Today Peter and I had an excursion to the new Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center. We were both deeply affected by the experience. Me, because it was a reminder that we can Never Forget what happened in Europe in the 1930s and 40s under Hitler's rule. Peter, because he had no real touchstone or picture in his mind about this tragic history. The museum's architecture is dramatic and dark, with occasional slashes of light coming in when you least expect it. The exhibits flow in chronology from space to space and room to room. Throughout the experience, screens show videos of survivors recounting their experiences. The history is complete and jarring and disturbing and thought-provoking. This museum chronicles one of the lowest points in our world's history. Unfortunately, similar situations still occur around the world when despots are allowed to prevail.Someday I'll recount my grandmother's experience as someone who was chased from her home and country at 18 years old, never to return. She always used to say "we were refugees honey". But I didn't know what that meant until I was an adult. I mean what it really really meant.
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