Abandoned

I have always been fascinated with abandoned buildings. Old cabins, schoolhouses, barns, and homes that once were filled with the love of families and teachers and livestock, left in the guardianship of Mother Nature  and Father Time.

It makes me wonder - why did the people leave?
Why did they leave their belongings behind? Were they in the run? Were they too poor to afford to have it moved for them, or were they too broken hearted to care? How could they just walk away?

I am amazed at how nature takes back what humans create. Farm houses beaten down by wind and snow and the sun, with busted out windows and doors, become shelter for wildlife. Barns start to lean with the wind, yet remain standing against gravity. School houses fall back into themselves leaving barely a trace of the lessons learned within their walls; marked only by a swing blowing in the breeze or a crumbling concrete foundation.

The stories held deep within the wooden braces and poles are the history of our families. They bear witness to sermons from Preachers sent to live on the God-forsaken prairies, and  lessons written on chalk-stained boards.

Maybe the wood will fall down, and the grass will grow back over the concrete and the bushes will push up through the hard pack floors, but the memories will live on in the hearts of those lucky enough to hear stories about those old, abandoned buildings and farmsteads.

***A friendly reminder:  Private property is private. Many abandoned buildings are on private land, and while you are welcome to view from the county road or highway, don't take it upon yourself to crawl through fences or enter into a building without permission. Have respect and be safe. This old house is on some land we lease to graze our cattle on, and I didn't dare go inside for fear of falling through the floor. ***

❤️ Richelle