As I scrolled through my UA-cam feed, my heart took an unexpected trip down memory lane when I stumbled upon a video about this place I called home for a short time. The flood of memories transported me to a few months that altered the course of my life forever. Under the shadow of that clocktower, love bloomed between Lily and me. We shared moments that felt straight out of a romance novel, exploring the tower's history and architecture hand in hand. Our laughter echoed under its arches, celebrating the intricate details that stood as a testament to time. Sharing lunches with Lily in the cafeteria every day erased any regrets about my brief time being institutionalized there because having Lily by my side was more than enough. One unforgettable evening, as the sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, we sneaked into the clocktower. The view from the top was breathtaking, the town bathed in the warm glow of the descending sun, and we stole kisses that felt like stolen moments of eternity. Our love story became woven into the town's fabric-riding horseback with Dr Walt, chopping wood for cozy fires, and impromptu art therapy sessions. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. The clocktower, once a witness to our love, became the backdrop for our heartbreak one beautiful morning. Lily stood before me, eyes that once sparkled now clouded with a painful decision. She thanked me for the memories and walked away. I begged her not to leave, even asked for her hand in marriage, but the stars above weren't quite aligned for us. The clocktower, standing tall and stoic, seemed to echo the ache in my heart. That heartbreaking morning became a turning point, a bittersweet chapter that changed my life. Still, I appreciate the clocktower, its architecture, and the history it holds. A symbol of both love lost and enduring resilience. As I finished watching the video, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that the Menninger Clocktower had witnessed-moments of love, shared laughter, and the poignant sting of heartbreak. Thanks to the Abandoned Atlas foundation for capturing those memories on film. The nostalgia was both a sweet and bitter reminder of the power a place can have in shaping the stories of our lives. Lily, if you happen to read this, know that I still love you and always will.
I was born in Topeka - 09/12/71 at Stormont Vail. I have moved many times since I was a child. 2153 Jewell is where I lived as a child. I went to AJ Stout. What wonderful memories.
As I scrolled through my UA-cam feed, my heart took an unexpected trip down memory lane when I stumbled upon a video about this place I called home for a short time. The flood of memories transported me to a few months that altered the course of my life forever.
Under the shadow of that clocktower, love bloomed between Lily and me. We shared moments that felt straight out of a romance novel, exploring the tower's history and architecture hand in hand. Our laughter echoed under its arches, celebrating the intricate details that stood as a testament to time.
Sharing lunches with Lily in the cafeteria every day erased any regrets about my brief time being institutionalized there because having Lily by my side was more than enough. One unforgettable evening, as the sun painted the sky in hues of pink and orange, we sneaked into the clocktower. The view from the top was breathtaking, the town bathed in the warm glow of the descending sun, and we stole kisses that felt like stolen moments of eternity.
Our love story became woven into the town's fabric-riding horseback with Dr Walt, chopping wood for cozy fires, and impromptu art therapy sessions. But fate, it seemed, had other plans. The clocktower, once a witness to our love, became the backdrop for our heartbreak one beautiful morning. Lily stood before me, eyes that once sparkled now clouded with a painful decision. She thanked me for the memories and walked away.
I begged her not to leave, even asked for her hand in marriage, but the stars above weren't quite aligned for us. The clocktower, standing tall and stoic, seemed to echo the ache in my heart. That heartbreaking morning became a turning point, a bittersweet chapter that changed my life. Still, I appreciate the clocktower, its architecture, and the history it holds. A symbol of both love lost and enduring resilience.
As I finished watching the video, I couldn't help but reflect on the journey that the Menninger Clocktower had witnessed-moments of love, shared laughter, and the poignant sting of heartbreak. Thanks to the Abandoned Atlas foundation for capturing those memories on film. The nostalgia was both a sweet and bitter reminder of the power a place can have in shaping the stories of our lives.
Lily, if you happen to read this, know that I still love you and always will.
This is why we do it we do Rick, thank you for all your love and support! I’m super sorry to hear about Lily though.
As someone who lived in Topeka my whole life and didnt know what this tower was until now, i would love to see this become a museum!
I was born in Topeka - 09/12/71 at Stormont Vail. I have moved many times since I was a child. 2153 Jewell is where I lived as a child. I went to AJ Stout. What wonderful memories.