The Hotel del Coronado in San Diego is arguably one of the most recognizable and desirable vacation spots in the world. It’s oceanside presence, idyllic downtown and consistent weather exudes an “I wish I could make this my home.”
With real estate offerings of over a million dollars for a 500 square-foot residence, Coronado becomes more of a dream than reality for its countless tourists.
But for the lucky few like Arizona pharmaceuticals tycoon Jonah Shacknai, the town was an easy selection for their 12,750 square-foot second home.
The mansion featured a brilliant staircase - one that might have been the cause of his six year-old’s fatal fall. Shacknai’s live-in girlfriend was at home at the time of the tragedy and there was no reason to suspect foul play. Whether from revenge or self-guilt, the girlfriend was purportedly found two days later hanging naked, gagged and bound hand and foot by Shacknai’s brother, Adam. He called 911, but the police found her lying on the floor because Adam supposedly cut the rope to lay her down. No one except Adam actually saw her hanging. Police labeled the first death accidental and the second as suicide.
Coronado lives on as a top-list place to call home. Not even the Shacknai dark cloud could ruin the sunny seaside dream-town.
Inside every Coronado home and any other home lie problems that landscaped lawns cannot erase. Obviously, most will never see such horror.
When I place my towel on the Coronado beach and view the Victorian landmark hotel, I remember to deliberately check-in to my heart - where my true home resides.
PORTAL TO HEAVEN: If home is where the heart is, I must ask, “Have I asked Christ to reside there?” Beautiful homes in incomparable settings should be obvious portals that stimulate our appetite for our promised eternal residence.
In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you…If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far…we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.
John 14:2 KJV, Philippians 1:22,23 NIV Corinthians 5:8 NIV,