The Questions I found at the Oklahome City Federal Building Memorial

Oklahoma City Bombing

empty chairs

Memorial Symbolism

I know that one day family and friends will gather around the table on a Sunday after church for lunch and my chair will be empty. They will bow their heads to thank God for the blessings of their lives and I wont be there and that's okay because I know where I will be.

In April of 1995, an individual I choose not to call by name or direct my attention to, and his associate parked a rental truck loaded with explosives at the Federal Building in Oklahoma City, Ok. At 9:02am, after the office chairs were filled with moms and dads, sons and daughters, aunts and uncles, MeMes and PeePaws; after they had walked their babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to the day care for safety; a brick scattering blast rumbled through the morter and cement of downtown Oklahoma City.
As I walked around the memorial grounds I reflected on more than the beautiful pool placed to represent the street on the north side of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. Thoughts that flooded my mind:
1. When my chair is empty how will those that gathered around the table with me my entire life remember me? Will they have laughter and tears? Will they continue to hug one another and make memories they can pass from generation to generation?
2. When bombs go off in my life do I focus on the bomber and the blast or do I reflect on the positives? Do I seek ways to change the unchangeable, to turn back the clock, or do I look for ways to grow despite the pain like a survior tree that withstood the full blast?
3. When others, even strangers, are in trying and difficult times will I give and give and give more? Will I have compassion on them and the ones they love? Will I have the strength to help them carry their burdens? Will I give of my time, my resources (not just money), my heart? Will the things that are important to them be important to me?
Some days I have more questions than answers.