My friend Dave and I were sitting on a bench in one of my favorite nooks of Central Park—Strawberry Fields, the memorial to John Lennon. This area has a magical vibe, where people from all over the world gather and sing and pay tribute to some of their heroes.
This morning, as always, there was a crowd of people, singing and swinging and swaying, with two men sitting on a bench, leading the fun. A tourist from Indiana asked to join them, which would be unusual in other parts of New York City but fairly common in this place.
The tourist sat and gave the most beautiful rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Soft and gentle and soulful. The audience sat quietly, letting the words fill the air.
The guest singer came back to his bench, which happened to be right next to ours. Dave and I nodded politely and thanked him.
After a few moments, a woman came up to him and handed her phone to him. At first, he was confused. But then she explained. She had taken video of him singing and thought he might like a copy.
He was so thrilled that he got up and gave her a hug. “Thank you so much,” he repeated, over and over again, a huge smile on his face.
He had given us the gift of song.
She gave him the gift of witness.
I felt moved just observing their interaction.
After a couple of more songs, the lead musicians invited him back up to the front for a rendition of “Hey Jude.” He obliged politely, and I felt an urge to give a gift too. I moved up to the front to take a video.
He sang beautifully, and at the end, the whole crowd joined in. When he finished and returned to his seat, I let him know that I’d also taken a video for him and sent it to his phone.
He had given us the gift of song.
She gave him the gift of witness.
They both gave me the gift of giving.
And who knows what gifts that might inspire?
Simran, thank you for this offering, for allowing me to be one more link in this beautiful gift exchange that reminds us of the power of music, love, connection, and community. Imagine, indeed.