In 1971, an up-and-coming singer by the name of Steve Tilston did an interview about his music career. Just 21 years of age, Tilston was worried about his rising stardom and questioned whether or not becoming wealthy might ruin his own songwriting. A chap most of us know by the name John Lennon read the interview and penned him a note of encouragement, which he signed alongside Yoko Ono. Had Tilston received the letter, his career may have turned out differently.

However, he didn’t even hear about the letter until 34 years later—when an American collector called him to verify that it was indeed authentic.

Can you imagine being called up by some random stranger asking about a letter from John Lennon that you supposedly received, only to be hearing about it for the first time in your life? I’d be a bit miffed that someone else had my letter, if it were me.

Tilston, now 60, expresses his profound frustration over the matter, lamenting that Lennon had even included his home phone number in the letter. “I know it’s silly but I wanted to ring him up across the ages,” he said.

No, Mr. Tilston, that isn’t silly. How many of us would like to ring up a famous person in history and have a chat? I’d love to dial up Queen Elizabeth I myself, and she didn’t even have a phone. Tilston would’ve had access to John Lennon’s home number himself had his letter been delivered.

Which raises the question—how did the letter get lost in the first place? Did some celeb-hungry person nab it to only later sell it to an American collector?

The letter itself was very short and sweet, with some friendly and low-key advice from Lennon. Essentially he told Tilston that fame and fortune would not change his emotions and songwriting; it would only help provide for him in ways that money can, such as through food and shelter. He expressed himself on behalf of Yoko Ono as well, and signed the letter, “Love John and Yoko.”

How cool would that have been to have had throughout Tilston’s life!

Of course, Tilston did end up being a success, and recorded more than 20 albums throughout his career. Still, I’d really want that letter if it were me, and I wonder if the collector decided to give it back. Perhaps Tilston purchased it from him, putting it in the hands it was intended for so long ago.