In OKC, there is a memorial and museum re: the Oklahoma City bombing from the early ’90s. When I asked around as to what we should do on our vacation, everyone said we had to go there. Even at the hotel when my dad was inquiring what we should do, everyone said that was a spot we had to hit.
At first I thought, “Do I really want to go to a museum about a bombing, because that sounds really sad and serious and not vacation-y.” But, finally we were convinced and we went.
Now, we were all about picture-taking and memory-making on this trip. So, when we got there, my dad asked if I wanted my picture next to the main entrance. But I have learned from the internet! You never take photos at serious places because if you do, you will wind up being mercilessly ridiculed on tumblr.
But, we did take some photos of the memorabilia (as you can see in this post). I actually knew nothing about the bombing because (though I think it’s rude to bring attention to my youth, it’s just a fact that) I wasn’t news aware when I was just a child. (And for whatever reason, I never went back and read about it as an adult…)
So, it was interesting for me to learn a story I did not know.
Also, the museum was very engaging because they way they set everything up, you really felt like you were being transported back to 1995 when it happened. It led you through the events of the day. They even have you start by going in a room where they play a meeting that was happening in that building at 9am – 2 minutes before the bombing. Then a sound occurs and the lights flickr as though you’re actually in the meeting. So, I feel like that kind of helps open your eyes and set the tone for the rest of the museum.
At the end of the museum, there were all these glass boxes – 1 for each victim. And in each box/case, it had a photo at the back. And the case was filled with whatever else the family decided to fill it with. And I imagined trying to define people by one case. How do you fit someone’s whole life into basically a square foot? Can you imagine trying to be the family member doing that?
There were some cases where I thought, “This was this person’s life?” For instance, one just had glasses. I had no idea how glasses could define a person. But, there was a computer with the stories of all the victims and why their family chose the pieces they chose. The man with the glasses had been a government undercover agent for many years and that was part of one of his favorite disguises. It’s amazing what little things can mean when you get the story behind them.
I could tell my dad was really moved by the museum as well. He’s not one who’s much for souvenirs, or really any extra stuff in his life. But he bought us both t-shirts. Mine says, “live, laugh, love.” I think that’s one of the messages the museum was really trying to impart. You never know what’s going to happen. So, in the now, make sure you live, laugh, and love.