine the number of
companions that have accompanied others since that time!
When I first relocated to Sunset Beach NC upon retirement in 2004, I was very pleasantly
surprised to meet my ‘upstairs condo neighbor’ – Barbara DeMore. Barb and I ‘grew’ into
retirement together. We had both enjoyed working and were going through the usual transition of ‘time on our hands.’ We enjoyed things together and learned from each other.
When Barb was diagnosed several years ago with breast cancer, I was deeply concerned for her; she had been through this before, so she knew what to expect. After Barb finished her treatment, she decided that it was time to help others face the diagnosis and treatment of this disease. Barb established the Pink Ladies group and I was happy to be a founding member of this group along with her.
The group has continued to grow and includes individuals dealing with cancer and others who wish to become companions. The group has expanded to ‘partner or companion’ with other groups such as Creative Spirits of St. Brendan Church, Going Beyond the Pink, the Pink Angels, Lumps to Laughter, New Hope Clinic, the Novant Foundation, the Pink Party, and the American Cancer Society.
Friendship in adulthood provides companionship, affection, emotional support, and contributes positively to mental well-being and improved physical health. Following a recent
meeting, Kara Kenan (Going Beyond the Pink) presented a workshop on Gratitude Journaling. I am forever grateful for the presence of these Pink Ladies in my life and hope we continue to enjoy life together in companionship.
Works Cited
“Companionship.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc.,
https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/companionship. Accessed 28 December 2019
(Schulz, Richard (2006) The Encyclopedia of Aging: Fourth Edition, two volume set. Springer
Publishing Co. ISBN 978-0-8261-4844-5.)