Running Work, Construction Work

On my run today, I passed by a building that had just a ton of scaffolding set up along the exterior. There’s so much of it, that the work to get the scaffolding itself set up seems like a job in and of itself.

As I was running, I felt like I was doing some similar work. My running today wasn’t some end all be all race, it was part of a routine. Some scheduled work that was meant to further improve my endurance and distance.

I realized later that this work was happening to the South side of the Rockefeller Chapel, a special place where our friend and neighbor Bernie Brown served as the chapel’s fourth dean (1979 – 1995).

I recognize the building more from the view along Woodlawn. And didn’t quite recognize this side of it, especially with all the scaffolding.

Here’s a bit of a secret: each time I pass by the chapel, I think of Bernie. And while I didn’t know him during his time as the chapel’s dean, I still think of him when I see the building. In many ways, I see Bernie when I see the building. And anytime I’m around, I say hello to him as I pass by in my car.

And on those rare occasions when I can hear the chapel bells ringing during service, I like to imagine he’s saying hello back.

Related:
Remembering Bernie Brown