I don’t actually remember the night that John Lennon was killed. I was only nine at the time and probably knew Beatles songs from my parents listening to the oldies on the radio on a Saturday night. I guess that happens with historical events, over time and age you learn more and they develop and have more importance in your life.

I have a Rubbermaid tote at my parents house with magazines, and I can tell you that there is a People magazine in there with John Lennon’s face on it. I will have to go and find it and share it on a random Instagram photo. Indelible moments in time.

This year I watched a special with Barbara Walters and she interviewed Mark David Chapman which was fascinating. His personal history of mental illness, the time line before and the affect of his actions after. These are the types of shows that you can appreciate in adulthood to give you a broader understanding and knowledge.

The first time I went to New York and took the Hop On Hop Off  bus I hopped off at Central Park West and 72nd street. The intersection of The Dakota – the home of John and Yoko, where he was killed.

It will always be ‘the place’ where John Lennon was shot and killed. There is an entrance to Central Park across the street from the Dakota and the home to the beautiful memorial area and mosaic Strawberry Fields. I remember seeing it and just watching the people around this amazing piece of art in the park. There were flowers and pennies and of course lots of photos being taken. I didn’t see it, but there is a bronze plaque with the names of over 120 countries that gave money and sponsored the flowers and upkeep of the memorial area.

RIP John Lennon

Strawberry Fields