The White Feather

The White Feather...fellow Liverpool BeatleGuide Phil Parker in the background

A strange thing happened during my visit to New York celebrating 50 years of The Beatles. Mark Lapidos, Fest organisor invited myself and London Tour Guide Richard Porter to accompany New York Guide Suan Ryan on her tours. We had started our tour by taking the subway to the Dakota. Have been there a few times now, and it is always a strange feeling. Susan told the story of the terrible day when John passed away, and then I stepped in and told of how I spend all my time in Liverpool going to his birthplace, where he grew up, his schools, homes etc. It was bizarre to be stood at such a sad spot. Richard then told of how the date is now a happy one for him, as 9th December (UK date) was the day Lilia, his daughter was born. Such a coincidence, as this is the same for me. My son Alex was born 9 years to the day John left us, 9th December 1989. Not only that, Susan's son was born in the hospital where John lost his life. We crossed to Strawberry Field, we saw the bench dedicated from the people of Liverpool after 9/11, we saw where John had celebrated his 40th birthday. I dont know if it was the jetlag, but the walk through the park was just magical in the snow. I had to pinch myself. We walked the length of the park and then stopped at the Plaza. As Susan was talking, I looked up and saw what I thought was a snowflake, it fluttered past Susan, toward Richard, and I held out my hand and it settled on my glove. It was a beautiful pure white feather. Everyone saw it, and understood. Was such a happy moment as you can see by my face in the picture. I still have the feather, here in Liverpool. Magical start to a wonderful weekend celebrating 50 years of The Beatles in the USA.

The story made the press! 

http://www.examiner.com/article/beatles-tour-guides-recall-magic-of-receiving-white-feather-from-lennon-s-spirit

http://www.examiner.com/article/beatles-tour-guides-get-a-sign-from-above-while-on-tour-of-new-york