Today we visit a story from five years ago that still shines as though only five seconds have passed. Moving Day is a quiet thing that disturbs and asks unanswerable questions about the echoing hell of humankind’s worst action.
Q. A disturbing percent of readers wouldn’t have a clue what this story means, past the surface. They’d see dementia yet not connect to the meaning of the death camps. I’m apolitical, but I believe that Holocoust education should be compulsory. Too many blank stares in too many educated eyes when one mentions Auschwitz. Your thoughts? (Sort of a loaded question–I apologize).
Q: You ended at just the right place. By doing so it (for me) infers the unanswered questions. Was this your intent?
***
Mary’s responses:
Q.
A disturbing percent of readers wouldn’t have a clue what this story means, past the surface. They’d see dementia yet not connect to the meaning of the death camps. I’m apolitical, but I believe that Holocaust education should be compulsory. Too many blank stares in too many educated eyes when one mentions Auschwitz. Your thoughts? (Sort of a loaded question–I apologize).
A.
Given the current state of the world, it’s hard to believe that “the universe is unfolding as it should.” So, of course I think everyone should know about current and past atrocities, including the particular horror of the Holocaust.
I learned about the fear that Mr. Schneider in the story experiences from someone who was working in a retirement home. She told me that some of the older Jewish residents, as their dementia progressed, began to lose touch with the reality of their daily lives. As their confusion increased, old fears re-emerged with growing vividness. It’s heart-breaking to consider that these people might think they would have to, in any way, relive the horrors of years before.
Q.
You ended at just the right place. By doing so it (for me) infers the unanswered questions. Was this your intent?
A.
I’m glad you think so. I wanted the reader to realize what Mr. Schneider was afraid of just when his daughter might understand this too.
literally stories 
Mary–
I’m very happy to see this up today. If it helps to educate one person, as well as provide a good read, it will serve a great purpose.
Thank you for your answers, too!
Leila
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This is reminder to me how awful dementia is and how it affects family and friends. It appears that horrific events of the past surface all too easily when stressed.
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For me, this is even more powerful the second time around. Thanks for re-running it and for the Q and A.
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Even when it’s about the awful things in life, I love how you so brilliantly write. I see and feel the perfection of your every word. Thank you, Mary.
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Hi folks,
Excellent story!
Excellent questions!
Excellent answers!
Nothing else I need to say!!
Hugh
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The ending gave me chills. Such a poignant piece. Thank you.
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