carbuff
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- Oct 30, 2009
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hi, carbuff--
First off, I am very sorry to learn of your loss--my condolences to you & yours. I know what you mean about the lack shock, but still the profound sadness that still accompanies such a loss, even though you know it's coming sooner or later (mother had Alzheimer's)...it's just not a nice thing...expecting it still doesn't quite prepare you.
as for the zippers...well, they wouldn't necessarily have to touch them. Was just pondering out loud, so to speak. But there is always a chance that they might have been touched, for whatever reason.
Ahhhhh overactive imagination, indeed! If you've ever considered a writing career (assuming you're not already pursuing one), that would make a great bit of characterization. At any rate, your imagination has lead to some very plausible scenarios for Beth's case. Who the devil knows why the zippers were painted--that idea is as good as any, imo!
Thanks, I appreciate that. And my sympathy for what you went through with your mom. It's hard watching somebody you love just disappear in front of your eyes.
I found this photo of the suitcases, zippers, and handles: http://www.pennsylvaniamissing.com/bethdoephotos.html You can click on the photo to get a larger view.
Looks like it wasn't just the zippers that were painted but the whole zippered side of the soft-sided case (those look like the cheap American Tourister softsides that college kids were buying to travel to Europe with, btw). The obvious thing that came to my mind was that black suitcase submerged in water would be hard to find.
You can also see on the brown suitcase how the handle was cut -- it looks like snipped through with a serious metal cutter.
It also struck me kind of odd that all three suitcases are the same size, especially the two that are identical. People usually buy different sizes when they buy a set.
I have some thoughts about the timeline, too, but I'll have to wait to post those after we get the Christmas tree.