May. 6, 2007 - Make them known to your children...
My head is full, my heart is full today. We did some fun-normal-sightseeing-things and some remember-for-the-rest-of-my-life kind of things.
We enjoyed the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum, saw the Capitol, and the actual C3-PO and R2-D2 from Return of the Jedi, Seinfeld's Puffy Shirt and the real Ruby Slippers. 
At Arlington Cemetary, we found my grandfather's grave.
We heard a fabulous presentation about Lincoln's assassination at Ford's Theater, saw the clothes President Lincoln had on that night, the gun that killed him, and lots of other amazing Lincoln memorabilia. 
I've always been a little fascinated with President Lincoln and how he was so pivotal to our nation's direction and history. I think my obsession started when I was in third grade and read a biography about his mother. I can't imagine the burden on him during the Civil War and am blown away by the courage he showed with the Emancipation Proclamation. Did you know that the day he died was Good Friday? That it was only 5 days after the war ended? Imagine the mood of the city that evening, and then the mood the next morning after he died. I LOVED the Ford Theater museum, can you tell? :)
We went back out at night armed with hot chocolate from our fabulous hotel. (Again, a winner! If you're ever heading to DC, this hotel was great.) The city is beautiful at night. We sat on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial and talked about how blessed we are to live in the U.S. 
But the thing that will remain with me the longest was our visit to the Holocaust Memorial Museum. We didn't go through the main exhibits, knowing it would be too much for the girls. But the children's exhibit, Daniel's Story: Remember the Children, was amazing. It is a fictionalized (yet accurate!) story of a German Jewish family from their happy home to the concentratinon camps. They have done a fabulous job making it meaningful and significant without be overwhelming for kids.
As I tried to explain something so unexplainable, Shelby said, "So why don't they just say, 'We think we're better than you' and be done with it? Why did they have to do all of this?"
The other area of the museum we visited was about Lodz, Poland, and the ghetto that was created there for all the Jews of the city. They have diaries and writings of children from that ghetto displayed in audio and photos. One of the most stunning images was a large display of cups and bowls that had been unearthed from a mass grave.
I wrote a few weeks ago about my father-in-law being born in a prisoner-of-war camp in WWII. He was born there 64 years ago today. I thought of his family often during our time in the museum.
For me the high point of the day was when we went into the museum store. We were incredibly blessed to be there during an author's signing. I met the author and was simply charmed by him. (He called me beautiful, for one thing.)
His book, Legacy and Redemption... A Life Renewed, is his story of his survival of the holocaust. Truly, I was so honored to meet this gentleman. He spoke to us for quite a while in his charming accent, and signed his book for our girls. He wrote, "Cassie, Shelby, Brynne, and Jenna... from your caring loving parents, who want much you to know. With my best wishes to all of you, Joseph Tenenbaum Washington DC 5/6/07." He marked the part of the book he doesn't want them to read until they are 14 or 15. "Then, you read the whole thing."
I pray my girls remember today's incredible honor. I know that when they are my age, there will only be a handful of Holocaust survivors left.
I began reading the book as soon as we were in our car. I cannot wait to read the entire thing; I was drawn in just by his letter to his children at the beginning. Here is an excerpt:
"I bear witness for my children, grandchildren, and offspring to come so that they can know and understand, remember and not forget what my family and my generation endured. The past is within me, not behind me; it accompanies me wherever I go...I cannot presume to write for my fellow survivors, but if I do not expose my own experiences I might as well be among the dead. Perhaps the Almighty has spared me in order to bear witness."
And he includes this scripture:
"Only beware and guard well your soul that you do not forget the things which your own eyes have seen... but make them known unto your children and your children's children." Deuteronomy 4:9
Comments
May. 7, 2007 - Great Post!
Posted by Joni
By the time I finished this post, I had CHILLS, girl. I want to go to D.C. now. No, literally, I mean right NOW!
Love,
J
May. 7, 2007 - Praises.
Posted by keeperathome44
I am so glad to see what a wonderful time you all are having! You are fitting ALOT into your trip. God is good.
May. 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by debbiecorley
Hi friend! I'm with you...I totally love Ford's Theater! Thanks for your great pics of the city at night! It looks like you guys are having such an awesome vacation!
I have never been to the Holocaust Museum, but would love to go. What a wonderful, sweet blessing that you got to meet that author/survivor there!
May. 7, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by mycrazylife
Hey Sweetie! What a remarkable experience for your children. They are very fortunate to have parents that will help them to understand the atrocities that were committed against God's chosen people. I struggle at times to help Sarah grasp it. Maybe a trip to the Holocaust Memorial Museum would help her realize the magnitude of what took place.
I am really enjoying the pictures and the details of your trip Cindy Lou! Miss you! PS~Baby will be here tonight or tomorrow.
Love,
Hallie
May. 8, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by nsremom
I agree with another commenter....that gave me chills. you're right that someday there will not be the vast amount of survivors that we have today. Having it autographed to them was a cool thing that they can have to remember your trip.
I agree with the fascination with Lincoln. I'm right with you there. He was such an interesting man. Not married to the most wonderful gal, but I might go wacky if I lost my children as well.
My favorite president will always be John Adams. After reading David McCullough's AMAZING biography, I can't think of another founding father that was a more righteous man. He was awesome.
Your trip is taking ages. Lucky you!
May. 8, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by EEEEMommy
Wow! Absolutely amazing! What great confirmation that you're spending your time in the best way possible!
May. 9, 2007 - Untitled Comment
Posted by PumpkinsMomma
wow that was intersting! we went to Dachau concentration camp in Germanya few years ago, it was certainly a memorable experience. Thanks for sharing all the things you re doing. it's fascinating.
marie
Jul. 9, 2007 - What a tremendous blessing for your family
Posted by bubbebobbie
I pray that someday they return to the main exhibit. It should be experience by everyone. My Great grandmother and Great Aunt were in Concentration camps in Yugoslavia. They are honnored when you teach your children to remember.
Because of Jesus, Bobbie
Beware of the blogspot random button, it is not as family friendly as HSB.
