Rose Garden Memories    << Previous Memory      Next Memory>> My memory is not one of wine and roses, nor is it one of proposals or weddings. No, my memory and first trip to the Rose Garden in Portland was the result of a picture from a travel magazine. Having lost my husband, I felt abandoned and alone and had to "find myself". Travel was always something people spoke of so I looked through travel magazines and Chamber of Commerce brochures. I came across a picture of Mr. Hood, taken from the Portland Rose Garden. Not having the funds, nor the inclination to travel alone, I kept that picture in my kitchen with the thought that "one day" I would stand in that very spot to view Mt. Hood. Lo and behold, my second love came along eventually. I related my desire to him and even though he did not have the same desire at the time, he obviously kept the thought in mind. When he won a marketing award through his job, he had the choice of going to New York City, Hawaii or San Francisco. He mentioned my desire of going to Portland and the Rose Garden, but also pointed out "Hawaii". Hands down, I wanted to go to San Francisco with the promise of driving the Oregon coast and ending up in Portland at the Rose Garden. With magazine picture in tow, we took off. While San Francisco was fun, my heart was more northwards. We finally arrived at "my" destination. I was thrilled. We hunted and hunted for the spot. It was drizzly, Mt Hood was no where to be seen. I was disappointed of that, but it whetted my appetite to return. It took three trips from Houston to Portland but I finally saw Mt Hood from the very spot in the magazine! It was as exciting and beautiful as I could have ever imagined! My appreciation and love goes to this man who became lovingly determined to help me discover the very area from which the picture of my dream was taken. I fall in love each time I return with Portland, the Rose Garden and him. -- w smith Houston, TX United States Submit a Memory Close Window