It could be said that there is nothing more inspiring than words of encouragement. It could also be said there is nothing more tragic than words of your hero falling upon def ears.
A British folk signer by the name of Steve Tilton received a letter from John Lennon and Yoko Ono 34 years late. The message: “Being rich doesn't change your experience in the way you think.”
"The only difference, basically, is that you don't have to worry about money -- food -- roof etc.
"But all other experiences -- emotions -- relationships -- are the same as anybodies, I know, I've been rich and poor, so has Yoko (rich -- poor -- rich) so whadya think of that.
"Love John and Yoko."
Steve Tilston was a rising star (who like most of us) questioned the impact money would have on his life. It was 1971 when Tilston then 21 years of age, shared his thoughts in an interview in the pages of a magazine called ZigZag. It was this article that moved Lennon to pick up his pen and share honest words of encouragement.
The tragedy of this story is that the letter never made it to Tilson, but rather surfaced in 2005 in an American collectors possession. Knowledge of the letter became public when the collector reached Tilson to discuss the letters validity.
Tilson’s reaction to the prized possession he never knew was rightfully his? "It was so frustrating because Lennon even included his home phone number on the top of the letter," "I know it's silly but I wanted to ring him up across the ages."
Tilson also added that he: "felt rather angry to start with to think that someone had just sold the letter rather than passing it on to me, but you have to let these things go."
Perhaps the saying “you don’t know what you’ve got till its gone” is like pouring salt in a wound in this case, but I do believe although John’s letter did not reach Tilson in a timely manor, perhaps the message still did. John’s music was not just powerful, it was a letter of inspiration to us all.
Source: http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/entertainmentbritainmusicpeoplelennon
It's after midnight here in Ohio and I just read this powerful and moving message regarding Lennon's Lost Letter. It impacts me on so many levels leaving me at a true loss for words as I try to find the keys to gather some letters to form some through tears. We are here for a short while and what we do with the time we have that makes a difference in the lives of others is truly what is important. Creating a legacy. And having John's legacy and what he believed in resurface and finally reached the intended recipient in 2005 demonstrates:
ReplyDeleteWhat we do and who we are as individuals and how we live our life each and every day becomes our legacy. This legacy cultivates and defines who you are. And this letter, to me, represents the fact that his legacy and his inspiration is in all of us if we choose to believe. Though he may not be physically here...he is and that's what a legacy does. It lives on and sings on to those that listen. Thank you for sharing. -Melissa Bachochin-Music For Awareness