John Lennon shares hopes in letter before 1980 assassination

In January 1979, John Lennon wrote a heartfelt four-page letter to his cousin Liela Birch, expressing his hopes for life after turning 40. He reflected on his experiences over the past four decades, mentioning the challenges he faced, including encounters with people he felt were only interested in his wealth. As he approached his milestone birthday, Lennon expressed a desire for a life with less 'trouble' and more fulfillment. He also shared personal insights about his family, including his three-year-old son Sean, whom he described as 'beautiful and wise,' and his concerns about visiting his elderly aunt Mimi in England, fearing it might be their last meeting. Additionally, he expressed sympathy for his son Julian, who was attending boarding school, and voiced frustration over a lack of communication from a friend named Steve. The letter, which includes a smiley face sketch and is signed 'Love John and Yoko,' is now being auctioned for £30,000 in Boston, just months before Lennon was tragically assassinated by Mark Chapman in December 1980. This poignant correspondence highlights Lennon's introspective nature and his desire for a more peaceful life as he navigated the complexities of fame and family.