The Dark Day

Every year I have a Dark Day. It's nothing as traumatic as it sounds, much more a nod to The Gilmore Girls. The Dark Day falls on December 8, the anniversary of the killing of John Lennon.

People have asked about the Dark Day and its significance. Most are kind and loving in response, some not so kind. 'Everyone has their moments' is my thought. Mine is mine.

Recently I have been cleaning up and organizing my house. Now that sweet pea and cutie pie are off on their own, there's about 20 years of stuff that needs sorting through, purging and storing. I have a box with all my old journals, calendars and schedules. Yes, I save just about everything. This morning, I found that box again and a formerly white, now yellowing Hello Kitty journal from 1980.

Since I recently recalled my Dark Day, I thought I would see if I actually documented what happened the day it actually happened - December 8, 1980. My entry on December 8 was brief, stating the obvious recitation of the newsflash: "Tonight, around 10 (in NY) John Lennon, ex-Beatle was shot to death by a "local screwball" at his apartment complex, The Dakota, in Manhattan. Lennon was 40 years old and loved by many all over the world". It then turned to my reaction: "The Russians are on the brink of invading Poland. My God! What is this world coming too!!!" 

My entry on December 9 shows reflection and acceptance of what had happened. Remember, I was 17 and a senior in high school at the time . . .

"The shock continues and the world grieves. John Lennon was loved by many, one was me. So many things flash thru: Bill Kurtis first announcing the incident, the obscure radio station where I first heard he was dead. The twang of panic, shooting thru me like a chill from a cold. The horrifying thought of a world without him. Then there's the image of John & Yoko, walking up, he turning back to a shower of bullets, he stumbles to the ground. I feel so sorry for the younger ones. Those who will only hear and not experience. I feel sorry for those that lived the era and enjoyed it to the most. I feel so sorry for those who wanted to touch and re-live the 60's era but the chance will never come. Some say we're lucky because we still have their music and can be played until the plastic disc are worn out. But we hoped, dreamed and imagined the aspect of The Beatles - a concert, a brand new film, a newly released album. All which has disipated (sp) like a small puff of smoke from a pistol. I loved John and shall miss him like the million others. John was robbed of "Starting Over" and we were robbed of his finished project." 

AA 12-9-80 

In lieu of my high school photo, which for the life of me I cannot find in this mess, here is a related pic of me, late 70's. I guess not everything is properly stored, just yet.