Inspiration comes from so many unexpected places.

It was my duty to take some posters to various stores around town promoting our local history center’s upcoming programs. It’s a job I will do as long as I can because of the importance of history in our lives. Walking into a very cool shop, I was enveloped in a song playing over the shop’s speakers.

I had not heard the song for a long time, and its lyrics are so needed by all of us. The name of the song is “Lean on Me.” It was initially recorded and released many years ago, but its theme is so relevant today.

When you need somebody to lean on, call me.

You know, I could end this rendering right now. However, I’d like to pass on where I’ve noted that song’s theme recently.

During a loss of a family member, many friends and family members reached out to me and to others for support. Isn’t that why we’re here on this planet? Yes, I know people can be stinkers, and I expect there are folks who would call me that same name. Times of trial are hard. As a family, we leaned on each other. As friends, we leaned on each other. Goodness knows I’ve leaned on many folks on my pathway, and they helped me to take a breath and look for the light.

On a brighter note, at a recent Halloween Family Fun event put on by the before mentioned local history center, I volunteered to host an activity table. It was my job to welcome the costumed children and to challenge them to a spider race. We had small plastic spiders and the participants were to use a straw to blow the spider across the finish line to win the race. Families came by and not only were the kids having a ball blowing their spiders, but soon the parents were being challenged by their kids.

It was a blast! The kids, parents and bystanders were laughing like crazy about who won each race. It dawned on me that we were all leaning on each other and enjoying the activity.

Many times people have asked me if the wine they are drinking is a good wine. My response is to ask them if they enjoy the beverage. If they answer positively, I respond by saying, “Well then, it’s a good wine.” Lean on any wine you desire. However, don’t forget to call me. I just might like your wine, too!

Where’s all this meandering going? Perhaps it points to the fact that, at sometime or another, we all need someone to lean on.

May you always be there for someone to lean on. And never hesitate to ask if you can lean on someone, too.