We found ourselves in New York City on a beautiful day without any real plans when over beer I got the urge to see Strawberry Fields. Luckily the pretty blond waitress knew just how to get there: take the subway toward the Bronx, get off at 72th street and walk a few blocks east to the park. Once at the park it would be easy to find, she explained, as there were always people playing guitars, singing and passing out flowers. She didn’t mention that this route would take us past the Dakota.
When I realized I was passing the vestibule where Lennon was shot, my heart stopped as it had on that Monday evening a lifetime ago. I knew then it would never regain the rhythm it once had. The carefreeness of hope was gone forever.
But I mustn’t be grim. That we had him for the time we did, we should be grateful. And I am – yeah, yeah, yeah – YEAH!
Me and the lads hanging with the Maharishi!
Saying nothing in particular 
Of course, you fit right in!
Did you go out for flowers tea afterward?
It really does feel surreal there, doesn’t it Jan? But I love how people keep John’s memory alive. Still can’t quite believe it happened though.
It really does. It gave me such a hollow and lost feeling to see the Dakota.
It was such a shock. Life is going on, and some people we love will never get old.
Shock is right. I still don’t think I’ve gotten over it!
You are adorable …
Merci!
I’ve never been there, but the idea that John Lennon was shot there would be enough to give me pause, and reflect back on that night.
If I’d known that our route would take us past the Dakota, I would have opted to take a different route. It’s that chilling!
Yes, I think it would have been nice if the waitress had at least taken time to point that part out.
His loss was simply appalling, I have been to the site and it left me melancholy for days.
Me too.
There are so many details I remember about the day Lennon died… Thanks for sharing your experience, Jan. 🙂
It’s hard to forget, isn’t it?
I was chilled and saddened when it happened – he was much to young..the good die young. At least we have Imagine and Strawberry Fields forever.
So true. Thanks Cinda.