10/27/2026
Sometimes, the people you welcome into your home end up touching your heart in ways you never expected. 🥹♥️
We’ve been a little quiet here at Pine Hollow Rentals lately, and I wanted to share a little piece of why, along with something incredibly special that happened today.
For those who don’t know, my (Christina) beautiful mom was diagnosed with terminal cancer, and as her health declined, I stepped away from many parts of my everyday life to be by her side. On September 9th, I moved in with my parents to help care for her, and on October 11th, we said our final goodbye. ❤️🩹
The past several weeks have been filled with unimaginable heartbreak, precious memories, and learning just how valuable the time we have with the people we love truly is.
Through it all, Hilltop Hideaway continued welcoming guests, even when I wasn’t as present here on social media. And today, I was reminded of something really beautiful about this little business we’ve built.
Two of our wonderful returning guests, a mother and daughter, checked out this morning. When I arrived to prepare the cabin for our next guests, I found the most thoughtful surprise waiting for Tyler and me. A beautiful, cozy blanket, a candle, and a handwritten card filled with gratitude and kindness.
And I cried. Not because of the gifts themselves, but because of the love behind them. ♥️
They had no obligation to do something so incredibly thoughtful. They simply chose kindness, without knowing just how deeply it would touch someone who is navigating one of the hardest seasons of her life.
When we started Pine Hollow Rentals, our dream was to create more than just a vacation rental. We wanted to build a place where families could reconnect, couples could slow down, and people could make memories they’ll cherish long after they’ve checked out.
After losing my mom, that mission means more to me than ever. 🥺
Because at the end of the day, it’s not the things we have that matter most. It’s the time we share, the memories we make, and the love we leave behind.
And sometimes, the people who come to make memories in our little cabin end up giving us memories of our own.
To Amy Jo and her mom, thank you for reminding me that even in the midst of heartbreak, there is still so much goodness and kindness in this world. You may have thought you were leaving a simple thank-you gift, but what you really gave me was a moment of unexpected comfort when I needed it more than you could ever know. 😭
And to all of our guests who have continued supporting our little business while I’ve been away, thank you. Your patience, kindness, and continued trust in us mean the world.
I’m slowly finding my way back, carrying my mom’s love with me into everything I do.
Here’s to making memories, cherishing our people, and remembering that even the smallest acts of kindness can leave the biggest impressions. 🦋♥️
With love and gratitude,
Christina & Tyler
Pine Hollow Rentals | Hilltop Hideaway 🌲
