Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Service Award
Estimated reading time: 9 minutes, 53 seconds
(L to R) Rabbi Uri Allen, myself, Cindy Hannen, Kathleen Murray, and Rabbi Paul Kerbel.
Humbled and Honored by
My Community
On the final Sunday afternoon of 2024, I stepped into the bustling New York City subway station at the World Trade Center for the number 2 train with my friend Arnold, the sounds of the city resonating around us. Excitement buzzed as we entered the subway station en route to catch the show “Welcome to the Big Dipper.” Just as I was maneuvering through the metallic turnstile, my iPhone chimed with an incoming call, slicing through the ambient noise of the underground station.
Caught in the narrow passage, I glanced back at Arnold, who waited patiently to join me on the platform as his phone was not allowing him to pay the fare. A sense of responsibility washed over me; while the call demanded my attention, I wanted to ensure that Arnold could smoothly step through the turnstile. Juggling the conversation on the phone while trying to pay his fare with my iPhone, I struggled to balance my focus between the call and my friend.
Richard, it’s Cindy. Skip and I just finished making sandwiches for the soup kitchen and thought we could meet for lunch,” she said. I asked her to hold on for a moment, and she replied, “You must not be home.” I explained that I was at the turnstile, on my way to an off-Broadway musical. Cindy and I chatted while I tried to help Arnold pay his fare. Unfortunately, I ended up exiting the turnstile instead of entering the station.
Cindy surprised me by saying, “We are calling to inform you that you have won the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award this year. Kathleen Murry nominated you.” I’m sure she said more, but there are rare occasions when I find it difficult to speak or fully absorb the information.
While on the subway, I sent Cindy and Skip a text message.
“Cindy and Skip, I am surprised and overwhelmed! I never thought this was possible; I might receive this honor. What are the logistics for the event? I want to invite my son, the rabbi, and others. Thank you!”
My message was to confirm the accuracy of what I had heard rather than inquire solely about logistics. Throughout my career, I have received numerous honors; however, the community where I live has never recognized me. Saying that I was humbled doesn’t fully capture the emotions that overwhelmed me as the train car, where Arnold and I were traveling, sped north. I didn’t mention anything to Arnold or text anyone until I exited the train and saw Skip’s message.
“I am working out the specifics, and you will receive a flyer shortly. Congratulations. You deserve every accolade possible for all the good work you have accomplished for those in need. Peace!”
Cranford Radio Interview With
Bernie Wagenblast
Six days after receiving the exciting news about the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Distinguished Service Award, I was still excited when an unexpected email arrived from my friend Bernie Wagenblast. She wanted to know if she could interview me for Cranford Radio. With a playful tone, she admitted that she had been holding off on reaching out until she could confirm the award news. I couldn’t help but chuckle at the surprise—I was still in disbelief about being selected!
I have been interviewed several times on Cranford Radio and have introduced Bernie to many of her interviewees. Over the past decade, we have developed a friendship. As some may know, I have been on a new phase of life’s journey since my wife passed away, and Bernie is in her third year of navigating her unique path. Life can feel like a narrow bridge, and forming bonds with other travelers is one way to live fully.
As Bernie mentioned in the interview, “For most of his adult life, Richard Brown has been passionate about repairing the world. His primary focus has been on addressing homelessness. In honor of his efforts, the Cranford Clergy Council and the Cranford Interfaith Human Relations Committee have chosen to present Richard with this year’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Award. In the podcast, I spoke with Richard about his initiatives and the impact he and his late wife, Jan, have made.
After almost 48 years, I recently lost my wife, Jan Lilien. Like The Little Prince, Jan and I believed that “The most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or touched, they are felt with the heart.” This blog is a collection of my random thoughts on love, grief, life, and all things considered.
