Marcia's Law – Let It Be

Marcia’s Law – Let It Be

By
Marcia Prichason

“Let it be, let it be,
Let it be, let it be,
Whisper words of wisdom,
Let it be…”
-The Beatles

Last weekend, I participated in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. The Avon Walk is a 2-day, 39.2 mile walk through the city of Chicago designed to raise money for breast cancer research. From the beautiful lakefront to the seamy west side, walkers who have raised $1,800 earn the privilege to traverse the city streets along a proscribed route, stop at designated rest stops for refreshments and porta-pottie breaks, enjoy the scenery, meet new friends, and talk, laugh, and cry together. It is a wonderful world in which 2,500 women and men come together in a common cause to help raise awareness and bring an end to a devastating disease.

At the Avon Walk, as in life, some seem to sail along smoothly. Others need help with their journey; that’s where I come in. My friend Karen and I, part of a “sweep team,” pick up walkers along the route and move them from one stop to another. With four years of experience, we are now a well oiled machine. She does the driving and navigating. I help the walkers. I spot walkers in trouble, get them in the van, and provide comfort until we get them to the next rest stop. Sometimes, we get a call to pick up stranded walkers along the route and, on Saturday, that’s what happened when a group of young walkers who had stopped for coffee fell way behind.

We’re pretty easy to spot in our 11 passenger van. The glittery pink bras on the side and the banners indicating our support for the walkers are a sure give-away. So, when we pulled up to the curb, they were waving and cheering. I hopped out of the van (well, clambered is a more accurate description), and began treating them to our “Sweep Fairy and Princess” hospitality. I make a pretty impressive statement in my pink tu-tu, cape, and bejeweled foam crown, and, making jokes about their choices in coffee (and where was ours by the way?), I had them laughing. The conviviality continued as we rode along.

Everyone was comfortable as we drove down Halsted Street. People were talking and laughing quietly and contentedly. Then, three men stepped outside a bar and waved their support as we drove by, and everything changed. One of the young women from the back passenger seat made a loud and derogatory remark about “the gays.” The van went silent. It was as if someone had stuck a pin in the side of the van and let the air out. I sat there, holding my breath, staring at my friend who didn’t even dare look at me as she drove.

Finally, we reached our destination, and I began helping people out of the van. Step stool in place, steadying each one as they descended, words of encouragement; I followed my usual routine. Even when the back seat passengers exited, I maintained my composure. Once back in the van, however, Karen went ballistic. She was shocked that I had not made her pull over and kick the girl to the curb. But in that eternity of a few seconds when we collectively held our breath, I chose to put the cause we were there for over dealing with bigotry. As difficult as that was, I seemed to have mustered the wisdom, in those few moments, to just “let it be.”

Sunday began bright and early with pick-ups on street corners and rest stops. When we pulled up to one rest stop, there were six or seven women already waiting for us. But, after only a quick “porta-pottie” run, I returned to find at least fifteen people standing in line for our sweep van to take them forward. Clearly, they could not all fit inside, so I made a quick decision…pregnant lady; in the van. Women with blisters; get inside. People who looked too done in to continue; here’s my arm; find a seat…We pulled away completely full. Only then did I look back and realize that our “coffee” walkers from the day before were still standing there blinking in the bright sunlight.

I let it be. It was very satisfying.

“Let it be, let it be,
Let it be, let it be,
There will be an answer,
Let it be.”

…And I’m just a mom who loves her son…

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Tags: avon walk for breast cancer, cancer, Chicago, marcia prichason, marica's law, the beatles, the qu, the qu presents

Category: The Qu