As a youngster, Dorothy Sakamoto was introduced to orchids by her father. She still remembers the smell of the Isotox he used as a pesticide. He also took his family to orchid shows and took Polaroids of the beautiful flowers. In 1995, after the passing of her mother, Dorothy was looking through some of her mother's cookbooks when she discovered an orchid culture book. It was at this time that Dorothy's passion for orchids bloomed.

Like many of us getting started in a hobby such as this, success did not come easy. Dorothy purchased many orchids, all of which have gone to "orchid heaven." She realized that she needed to learn about growing the plants. She signed up for free adult education classes on orchid culture at Farrington High School . Her first instructor was the tireless John Yee, a grower and hybridizer of cattleyas. His multiple slide-projector lectures often ended up in mass confusion but were impressive nevertheless.

By now the bug had bitten Dorothy. On weekends she and her husband, Ted, would go orchid hunting at nurseries. This was when she met Ralph Ajifu, who had a nursery in Waiahole. Ralph, who was the president of the Windward Orchid Society, urged Dorothy to join the club to learn more about growing orchids.

She and her husband joined in July 1995. Ted, having no interest in orchids, only went to the meetings because Dorothy didn't want to go alone. What Ted found interesting were not the orchids, but the people he met. So when Dorothy asked Ted to join her for John Yee's classes and later Robert Aoki's classes, Ted quickly agreed. The Sakamotos became close friends of Robert and soon were assisting him in all of his classes, until he could no longer teach.

Through the years, orchids changed the Sakamotos. Dorothy became very knowledgeable in orchid culture and Ted enjoyed the camaraderie and social activities that they attended. They both met so many wonderful people, many of whom became like family. Two years ago, Dorothy lost Ted, but she has come to realize that the friends they made have become friends for life.

Now retired, Dorothy keeps busy with a small business selling orchids and crafts, of course with some of her friends in the orchid club. Dorothy is also the vice president and program chairwoman for the Windward Orchid Society, and sponsors a free workshop at her home on the second Saturday of each month. Of course she'll be at this weekend's Windward Orchid Society 27th Annual Spring Show, which starts today.

From what began as an simple interest in growing orchids, Dorothy has learned — from her life's experiences with all of the people she has met — how to be a better person. She shares these experiences with the rest of her family, bringing them closer together.

Orchids have taken her on a journey and brought her happiness, balance and harmony in life.