Dear Honey Run Friends,
July 3rd was the end of an era in my life. I was blessed to have longevity in my family tree and my grandfather, my last remaining grandparent, went to be with the Lord. My grandparents on both sides of my family were integral in my being able to purchase The Inn at Honey Run and in who I am today. In addition to financial assistance, they provided love and support. They were the guiding force for my parents, which instilled their faith in God, which in turn modeled a Christian life for me. I love and appreciate The Inn and all the resources The Inn has afforded me, but the true treasure and gift my family has given me is hope. Hope in a God who is the Creator of all things. Hope in an eternal life with my Maker after this life is snuffed out. Hope that guides me through the challenges of life and shows me the sun is always shining even though my preset location and situation may not see it.
My grandparents were not perfect and some of their actions were devastating to the family. But the generations they left behind keep improving on the example they left, and there is hope that generations from now, our family will not make the same mistakes, and will be a better embodiment of the living God that we know.
I recognize that I am one of the lucky people who not only had grandparents alive during my childhood but also for many years into adulthood. I had the benefit of traveling to Europe with them to see our family’s roots and to see them in the final years of their career before they retired from working. While I did not fully appreciate the gift of this at the time, in their absence now I am able to be grateful for the opportunity. This life is short, and we all question what is the meaning of it all. I hope that in between your questioning you are able to appreciate the gift of the present – enjoy your family, to get to know your family, and to appreciate the choices they unknowingly made to make you who you are today.
While there is sadness of the loss of my family members there is also joy. Joy that they have completed this life and graduated to the next. Joy that they are now in a place that there is no pain or loss or fear anymore. They have followed their triumphant Savior home.
Your grateful-for-family Innkeeper,
Jason
What a wonderful letter detailing the legacy your family has left behind. Also wonderful to know your grandfather is now with our savior.
We always look forward to our visits to the Inn. Thank you for making it a getaway sanctuary.
What a wonderful testimony to your grandparents and to the faithfulness of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ ~ Thank you for taking the time to share with your readers what is on your heart and for your encouragement to share our love with our family while we have the opportunity…life truly goes by so quickly.
This is a wonderful testament, Jason. Thank you for sharing it with us. We are grateful for the fruits of your labor and it is evident that you are guided by God whenever we visit. The world needs more of those just like you! God bless.
Thank you. Well spoken!
Prayers for you and your family and thanks that you too trust in your Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thank you for sharing these words and allowing us into your journey.
My wife and I have enjoyed many wonderful memories at the Inn at Honey Run and will be back to enjoy many more.
In His Name,
Bryan and Sheryl Portz
What a wonderful letter. As we become older we realize how important family is and how lucky we are to have family warts and all.
In our family we have turned into the “old guard” now. It is an odd feeling and we can only hope we are loved half as much as we loved our parents and grandparents.
What a poignant commentary on your grandfather’s life and legacy as well as his wife. We have enjoyed the Inn on many occasions and look forward to many more.
My heart goes out to you, Jason! Such a lovely tribute to your family!
Thank you Jason for sharing your testimony. It really touched my heart. Looking back at the time I stayed there and had a few conversations with you I knew something was special about you. How your family affected your faith explains it. May God continue to bless you.
Thank you Jason for sharing. It is quite a testimony of your faith….. I visited your Inn this year and met you. Now I understand why you’re personality was so nice. I enjoyed our few conversation(s). You were blest to learn from you family.
May you continue to receive many blessings. God be with you!
Hi Jason, my deepest sympathies to you in your loss. As you begin the new relationship with your grandparents you realize how fleeting our time is here and how precious it is.
Jason,
We are always saddened when we loose a family member, however; we are joyful when we know they are now with our Lord Jesus Christ and we will meet again when our Lord returns. They are without pain and in the presence of our Great Creator, what a Blessing.
We need to keep our eyes on Him and strive to be in His will at all times. The world around us is trying to push us into so many things that are against His will for us. It is our responsibility to be the light to all those around us and share the Good News of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Thank you for sharing about your grandparents and how much they and our immediate families mean to us and to our directions in this life.
Keep the faith strong and always rest in His Peace.
We are looking forward to our next stay at The Inn at Honey Run. It is my wife’s and my favorite get-a-way since 1987. Thank you for “keeping it” and “making it” a wonderful place to return to.
May God Bless you and your family in the years ahead.
It is a joy to read your Letters in the Inn’s newsletter, and this one is deeply touching. Thank for sharing your recent loss and your shared faith in our Lord. Longevity was not common within my family but I have constant comfort in the legacy of faith that I received. The loss and sadness is still so real, but knowing our Lord and Savior is faithful assures us that the parting is temporary.
Your inn was a favorite destination for my late wife and myself, and each visit there continues to remind me of our Lord’s presence and promise.
Hello Jason, we here at the Guggisberg Swiss Inn send our sincerest sympathies for your loss. It is hard to lose a loved one, especially one that has made such a huge impact on your life. With time and strength, we pray you will find peace in this loss. It is wonderful to know that he is walking his eternal walk with no pain, stress or sadness!
Take care and know that we will be praying for your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss. It is so hard to say goodbye to those we love. You wrote a wonderful letter expressing what many of us find hard to put into words. Your love for them shone through every sentence!
God bless you and God bless your grandparents. The world could possibly be a better place if all youth were required to read your letter!
As you already know…your grandparents are with you forever, in your heart. They have left a treasured legacy in you and the wonderful place you graciously share with others.
Dear Jason,
It is my pleasure to know you and to share part of our faith journey together.
It is so special that you have had these experiences with your grandparents. Grandparents can play a very special role in our lives. So glad they were part of yours.
Blessings always, and especially during this time of grief and joy.
Sharon