Love Is Where You Find It

By Angelo Thomas Crapanzano

John was depressed after his wife had died and decided to take a trip to Los Angeles to visit his daughter. John didn't plan to fall in love again, but on the plane, John met Lora. When their plane ran into a severe storm, a lightning strike caused the plane to crash near a lake. Though their chance seating arrangements in the tail of the plane,

• Language: English
• Publisher: Leavitt Peak Press
• Release date: May 11, 2023
• ISBN: 9781961017177

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Love is where You Find It

Angelo Thomas Crapanzano

Copyright © 2023 Angelo Thomas Crapanzano.

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotation in a book review.

ISBN: 978-1-961017-16-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-961017-17-7 (e)

Rev. date: 04/27/2023

Dedication

I am dedicating this book in the memory of Lorna Phares, a sweet, gentle, and loving lady. Though God has taken her from us, she will never be forgotten. May God’s loving arms embrace her for eternity.

Contents

A Time for Charity

Unexpected Success

The Best of days

The Disappearance

Lost in the Woods

Surviving in the Wilderness

A New Home

Days of Hope

The Worse of Days

Unexpected Events

The Long Road to Happiness

A Time for Charity

The typical odor filled the hallways and filtered into all the rooms. John hated it as it reminded him of the time he spent there with his mother. Her heart was worn out, and she was too old for a transplant. Now he had to experience a serious problem with his wife. He sat in the waiting room wondering what the doctors would tell him. However, he was sure of the outcome. They had asked him to leave her room while they examined her. The doctors had been called because her blood pressure had dropped to a dangerous level. She had a bad liver. She had contacted hepatitis C, and they didn’t know about it until it was too late. She needed a liver transplant. However, he was told that she needed a very rare type, and it was almost impossible to find. He sat trying to keep his mind off the almost certain results. His mind wandered back to the odor that permeated the hallways of the hospital. He wondered what the odor was. Did it come from standard hospital disinfection alcohol? Was it cleaning fluid used to clean the rooms and floors? A voice suddenly snapped him from his thoughts.

Hi, Dad, how are you holding up? Sarah, honey, what are you doing here?

I thought you would need someone to be with you.

How did you find out about this? I have been trying to keep this from you until I knew for sure what would happen. I just found out today that they would not be able to get a liver for her. Daddy, did you forget that I am a doctor? I have ways of finding out these things. Dad, I’ve been on top of this from the beginning when you first brought her in for tests.

I should have known. Honey, I’m so glad that you’re here. I don’t think I can handle this by myself.

How long have you been out here? I’ve been out here for about an hour.

That’s too long. Let me go see what is going on. She was about to leave the room when the nurse walked in.

What is going on with Mrs. Cane? Sarah asked the nurse. The doctor took her downstairs for some tests, she answered.

They should be up soon. No sooner had she finished talking that the doctor walked in. A cold chill ran through John’s spine as the doctor walked toward them. What frightened John the most was the sad look on the doctor’s face.

Hi, you must be Dr. Cane, he said to Sarah. I’m Dr. Brant. Hi, Dr. Brant, responded Sarah. This is my father.

How are you, Mr. Cane? he said, shaking his hand. I’m afraid I have bad news for you. We ran all the tests and found that her liver has ceased to function. That has caused all her organs to start shutting down. We tried all the procedures and drugs we knew and couldn’t even slow down the process. I’m so sorry that I couldn’t help her. After the first shock wore off, Sarah responded.

How much time does she have?

Well, I think she will hang on for about two or three days, however, the problem is that she may only be conscious for a few hours. So go to her now if you want to talk with her. She is in her room. John and Sarah held back their emotions until the doctor left the room. Then they both hugged and began crying. After a few minutes, Sarah pulled away.

Dad, we had better go to her. We want to spend as much time as we can while she is awake. She is probably wondering what happened to her family. Without a word, John got up and followed her.

Let’s muster up all the energy and control we can and not let her see our pain. We want her last days to be as pleasant as we can make them.

Okay, said John, I’ll try my best. As they entered the room, Annie noticed them and spoke out with a weak voice that was barely audible.

