A castle it is not, but at one time this structure served as a Kansas City Parks & Recreation maintenance facility. It was a rather unique structure when first constructed in the heart of urban KC. Unfortunately it caught fire many years ago. All that is left are a few walls of stone upon stone, along with some boards and steel bars in window openings. Vegetation has taken over the floor. The roof is long forgotten. An arched doorway still welcomes the occasional visitor as an afternoon’s shaft of light draws the unsuspecting passerby.

I find this structure fascinating because its architecture doesn’t fit the surrounding areas’ buildings, and because what is left of it remains standing. I can almost visualize the thousands of footsteps that crossed the threshold, the horses and machines which passed through the missing barn doors, and then the plethora of vehicles which filled the now vacant garage and parking areas. History can certainly be fun to imagine.

Ironically, this place reminds me of some people; hard on the outside and empty on the inside. Often intriguing to look at, yet tragic when one realizes there is hollowness. If you know someone who resembles this description, rather than turn away, consider illuminating their inner being by shining your own light upon them…even if it’s only for a short time. Every ray of light displaces darkness and every kind word or thoughtful action bears fruit; even if only as a seed. For seeds grow and light illuminates which is why we must, as often as is realistically possible, be seed sowers and dispensers of light. Sow and shine…simple concepts, but often difficult to execute. Try anyway.