Intimacy with Symbols
- © Michele Toomey, PhD • April 20, 2000

When architecture captures the spirit and expresses the emotional connection we feel about an event or experience, we are intimately moved. Yesterday, when I saw the memorial commemorating the Oklahoma City tragedy, I was brought to tears. They were tears of sorrow, tears of pride, and tears of intimacy. I was particularly moved by the 168 chairs facing the reflecting pool. They touched my heart and brought me to feelings of loss, grief, love, tribute, and pride. Intimacy and inspiration were achieved by this architecture. It allows us to be at one with each other, this tragedy, and this achievement. The integrity of this memorial is liberating and I am moved and grateful by its calling forth such intimacy.