A Thank You Note to Oregon

Dear Oregon,

Amid the chaos that has gripped our world, we decided to keep our plans and take a much needed break from everyday life. We loaded up van and cars and took a road trip of a life time. And, I'd like to thank you. 

Thank you for rocky lakeshores and sandy ocean beaches, breathtaking waterfalls--for trees and rain and sunshine in perfect quantities. 

Thank you especially for memories--

-of my granddaughter chasing ocean waves and running across green lawns, splashing in the hot tub and yelling "Papa" down the hall. 

-of my grown and almost-grown children talking, laughing, playing in pools and lakes and ocean.

-of shopping and souvenirs and seafood

-of scary moments that turned out okay and sad-missing-you-moments that turned into surprise arrivals.

-of lazy mornings waking when we wanted and unhurried days of exploration and adventure.

-of long drives through a canopy of trees--a thousand shades of green speeding past on both sides, 

-and an enormous, winding river welcoming us and then bidding us farewell.  

Thank you, Oregon, for an almost perfect vacation filled with perfect memories.