On 22 December 1990, my adopted father John D Dillon passed away. He was Patrick’s first father-in-law, Donna’s dad, the man I called Granddaddy when I was a wee tyke.
After my adoption when I was 12, my new parents and I sat down to discuss naming conventions. I’d been calling him Granddaddy but my mom Willie seemed too young and glamorous to have a name like Grandma and we wanted their names to be of the same pattern. Since I was already calling her Willie (short for Wilma), they became “John and Willie” from that point forward.
Meanwhile, they asked what I’d like to do with my own name. I was originally John Patrick Meador. I gave it some thought and finally suggested tacking on Dillon at the end. (Gretchen, Jennifer, and I were all born “Meador” because we popped out of Mother before Patrick discovered the error on his birth certificate.)
Now that I have a grandson, I asked the kids if I can be “Granddaddy” to baby Max. The term is doubly endearing to me: it’s an expression of love for Max, and for John as well, another one of those “circle of life” moments that will carry me through the coming days and years.
I’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
Thanks John Patrick. I have never been able to get in touch with mom’s family and I always wondered how you all turned out. I’m hope you find me well enough to send some pics because I have not received any information on the house since I was in prison in 1991. Or 1990. I am independent and look forward to a healthy, happy catching up on the last 28 years. As said. I would like some information and to know where we are buried. So, be it but be secure and I will always know how you took care of the rest when Raymond died in,,,,1981. Don’t forget to call, some time. My Cell phone is 830xxxxxxx. My landline is 830xxxxxxx or,#5392. It’s been a long time and I am glad to hear from you again, hopefully with a photo or two.
Donald Steven Bullard
Hi, Donald,
Your brother Raymond is buried in the Brandon Cemetery (off of FM 1243, I think), surrounded by members of the Perkins family for reasons I don’t know. I don’t know where your brother John is interred. Oh, wait, I just remembered that he was cremated and his ashes sent to your mom. Your mom’s body is buried in Ft. Lauderdale in the Evergeen Cemetery, next to her own mom. It’s possible you’ll find a video of your mom and other brother on YouTube somewhere, if it’s still up, but he’s changed his name.
Yes, Raymond’s funeral was a very, very difficult affair. Sometimes it still haunts me, just as do some of the Charlotte memories of your mom and you four boys.
Forgive me for not reaching out by phone; I trust you understand.
JP
Get John to send you John Dillon’s resume. Amazing.