There you are, John, I thought you got lost. Then seeing Sarah, she continued, Sarah, sweetheart. It’s so good to see you. Sarah bent down and kissed her mother.

I’m glad to be here, responded Sarah, tears showing in her eyes.

Now you guys listen to me, said Annie. I’ve had a very beautiful life. God has been so good to me. He has given me you two and all the love a woman can hope for.

Don’t talk like that, said Sarah. We want you to fight to get well, do you hear?

Honey, I know as well as you that I only have a little while. I’m looking forward to being with the Lord. The only regret I have is that I don’t like leaving your father alone. Let’s not waste the time I have in wishful thinking. Let’s talk about the good times we had. John, do you remember the time we spent in Florida?

John couldn’t control his feelings any longer. He bent over and hugged Annie crying as he held her.

Stop it now, John. Knowing what you know now would you have done things differently?

No way, said John excitedly. I will always love you. I would do it all over again.

That is the way I feel also, so, Johnny, feel happy for me.They, wanting to make Annie’s last hour as she had asked, started to reminisce all the high points in the twenty-seven years they had together. It was after one the next morning that Annie drifted off to sleep. John and Sarah stayed with her that night until late that morning, but she never awoke again. It was two days later that Annie’s heart stopped beating.

From that moment on, John was in a fog. He barely remembered the funeral. Step by step they walked, scattering leaves and trampling the grass. Under measured and heavy steps, they approached the grave site. The minister’s words still echoing in John’s mind when he left the site. He heard the workmen moving toward the site preparing to cover the casket of his beloved Annie. Death had torn his life apart, leaving only memories, tears, and loneliness. He didn’t even remember that his only sibling, his sister, was there.

It was about two weeks later that he came out of his fog and realized that his daughter was taking care of him. She was cooking for him, washing his clothes, and keeping the house clean for him.

Dad, come up and have something to eat. John was sitting in the family room. It was six steps up to the kitchen from the family room. There was a railing that divided the two rooms. Come on, Dad, Sarah continued, you have to eat. You can’t live long on the scraps you’ve been eating.

That’s all right, said John tearfully. I will be with your mother. I don’t have any reason to live any longer.

Come on, Dad. You have me to live for, not forgetting that God has a reason for you being here. Live for God. Now stop this foolishness and come up and eat.

I’m not hungry.

I am not asking you to eat for pleasure, I’m asking you to eat for necessity.

Later, responded John.

Now, said Sarah sternly. I have some soup and fruit for you. It will get cold. John, seeing that Sarah was getting upset, went

up and sat at the kitchen table. Sarah said grace and John started to eat his soup.

I don’t know how to thank you, started John, becoming aware of all that his daughter was doing for him. I don’t know what I would have done without you.

Stop that, she responded. You took care of me for about twenty-six years. I have been here for three weeks. Which reminds me, Dad, I’ve been away from my office all this time. I need to get back or I will lose my patients. But, Dad, I can’t leave you until I know you can take care of yourself.

Honey, I’ve always been able to take care of myself. I just have to grieve a while. Why don’t you go home? I’ll be all right. I don’t want you to lose your job. I’ll always be grateful for your support and care you have given me. I don’t know what I would have done without you. I will just grieve a little. I then will move on. I promise.

Are you sure, Dad? Just say the word, and I will stay as long as is necessary. I’m a doctor. I can get work anywhere. You know that I’m looking to come back to Ohio. I’m just looking for the right deal.

I appreciate all that you have done, and I appreciate your offer. But, honey, I have to learn to move on by myself. I admit that I’ve been in a fog up to now, but I’m back to being myself again. Like I said, I have to grieve by myself.

All right, Dad, if you’re sure you will be okay, I’ll call for a flight back to California tomorrow.

"Don’t worry about me. I also have Bill and Sally next door.

They are like family to me."

Yes, I know, said Sarah. They have been here every day since the funeral. It was really wonderful of them to bring so much food these past days. I think that from here on. However, you will have to cook for yourself.

