“Let It Be”
By: Lori Walker
(3 min read)
Nothing takes me from zero to sixty miles per hour faster than a beautiful or upbeat song. When I’m feeling down or I need motivation to get something done, I let the music play! And when I’m searching for an answer, lyrics flash into my mind like a lightning bolt.
Twenty-two years ago, my husband left me for another woman. My son was only six at the time. Emotionally, my son, John, and I had a pretty rough go of it for the first couple of years. But, like his mother, my son also found comfort in music.
Believe it or not, there is an upside to raising a son alone! I got to do the coolest things – watch action movies, WWE Wrestling, hockey, and I was schooled on the top songs of his generation. While he indulged my taste in 80’s metal hair bands, I was introduced to The Foo Fighters, Stone Sour, Blink-182 and Lincoln Park.
We met in the middle when it came to Let It Be by The Beatles. It evolved into our motto.
My father, affectionately nicknamed, ‘The Bear’ became my son’s Hero. Grandpa Bear always knew the right words to say. He was wise, patient and kind – but he did have one warning! “Don’t Poke The Bear!” At 6’2” and the biggest guy on his high school football team, he didn’t get his nickname by accident!
When John entered high school, he and a few of his buddies formed a band. John had taught himself how to play bass and acoustic guitar. It was like pulling teeth to get him to do his math homework, but he mastered learning chords via the internet. Go Figure! The band needed a lead singer. John stepped up, literally and figuratively!
They didn’t get any official gigs, but his friends agreed to play at his graduation party! For the last song, John dedicated Let It Be to his “Pa.”
He sang, “When I find myself in times of trouble, Grandpa Bear, he comes to me!” Most manly men would refuse to admit they were touched by this moment, but I glanced over at my Dad, and he had a single tear in his eye. After the song finished, he walked over to John, shook his hand, and said, “You did good, kid!”
That sentence meant a lot to me. As a little girl, those words were the best I could hear from my father!
I am the youngest of five children. My oldest brother passed away eight years ago. I have a big sister, another brother, and a middle sister. I’m also blessed with six nieces, two nephews, eight great-nieces and seven-great nephews.
When we get together for the holidays or to celebrate an event, it can get a little crazy. By crazy, I mean FUNNY! I’ve often compared it to the reality television talent competition show Last Comic Standing!
The girls in the family are especially prone to getting ‘The Giggles’ especially in public places. Our joke is, “I can’t take you anywhere!”
My big sister and I spend a lot of time together. Although our gifts and talents are different, we both enjoy trying new things. Let me brag about her for a minute. She is a Mother Hen in the best possible way! And this woman can put Martha Stewart to shame in a heartbeat. You name it – cooking, painting, sewing. She is a talented genius!
As for me, if she asked me to go to a quilt shop, I would run as fast as possible in the opposite direction! There is not one ounce of “craftiness” in Lori! My gift is creating anything on a computer. I know my limits!
A few years ago, I had an urge to do something different, so I bought tickets to the symphony. They advertised a tribute to the Beatles, so I knew they would have vocalists, guitars and drums as well as traditional instruments. My big sister indulged and accompanied me, even though it wasn’t her thing.
When they played “Let It Be,” I had a visceral experience. As I listened to the violins, memories of my son’s childhood swept through my mind like a movie reel. I was so caught up in the moment, I could barely breathe. I leaned over to my sister and said, “Do you hear those violins? Close your eyes and just let go!”
After the concert was over, she had a confession. She said, “I watched while you had your moment, but truthfully the only thing I could think about was Ernie’s version on Sesame Street. It was titled “Letter B!” We giggled the rest of the time! See, you can’t take us anywhere.
No two people experience the same moment in the same way – even sisters!
Our core beliefs and filters protect us from perceived pain or potential harm. For me, the curiosity and joy of learning new concepts outweighs staying in the same, limiting thought patterns. I now choose to listen to others more. It gives me insight to a new, innovative ideas. Our symphony experience taught me we all have different perspectives even while witnessing the same experience.
Early in my healing journey, I read a quote that said, “Sometimes God doesn’t say no – He says not yet.” Instead of worrying or trying to force an outcome in your favor, trust that There Will Be An Answer. Let It Be.
