John Lennon remembered and why

John Lennon is remembered today on the 30th anniversary of his death. As legacies go, his is one that tops the list not because of his musical genius or outrageous acts or comments but rather for the way he lived and the message he tried to send out to make the world a better place. He was a man who will be forever defined as the man who gave us ‘Imagine’ …a song about hopes, dreams and inspiration for a better way.

As Lennon noted himself during an interview that is now only being published in full, the world often idolized its dead idols. He did not want to become one of them but due to the tragedy that would strike him outside his home, he did become one of them.

The difference with Lennon as opposed to so many dead idols is that he was truly loved in life by the world not only for his craft but probably more importantly for being the messenger.

He lived his life all too often willing to share his pain and shortcomings. He humanized himself as he went through life changing, learning and trying to do better. He truly believed in love, hope, understanding and kindness.

Walking the streets of New York, he blended in just as he wanted to. At a local pharmacy he patiently waited in line and then told the staff ‘need diapers for Sean’. He did not need or want in the end the adoration or attention. Was it that he was content in life enough to just be the ‘average guy’ on the corner?

He softness is forever remembered, his gentle smile, soothing voice and commitment to sending a message even when he and his wife were mocked by those not understanding. Regardless of what you thought of his relation with the ‘love of his life’, he loved her, stayed with her and raised a child. It seems he found true peace.

For a man who embodied the meaning of peace to so many, the outcome in the end is all too painful. To the surgeon who tended to him in the hospital, holding his heart trying to revive him and later instructing staff to destroy the blood soaked sheets and medical instruments used to save him and quite frankly understanding why such actions were so important, those surrounding him tried to provide as much dignity as possible in the end to such a gentle soul.

He taught us to be kind, to surround ourselves with good honest people, to be generous and forgiving and yes, that you are remembered by your acts of kindness, not your material worth or recognition.

John Lennon’s legacy is not the pure talent and genius he possessed but rather the extraordinary human being this world was blessed to get to know even if it was for such a short time. It shows us that to have a true and pure legacy, you have to actually earn it.

John, you made the world a better place, we are better for having had you in it, you are truly missed, may you rest in peace.