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“Sometimes in our lives we all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there’s always tomorrow”

There are few people that don’t recognize the lyrics to Lean on Me, a hit song written and performed by Bill Withers in his 1972 album Still Bill. In fact, I’m sure the majority of you are humming it already and will soon be swearing at me for not being able to get it out of your heads. This song came to my mind the other day while downloading a few photos taken of my old man Al and his best bud Zip standing out in the pasture and its been stuck in my head ever since.

“Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend,
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on”

I was unaware at the time I took the photo of how closely the two were standing, being just as focused on what they were watching as they were. By chance, I caught a tender moment between two horses. Like two friends that stop to enjoy a scenic view, their guard let down and in their horse style, Al placed an arm around the shoulder of the youngster (leaned a hip against Zippy) as if to say, “look there, this moment is truly special.”

Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
For no one can fill
Those of your needs
that you won’t let show

We all need to lean on our friends on occasion, whether it is for moral support, companionship, sharing the good times and the bad, and sharing the laughter and tears that only friends can understand. Admitting we need help is not always easy; admitting we enjoy each other’s presence can even sometimes come begrudgingly – a sign of weakness some claim. But when your guard is let down, even for just an instant, the pleasure of the moment shared can last a lifetime.

So just call on me brother when you need a hand
We all need somebody to lean on
I just might have a problem that you’ll understand
We all need somebody to lean on

I have watched throughout the winter as Al has stepped deeper into the Grandfather role in his life, patiently teaching Harley the ropes on the Faught farm. He seems to enjoy this phase of his life and as boss of the herd treats the other horses with respect while still keeping them in line. I look at the times I have shared with my horses, all so giving in love and trust – the special close moments and laughter that even though in different languages, understood well and fully. We all could learn from watching our animals.

Lean on me, when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend,
I’ll help you carry on
For, it won’t be long
Til I’m gonna need somebody to lean on

Asking for help is a sign of strength. Giving help is an even greater power. Sharing the burden and sharing the joy go hand in hand – family and friends and even strangers. My father shamelessly reached out and just as we strengthened the bond of father and daughter, we are now rejoicing in his remission. Thanks to the wonders of modern technology and my Twitter account, a man from Hungary, basically the other side of the world, saw my posts on my past cancer experience and then reached out for support on how to survive his battle with Stage IV Hodgkins Lymphoma. And through helping him, he in turn helps me to fulfill my dream of helping others undergoing chemotherapy and realize just how lucky I am to still be here today.

Lean on me. Spread the joy and wealth of happiness and the never ending circle of giving.

If there is a load you have to bear
That you can’t carry
I’m right up the road
I’ll share your load
If you just call me

Lean on me when you’re not strong
And I’ll be your friend
I’ll help you carry on
For it won’t be long
Till I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on