John Lennon left a gift to the world. That's something every human being strive to do. Many would give up their lives, wipe themselves from existence in this world, to leave behind a legacy. John did something more--he left a true gift to a whole world.

Take a moment to look past what he's done, who he is, forget any opinion of the man himself. He swayed world views. People changed how they lived their entire lives and who they were because of him. And what's even greater and harder, in my opinion, he is one of the only musicians to reach ultimate musical perfection. You listen to him, or the Beatles, and you are truly touched. It reaches your soul and pulls out inspiration and genuine beauty held deep within you, in levels you didn't even know you had.

The world is a bit less bright without you, but thinking of you brings a little of that back. Happy birthday.