Treasures in the Desert ~ part five
Dora spent several days on the internet researching Dr Jess Craine and Bella Craine. Then she started in on the hunt for Jesse Crane. She found an obituary for a lady by the name of Bessie Crane who passed away in an automobile accident along with their two children. Her husband Jesse Crane was out of state when the accident happened.
Dora diligently kept searching for more information only stopping to take Mo~Jo outside for his play time and doggie duties. When she went to feed him she realized she had not eaten that day.
“This is crazy, I am obsessed with this letter.
I'm even ignoring poor Mo~Jo. Now I'm even talking to myself!
Self you are going to the park with Mo~Jo.” she said laughingly.
Mo~Jo heard the word park and scooted off to get his leash. Smart dog -well taught.
At the park Dora consumed two chili dogs, a chocolate milk shake and a large french fries! mo~Jo knew not to beg but he sat and watched just in case she dropped a treat. She always dropped one tiny treat for her buddy but just one.
“Ya all got yerself a well trained buddy there Missy.” said a little older lady sitting on a park bench the next table over from Dora.
“Yes I do. My name is Dora and this is my Mo~Jo.” replied Dora with a smile and firm handshake.
“ They call me Belinda but I prefer Bela. I live at the Old Folks Home the next street over and they don't like my hankerin' to walk over to the park everyday to feed the birds but I done tol' them ifin they stop me one day I would jest keep on a walking and they wouldn't get their pay from me each month” chuckled Bela.
“Ma I ask why you just don't stay in your own home or apartment instead of the Old Folks Home?” Asked Dora.
“ Well Dora I sat down one day and figured out that since I have outlived my three husbands, parents and my two children, who never had children I'd better get someone to take care of me when I got old. I looked around at Old Folks Homes, nowadays they call them Assisted living centers, but they are Old Folks Homes, and I liked the way this one is clean, with activities, good food and the staff is very helpful and caring. I have the money in the bank and because I am thrifty I sold my car and house.
I then asked them to show me a room with morning sun and room for two beds. You see I only wanted one bed but the other space I set up a table with four chairs just in case I ever need one of those wheeling chairs. Plus I have a computer to write little stories the other residents tell me.
I am healthy fer a ninety year old and still have my mind. I carry this cane over here at the park for protection and have learned how to use these cell-phonies. This way I'm around people, get three meals a day and so forth. I only pay one bill a month and they take care of the rest.” happily chuckled Bela.
Dora told Bela she was very smart to plan ahead for her future. Bela asked Dora why she was eating like she had not eaten for days. Dora laughed and said she was consumed with tracking down information about a Craine and a Crane family because she had a letter that should go to any survivors. Bela's ears picked up because she loved a mystery.
Dora said she was now researching a Dr Jesse Crane whose wife Bessie and their two children were killed in an auto accident while he was out of state.
Bela said if she did not mind could she help with the researching because it kept her mind sharp and alive. Dora said of course and how about we exchange e-mails and addresses. We can meet in the park and eat hot dogs.
Bela agreed. She said she was getting tired and had to walk home but Dora said she would have none of that and she and Mo~Jo were going to drive her home. Bela told her that would be fine and Dora must come see her room. Mo~Jo was also welcome but had to be carried and secured in her room with a leash. Dora stayed for coffee and saw Bela's room.
“This is not a room it is a delightful apartment with everything you need. I had better go and let you rest before your dinner. I will have to get back to my research so I can put these pieces together so I can finish with the other family research. With your help this mystery can be solved.” replied Dora.
©Julia A Knaake