Patrick Meadows and Stephanie Shepard Memorial Site
Messages sent to family. Sometimes these are slightly modified to meet the needs of a blog post.
A short e-mail message from Patrick to us kids, dated 23 Dec 2014: Hello All, Don’t know why, maybe because recently I am in very retro-autobio mode, I just remembered a moment in Wiesbaden, probably 1963? PatrickPatrick Meadows 1934 – 2017. patrick-meadows.com
This long letter from 1991 embodies Patrick’s nature. It contains a blend of narratives that summarize his frenetic lifestyle, travel, procrastination regarding family, whirling ideas, exploration into new areas (like Finale, then a new computer program for music), and observations on life and death. JPI’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
Emotionally, I have to admit that I’m not doing so well right now. Intellectually, I recognize JPI’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
Here’s the video of Patrick’s memorial service as a YouTube link. The space was a challenge to shoot (very long and narrow), and you can sometimes hear donkeys braying in the background (how perfectly Mallorquin) but you should get a sense of the place and the sentiment. JPI’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
A short thank you note to Carol who responded to my earlier “perhaps last message for Spain” e-mail. JPI’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
All: You have indulged me as I describe the things happening here, and for that I thank you. Things are finally settling down so this may be my last note from Spain. (Yes, a lot still needs to be done, but not worthy of another e-mail.) JPI’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
Three days worth…. JPI’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
Too worn out to write much, but the memorial went well. Carol and Trini read a sister’s poem in English and Spanish, Jack read Patrick´s poem to Stephanie, and afterwards at La Residencia, Suzy and Vera played some lovely music. I think there were between 30 and 50 people present, amazing given the small space. (more)
I always say these letters are short summaries, yet they are never short, nor do they sufficiently summarize. Still, I shall try again. Yesterday (Friday the 28th) was a full day. Carol deposited me at Patrick’s apartment just as the clock rolled over to this milestone on the calendar, but I didn’t get to sleep (more)
Letter to Ivonne on 24 April 2017, posted with her permission: We all miss Patrick and I know that you miss him very much too. Fortunately we all still have each other. You are especially lucky because you also have your daughter. Her love for you is different, but just as special, just as wonderful, (more)
It is two days after Patrick’s passing and here’s an update such as it is. I’m going to throw in some random notes as I stumble across them. JPI’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
I’m sorry to report that my dad Patrick has passed away. He took the car to a secluded place in Valldemossa and ended his pain there. I’m heading to Spain as soon as I can. JPI’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
I called Patrick from the race track this morning. He reported that the last couple of days have been really bad, but today was a little bit better. JPI’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
Sent just after midnight on 15 Apr ’17. Today Patrick and Ivonne went for another drive. He said that his back hurts whether sitting in the car sitting at home so he might as well get out and enjoy the countryside. Unfortunately this is a religious holiday coming up and many of the small towns (more)
Sent 13 Apr ’17 5:17 PM Today I talked with Patrick twice. Initially he said that he’s not doing very well and wouldn’t be much fun for conversation. However he did eat some breakfast in the morning and said that he had a pretty good night last night. He’s fighting both back pain and that (more)