How are you?

“How are you?” he asked.
How much time you got? I mean, I could easily provide a lengthy, challenging, and emotionally charged response, right?
After a brief moment of contemplation and equally quick dismissal, I said,
“I am well. Thanks for asking.
I’m here. I’m not wearing a mask.
I’m outside. It’s not raining.
I’ve got a cold beer. I’m going to hang out with my friends.
I get to hear some live music.”
I paused and leaned conspiratorially into the socially respectful space between us.
“I might even hug someone.”

That was my Saturday night.
The first of its kind since probably October of 2019.
I sat outside in the warm, humid, summer air, drank a cold beer from a sweating bottle, chatted with folks I haven’t visited with in much too long, and listened to some kick-ass live music from members of Hello Dave.

And then, as I was leaving and we were all being grateful for this opportunity, thanking the hosts and the band members, I…hugged someone.

This private event was sponsored by a generous couple in support of The Farm Way, a safe haven for horses and other animals in need.

Posted on The Farm Way Horses Helping Us web page, “From the moment we attempt to join with the horse, we get immediate, honest and observable feedback. Horses do not over think a person’s motives. They simply mirror the behavior given and this often spurs the answers needed to influence personal self-discovery.”