It’s a good thing that Annie taught me and let me cook some of the time. To tell you the truth, which I’m sure you already know, your mom didn’t do a good job at cooking steaks or fish. She overcooked them. She felt a little more is always better.

I know, Dad, and don’t think I didn’t appreciate that. Well, I just wanted you to know. I can take care of myself.

It was two days later when it was time for Sarah to leave. After breakfast, John drove her to the airport. They said their good-byes in tears, and soon, John was on his way home. It was on the way home that he realized how much he was going to miss Sarah. He skipped lunch and had a sandwich for dinner. This he repeated for several weeks. His neighbors invited him often, but he found excuses and didn’t attend. One day, his neighbors Bill and Sally showed up at his door. Sally was carrying several covered dishes and so was Bill.

You won’t come to us, so we decided to come to you, said Sally and went directly to the kitchen.

You guys are something else, said John in a state of shock. You are both so sweet, but you shouldn’t have, he said, feeling grateful for their thoughtfulness. I’m sorry that I’ve put you off, but I haven’t felt that well.

No wonder, said Bill. Look at you. You must have lost ten or more pounds. Well, we are going to fatten you up to your normal weight.

Johnny, said Sally, getting more serious. You are stronger than this. Of course you are going to miss Annie. We miss her too. What do you think that Annie is feeling seeing you like this? I’m fine. I just have to grieve a little. I promise that I will move on. I just don’t know yet where to move on to.

What does your daughter Sarah say to you about your depression-like behavior? asked Sally.

She calls me every day, said John. You know, there is a three- hour difference between here and California. She calls when she gets off work at about five, her time. That is about eight here. I tell her that everything is fine.

You say that you don’t have anything to move on to, said Bill. What about your writing? I remember that you were working on a new novel.

I just don’t feel like writing. The truth is that I can’t think of anything to write. I’m just not in the mood. Besides, I always wrote for Annie’s future. I don’t have that goal anymore.

You also had a hobby painting pictures of places you have been. I think you have a big talent there, said Bill. What happened to that interest?

Right now, my mind is just a blank. I just want to work around the house. Thinking is kind of painful to me.

I know what you need, said Sally as if a wonderful idea came to her suddenly. You need two things. First, you need to have something that keeps you busy for a while. Secondly, you need to see people that are worse off than you are. Knowing you, I’m sure you will want to help them.

What are you talking about? asked John.

Well, you know that the medical office I work at closes every Wednesday, answered Sally. I chose to spend that time for charity work. Sometimes I go to the soup kitchen downtown. They can use all the help they can get. Why don’t you come with me next Wednesday? You can talk to Mr. Perkins who runs the place. You can just watch for a while. Knowing you and your kindness and generosity, I know that you will not want to just watch. Whatever you do is okay. What do you say?

I don’t think so, responded John. I wouldn’t be any good the way I feel.

That is a lot of baloney, said Sally.I know you better than you do. You need some distraction. I’ll come around next Wednesday. Let’s go at lunchtime. There will be less people there at that time. You can just see what it’s like. If it’s not your thing, then you can leave a donation. They can always use money. Remember they have to buy the food they serve.

Don’t they get any food donation? asked John.

Of course they do, but it is never enough.

I think it is a great idea, said Bill, who had been keeping silent till now. I would go with you if I didn’t have to work Wednesday. If you decide to go on a Saturday, I will go with you. It’s a great opportunity to see how the other side of the city works.

I’ll think about it,said John, wanting to close the conversation on the subject. What is going on in the world of science?

Never mind science, said Sally. "Dinner is ready on the table.

I’m hungry. Let’s eat."

I’m not hungry, said John sadly.

When you taste my food, you will get hungry, assured Sally jokingly.

How can I argue with that? said John with a weak smile. After they finished eating, Sally noticed that John had eaten a good share of the food. She decided not to say anything. This is not the time, she thought, to be funny. After cleaning the kitchen, they sat and talked about how their other friends were getting along. Soon Sally and Bill decided that it was time to go home. John wouldn’t stop thanking them for their generosity and friendship. John promised that he wouldn’t make them bring the food to him again. They packed up their utilities and each hugging John and left. John watched TV for a while and then went to bed.

