LEAN ON ME

Last night I couldn't seem to fall asleep so I tried counting donkeys but that just made me think about donkeys.  Hence, this posting, composed at about 2 am this morning and editted this afternoon.
Late  Saturday afternoon, after most of the refuge visitors had headed home, I wandered up to the special needs herd paddock. I leaned on the fence, content to just watch the donkeys as they basked in the early evening sun. It was so peaceful.
I had become lost in the tranquility of it all when I was joined by sweet LadyBug who had ever so cautiously wandered over to the fence. After some pats and ear rubs over the fence, and having completely lost track of time, I went into the paddock to be closer to her. LadyBug needs a very gentle approach as she was a roping donkey and is subsequently very head shy.
After several minutes, or was it an hour, one of the other volunteers joined us and we began to chat. Suddenly I realized that I was leaning on LadyBug with my arm draped over her neck, and she was leaning on me.
Kay, Lydia and I giggled as I leaned farther into LadyBug, then leaned the other way. She rocked gently from side to side as we alternately held each up and kept each other from tipping over.
How "human" was that - to lean on one another without even realizing it, swaying back and forth until one or the other leans a little too hard one way or the other and in that moment the relationship is changed.
As it was, I actually wondered how far I could lean into her before she moved - resulting in an unceremonious lip stand for me.  I doubt she had the same thought.
Donkeys, when I pay attention, teach me how to be a good human. The lesson in this gentle embrace was subtle but powerful none the less. Lean on me but not too much or I may tip over taking you with me. Let me lean on you but not too much or I may lean too far and you won't be able to hold me up. If there is a time when you need to lean on me a little more than usual, give me a heads up so I know that you need extra support. Otherwise I might think you are trying to tip me over.  If we both take great care, that ever changing point where the angle of lean supports us both at the same time can be achieved and the relationship will last forever.  And always remember the importance of hugs.
Go ahead and Lean On Me.