Every now and then we chance to meet one of those rare individuals who is possessed of the unique and profound ability to change our lives. Change the way we view the world. John Lennon was one of those people. And while it is now sadly impossible for us to experience the depth and assurance of one of the most prolific figures in popular culture, there is a wealth of opportunity to experience just how grand an effect he had on this world. One of those opportunities can be found in New York's Central Park.

Strawberry Fields, the name of this tribute, garden and retreat was inspired by a life devoted to exploring the boundaries of personal freedom, the power of imagination. In the background, through the shelter of the trees, visitors can see the ominous specter of the Dakota Building, home to John and Yoko while raising Sean, and the site of his last day with us.

The area offered as the tribute was a favorite for John and Yoko. On any given day wanderers may come across fans from around the world, selling Strawberry Fields memorabilia, playing songs from various periods in his remarkable career, or simply sitting on one of the many benches wondering what he would have accomplished had 1980 taken a different turn. It is not uncommon to find fresh flowers left on the stone mosaic in the center of the tribute. At times there are so many offerings that the mosaic itself is barely visible.

For many the mosaic, and the garden memorial, represents the universal appeal of John, John and Yoko, and the Beatles. The mosaic was crafted with stones brought around the world, and spirals inward to the one word mantra that defines Lennon's hopes for humanity--IMAGINE.