The Ellie Inn
We have all heard the expression: if these walls could talk, what would they say? Use your imagination and join me on this explorative journey. Stop for one moment. Stop scrolling. Stop looking at the reels. Give social media a break and listen to the walls speak. Listen to the echoes of times past. Hear the people whisper; hear the forever of history cry out.
Have you ever walked into a place and thought about the history, the memories, the pain, the joy, and the life-changing words that may have been spoken there? I’m sure all of you have walked into a room and been met by a memory—the scent of it, the glance it brings, the smile it evokes, and even the hug that it offers.
I recently had an encounter at The Ellie Inn, which is adjacent to my neighborhood. As I entered the front door of this magnificent place, I could hear the memories of humanity as well as the dreams and hopes of its visitors. I heard laughter and, of course, sadness. This was our first visit to this magical place.
Let me give you a bit of the history of this exquisite place, as the owners describe it. Nestled in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina, The Ellie Inn is a restored 1900s schoolhouse, perfect for intimate gatherings and special events.
The Ellie Inn is more than just a place to stay; it’s an experience where history and elegance come together. Every room retains unique details from its schoolhouse past while offering the modern amenities and conveniences needed for a comfortable stay. The charm of Ellie Nicholson’s legacy and the inviting atmosphere of this beautifully preserved home provide guests with a sense of timeless warmth and comfort.
Whether you’re celebrating life’s special moments, seeking a unique gathering place, or simply wanting a peaceful getaway, The Ellie Inn promises a one-of-a-kind experience. Here, the echoes of history enrich your memories, creating a backdrop for celebration, relaxation, and connection.
Right from the owner's description, I heard the echoes and voices of those who have been in these rooms. How wonderful is this journey, and how marvelous is this place that speaks so loudly from history. This is where this story was born: from the place of if these walls could talk.
I have scheduled a time this week to sit and listen to the walls at The Ellie Inn. The owners were so gracious to allow me to write about this unique encounter.
The Ellie Inn is a writer’s haven; it has all the components a writer needs. How blessed I am to have this experience. I feel like there may have been other writers before me in this place; I will find out soon because I will listen as the walls talk. They will tell me.
I’ve arrived at the inn. I have this excited and anxious feeling in my soul. It’s hard to explain. I’m hoping that this will subside as I start to write. It’s not in the way at all, but the uncertainty of this story may be the cause. I’m exploring new territory emotionally. This place is magnificent!
I first settled into a cozy spot near the stairway, a little area I’ve come to think of as the parlor, and later moved into the main entertaining space to continue writing. I am now sitting in a chair that wraps around me with a pillow under my left arm. As I look up at these walls, I wonder what has been said in this room. The dreams that were shared here, the lessons learned here, the names spoken here, and the visions that were discussed here. These walls are some twenty feet tall, and a sophisticated brown, textured ceiling crowns them. Their beauty sings new songs now. The past is gone, but the stories that speak here remain.
I’ve finally calmed into a state where my mind and fingers move together, with no thoughts getting in the way. It feels like a river, carrying the stories of The Ellie Inn. My mind keeps telling my fingers to slow down. The river doesn’t need to rush. These stories are numerous, and this is not the end of the project. Take your time, my friend. Enjoy the writing. This is a special story.
There is exuberant laughter here; the echoes are so audible and melodic, and it’s emotional for me as I hear them. My experiences as a child and later as a young person consisted of more survival than happiness. These feelings come unexpectedly in this place. I see myself in the corner of the room, curled up on the floor, in a time when hope was gone, and only sadness and the shadow of death filled my soul.
The corner is my safe place right now as I listen to these stories.
The joy is flowing all around me; it’s a river of laughter swirling around the room, like a whirlpool of grace, mercy, peace, and harmony. It’s a virtual vortex of love. As I sit in the corner in my own alternate world, thinking no one sees me, arms start to reach out to me from this whirlpool of love. They start to sing in unison: “Holy, holy, holy, bring your pain to the throne of grace and mercy.” The room is spinning faster and faster, and there are more and more now reaching out to me. As I lift my head, I can see others in the corners of the room. We make eye contact, and our hands start to move away from our curled position.
This vortex of grace and mercy is swirling at a life-giving pace now, and I can see the faces of these radiant angels reaching out to me. I can see what’s written on their dreams and their hopes. It’s so extraordinary. I want to reach out, but I’m just not sure if I can. I’ve been here so long. Will I be here forever? I ask myself. Will I take a step and reach out to humanity and trust again? I glance around the room and view the corner across from me. I witness him reaching out his arms, and see the whirlpool gently pulling him in as if they have rescued a soul from the depths of darkness. At this moment, rejoicing erupts in this vortex of love, mercy, and grace. I hear the angels cry in an overwhelming sound of love. Will I be next? I’m so resistant at this moment.
I want to move to a different space in the inn, but I can’t right now. The others must be rescued in all corners of the room. As one leaves, another takes his place. This is where hope lives. I have to stay for now. I know there are other spaces in the inn that need this sea of love to rescue them. But here I am in this space, still in the corner, but more alert now, slightly reaching out with my fingertips. I am more interested in seeing others rescued than taking care of my own rescue.
I remember names from my past who were rescued by this whirlpool of love, mercy, and grace: Chris (my brother), Kevin (my best friend), Tammy (an important part of my story), Lisa (my wife), my sister, my mom, Keith (my friend), my dad, Matt (the son of Kevin and Tammy), and Shirley (a beautiful friend). So many in this glorious sea of love have peace now. I’m reaching out just a bit more now, experiencing the peace that is spoken in this place; I’m not sure if I am ready just yet.
As the whirlpool slows, I can clearly see the arms of those who are still reaching out to me, inviting me to the table of healing, the table of love, and the table that represents the beauty of humanity. They are singing, “Come now, get up and start this journey. It won’t be easy but it’s a start. Let the pain stay in the corner, let the suffering die, and let the deserving be where they belong. This is not your fault.” The voices are loud as we face this reality of decisions. Will you come? Will you reach out and be one who comes to this place and now helps those who will come behind you? There are so many. It’s up to you to reach out. Your name needs to be written here. Lift your hands and join us.
All we have to do is come to the inn and sit, listen, and be ready for the rescue. Love, joy, peace, and harmony; it’s a new beginning for us all.
I must admit this whirlpool of mercy and grace is breathtaking. Its white, flowing clouds spin so slowly that I can see the vapors disappear at my fingertips as I touch them. I’m in the midst of a magnificent pool of gold, rubies, and turquoise colors, and nothing is hindering me from joining this place. And yet I’m always drawn by them—the others that need this more than me.
I’m still not sure if it’s my time. I’m still working on myself, and I am hopeful that one day I will reach the place where I can completely heal. For now, I am standing in the corner and content with watching those who are pulled into the whirlpool of love, mercy, and grace. It’s okay to be you and to acknowledge that healing is happening. As long as you are here, you will have hope. Don’t quit now; renewal is happening here.
The Ellie Inn is waiting, and these lovely walls will always exude love, grace, and mercy. There will always be a whirlpool of hope here. Come experience this magnificent place of history. Will you join us here?
