I had to promise Maria that I would behave while she went to belly dancing class, although I’m not sure what that means. She said it means I should be healthy when she comes home. I promised.

We got up around dawn and headed to my primary care nurse Amy Eldridge, who was ready with her nursing staff and us.

I was examined from every perspective – physically, heart, diabetes,  blood is drawn, blood pressure, imaging.

I went to a Saratoga Hospital facility North of Albany for blood to be drawn and to ultrasound a painful swelling on my leg.

Amy went over what she thought was happening, I’ll be talking with her again soon.

I won’t get most results until today or even Monday, so I’ll write about the day later this afternoon; I got a few lovely photos from it.

When we got back, I felt the call of the donkeys; they were both staring at me with their soulful eyes and calling me to visit.

It was amazing to see the powerful health care machine assembled around me move when they decided to move.

Whatever is happening to me, I will know what it is soon and how to deal with it. I already know there are some surprises already.

But when I get home, I was drawn not to rest but to donkeys, and they were ready for me.

Donkeys know; they just too.

They smell and sense emotions and read me instantly, thoroughly, and accurately. I went into the pasture, and they both came up to bump and cuddle me, even the excellent and standoffish Lulu. They speak silently, but if you know them, powerfully.

I leaned over and  kissed them both, and they stood happily for it. They don’t always allow it.

Then I rubbed the inside of their ears, full of scab marks from insect bites they can’t reach or scratch. They moon happily; it’s their favorite thing, especially in the summer, when the bugs are relentless.

When you rub their ears, their lower lips quiver in pleasure.

It was a beautiful, healing, touching, and sweet time.

I needed it and I loved it as much as they did; it was just what I needed. I love those donkeys, we have been through a lot of life together for 15 years, and they know me as no living creature, but Maria knows me.

My connection with the donkeys is emotional. We talk to each other, we understand each other, we trust each other (and donkeys don’t give it away.) They just knew what I was feeling.

What great medicine.

We think of treatment so narrowly; animals have healed me from the beginning of my hero journey, especially dogs and donkeys. I can’t write enough about how Zinnia has helped me this week (but I will …:).