It was about two days later that John received an invitation from Bill and Sally to dinner. This time, John didn’t refuse. Although Bill and Sally tried to stay away from bringing up Annie, John kept bringing up how much he missed her, how everything he tried to do reminded him of her.

Tomorrow is Wednesday, said Sally. You are going with me to the soup kitchen, right?

I don’t think so, responded John. What I was thinking, since you guy have supplied me dinner so many times, is that it is my turn. So I was thinking about my taking you guy out to dinner.

Thank you, but some other time, said Sally. Tomorrow you and I are going to the soup kitchen.

Yes, and I have a previous engagement with a client, added Bill. So I can’t make it. I always make this type of commitment on Wednesday since Sally always goes to the kitchen.

Besides, added Sally, I need your company. I don’t like to go alone.

Ouch, said John.

What’s the matter? asked Sally, worried over John’s pain. It hurts when you twist my arm to get your way, said John

with a big smile.

You’re back to your old self, said Sally. Does that mean that you are going?

No, it just means that you are twisting my arms and it’s uncomfortable.

Please, John, begged Sally. Do it for me. We will see, he answered.

The next morning, about ten thirty, Sally came knocking on the door.

Are you ready? she asked.

You are persistent, answered John. He was all dressed and ready to go. He knew her well enough to know that she would be there in the morning.

Don’t you know yet that Bill and I care very much for you? I know, answered John. Let’s go and get this over with.

It only took about twenty minutes to get there. They were met at the door with a kind-looking gentleman. Sally had apparently called ahead.

Good morning, he said. You must be John Cane. I’m Tom Perkins. I have the honor and the responsibility of running this place.

Good morning, said John. I’m so glad to meet you. Sally has told me so much about what you have accomplished here.

She exaggerates a lot, he responded. Then, he turned to Sally. How are you, Sally? I would like to show John around. Do you want to go with us?

No, you go ahead. I know what has to be done before the noon crowd comes in. Tom showed John the kitchen, the ovens, the food storage area, and the food distribution counter, which faced the dining area where they first entered the facility. He then took him upstairs via the inside entrance. He had to use a key to open the door.

We keep this door locked to keep the tenants upstairs from coming down and raiding the kitchen. They have an outside entrance that is also locked. Each tenant has a key. They are told that if they let anyone else in, they will lose their key.

I can see how that could cause a problem, said John.

There are two rooms up here for the homeless. There is one room for the men with ten beds, and one room for the women with ten beds, explained Tom.

When they went back into the dining room, John noticed that some people were starting to come in. Sally was at the counter dishing out food. Each person would grab a tray, and as they passed by, Sally would place a bowl of soup on each tray. Another young lady would place two slices of bread on the tray and another would place what looked like to John a slice of ham.

If I decided to help here, what would you have me doing? asked John.

You could be cooking, dishing out food at the counter, or to start until you get used to the place just cleaning the tables. We have fifteen tables to keep clean. You could also be washing dishes. And if we have more help than we need, you could be going to a warehouse or food distributor who is willing to get rid of food that he is stuck with at his costs or less. Since this is a voluntary service, you can just sit here and talk to the people. I understand that you are an author. Maybe you can get information for your next book. It doesn’t matter. I know from past experience that after you talk to a few people, you will want to do more.

What days are you most short of help? asked John, getting interested.

We can use help most days, answered Tom. However, Mondays and Thursdays are probably the worst days for help. We could always use help on the weekends. We always need someone to pick up something. Drivers are probably the biggest shortage we have. But don’t worry about that for now. Just come. You’ll find something to do.

John went to the soup kitchen on Monday at about eleven as he had done with Sally the Wednesday before. Tom introduced John to the two other helpers, Martha and Betty. At first, he cleaned the tables and washed dishes. He kept busy during the noon hour and helped until it was near dinnertime. After the people finished eating, he helped with clearing the tables, washing them and later washing the dishes. He started going to the facility several days the following week. At first, he just cleaned the tables and washed the dishes. He did get to talk with some of the street people who came to eat there. He was impressed with some of