The 100-year-old building that had served as a student residence and study hall of a small university was about to be demolished. As the wrecker’s ball began to strike, I thought I sensed the anxiety and sadness experienced of one of the older professors standing near by.

“This must be difficult to watch,” I said. “The tradition associated with that building, the memories of all the students and professors who lived and studied there. I can’t imagine how hard this must be for you.”

“It’s worse than that,” the professor replied. “I think I left my cell phone in there.”