Another amazing experience at the Goodstone Inn is worth sharing. We couldn't wait to return to the…read moreinn after our last memorable visit, and we are so happy we did! We're spending a few days here for a cozy, romantic anniversary getaway.
We had visited the inn several times, but our last visit, seven months ago, was different. I just had to write a review about an amazing young woman named Saxton, who made such an impression on us. It was her very first week working at the inn. I could tell she was going through some struggles in her personal life, but despite whatever challenges she was facing, she gave everything she had to making sure her guests had a wonderful experience. Her kindness, determination, and genuine desire to do her very best were impossible not to notice. I remember thinking there was something really special about her and that she needed to be recognized for being an extraordinary woman. I had no idea that taking a few minutes to recognize someone for the wonderful job they were doing could have such an impact on their life.
When we returned this week, something happened that brought me to tears. During dinner, I saw Saxton again, and she was doing what she does best! There was a wobbly table, and she was determined to fix it. She literally had to get down on the floor and sit there to accomplish that goal, and she did just that! She wasn't going to walk away until the table was steady. That's the kind of person she is. You can tell she takes pride in what she does, even the smallest details. I saw her look up with a big smile, as if she recognized me.
As we were leaving, Jessica, the lovely young woman who checked us into the inn, told me that Saxton had recognized me and wondered if I was the lady who had written the review. I said yes and asked if I could see her to say hello.
When I saw Saxton, she gave me the biggest hug and told me that my review had literally changed her life! Apparently, it brought her hard work and dedication into the spotlight, and management took notice. She was finally being recognized for the effort and heart she had been putting into her work from the very beginning.
But what makes me even prouder is that Saxton didn't stop there. She took that recognition and continued to build on it. Her determination, dedication, and ability to connect with people have only grown stronger. She kept showing up, giving her best, and proving herself through her actions. Now, just seven months later, she's being considered for restaurant manager! Yes, the same woman that sat on the floor to accomplish her goal of fixing that table.
I may have helped bring attention to her hard work, but Saxton is the one who earned every bit of the recognition and opportunity that followed.
What touched me just as much was seeing the light in her eyes that I hadn't seen seven months ago. I cannot begin to tell you how much that meant to me. It brought me to tears. I was so proud of her! She deserves every bit of that recognition.
And now I also have to tell you about Jessica, another extraordinary woman in her own way.
From the moment she checked us in, she was so warm and welcoming. She even went out of her way to personally escort us to our cottage, even though her shift was over and she was leaving. That was when we discovered that we share a love for birds. The next morning, when we returned to the restaurant, we saw that Jessica had left us her personal Birds of Virginia book to borrow, along with a map she had taken the time to mark with the places where she had seen some of her favorite birds.
She was genuinely excited to share something she loves with us, and I thought that was just the sweetest thing. She didn't have to do any of that. She simply wanted to share her excitement and help us experience something special. I was so touched by her thoughtfulness.
Lastly, let's talk about the food! Once again, it was absolutely extraordinary! Every meal has been wonderful, and the entire experience has made our anniversary getaway everything we could have hoped for and more.
What makes this inn so special isn't just the beautiful surroundings, the cozy accommodations, or the incredible food. It's the people.
Saxton and Jessica are two remarkable young women who genuinely care about what they do and the people they encounter. You simply cannot teach that kind of kindness and dedication. It comes from the heart.
I sincerely hope management recognizes and appreciates what they have in these two women.
And Saxton, I want you to know how incredibly proud I am of you. Seeing you again, seeing that light in your eyes, and hearing about everything you've accomplished was such a gift to me. I hope you get that management position because you have certainly earned the opportunity! And when you do, there should be a celebration. I hope we get invited to honor your spirit.
Thank you for making our anniversary so memorable. We couldn't have chosen a more perfect place to celebrate!
