[dar-list] an ad in the new york times on 11-26-06

[Sharon G]

Forgive us

December 8th is near again. Every year, on this day, I hear from many people
from all over the world who remember my husband, John Lennon, and his
message of peace. THey write to tell me they are thinking of John on
this day and
how he was shot and killed in the prime of his life, at age 40, when he had so
much ahead of him.

Thank you for your undying love for John  and also for your concern for me on
this tragic annversary. THis year, though, on December 8th, while we remember
John, I would also like us to focus on sending the following message to the
millions of suffering around the world.

To the people who have also lost loved ones without cause: forgive us for having
been unable to stop the tragedy. We pray for the wounds to heal.

TO the soldiers  of all countries and of all centuries, we were maimed
for life, or
who lost their lives: forgive us for our misjudgements and what happened as a
result of them.

To the civilians who are maimed, or killed or who lost their family members;
forgive us for having been unable to prevent it.

To the people who have been abused and tortured: forgive us for having allowed
it to happen.

KNow that your loss is our loss.
Know that the physical and mental abuse you have endured will have a lingering
effect on our society and the world.
KNow that the burden is ours.

As the widow of one who was killed by an act of violence, i dont know if i am
ready yet to forgive the one who pulled the trigger. I am sure all victims of
violent crimes feel as i do. But healing is what is urgently now in the world.

Let's heal the wounds together.

Every year, lets make December 8th the day to ask forgivenesss from those
who have suffered the unsufferable.
Lets wish strongly that one day we will be able to say that we healed
ourselves,
and by healing ourselves, we healed the world.

WIth deepest love,
Yoko Ono Lennon
New York City 2006