According to Barb App, there is always a bit of room for fun. Throughout her life, she has entered each new experience with this mindset, no matter how challenging it may be.
For the last six years, Barb has been a Dependency and Neglect CASA Volunteer. Before that, she was an 11th Hour Volunteer at Hospice, a grief counselor, a counselor at a day camp for children with special needs, and a psychotherapist focused on dream interpretation. Within each experience, Barb has found meaning, joy, and truth.
“The various populations I have worked with have broadened my perspective and my compassion,” said Barb. “Not only that, but they have given me as much as I have given them – maybe more.”
All three of Barb’s CASA cases have involved children between the ages of three and five years old.
“I am emotionally and mentally that age,” said Barb with a grin. “We have a great time together. We laugh and play and imagine. They are real. What comes out of their mouths is real.”
As a result, Barb easily became privy to the hopes and dreams of her CASA children. Whether it was through playing or imaginative storytelling, she grew to understand them. With this, Barb was able to introduce new ideas of what could be true, instilling hope and happiness within each of them.
“My first case involved a four-year-old boy,” said Barb. “In the car, he would repeatedly tell stories about superheroes and fighting. In these scenarios, he would describe his mom and dad coming down with swords to fight for him and protect him,” she explained. “He asked if I would do that for him. I said, ‘I won’t fight anyone, but I will grab you and take you away to safety.’ I could see in his face that he hadn’t thought of that as an option before.”
In Barb’s current case, a five-year-old girl has spent a significant period of her life in the hospital. On days that feel bleak and lackluster, Barb helps the little girl to see what is still real beyond those hospital walls.
“When she is in the ICU, I bring toys, games, and laughter. During a recent visit, I brought colorful fake snakes. We laid them on her head and exclaimed to the nurses that there were snakes in her hair!” said Barb. “Everything is better if you’re laughing with it.”
After Barb signed up to be a CASA Volunteer, she said she never looked back.
“This is an equal exchange,” said Barb. “You are getting back as much as you are giving. You are not doing anyone any favors. Also, you get to be a fool with the kids!” she laughed.
As Barb continues her journey, she not only finds opportunities for fun, but she finds growth and perspective from those she is having fun with.
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