Today, once again, the anniversary of Patrick’s death scars our calendars. Can eight years really have passed so quickly? What milestones have we enjoyed a little less because of his absence? What insights would he have imparted, what clever messages and dialogs would we have shared, if his pain hadn’t driven him to say goodbye?

Last October we visited Patrick’s final resting place…. not the cemetery where his ashes were placed, but that beautiful spot overlooking the Mediterranean where he rested for the last time. Birds sang, Suzy and Veronica dug up some soil for Suzy’s garden, and I took pictures and looked for the exact spot where my father died. I didn’t find it; the cairn is long gone and even the broken glass has no doubt been mashed into the soil.

As time passes, it’s only natural that anniversaries are reduced in importance. I was at the race track when news of his death arrived, and at the same track with the same group a year later when I wore his shirt and ring while attending to my racing duties. Another year passed and a wonderful new relationship was launched on that anniversary. A year later we were in the throes of Covid, alone again and adrift in many ways, teaching and consulting on-line. On the fourth anniversary a Star Trek episode about the loss of a father unexpectedly played before my solitary eyes, inspiring me to watch his memorial concert again. I put in a lackluster performance at the Olympus Rally on the fifth anniversary, and was back into a routine pattern (rally cars, lunches with friends, etc) for these remaining markers.

Indeed, there are a few days each year when I don’t think of Patrick at all. That doesn’t mean he’s forgotten, only that I’m getting on with my life. He was mostly absent for most of my early years…. it’s only fitting that he be occasionally absent from my thoughts in the later ones.

So…. how do I wrap this up? Nothing profound comes to mind, just memories, some of which I’ve shared here, and more of which I’ll post later.

Instead, I’ll conclude with a few photos from the place he last viewed and other spots on the island, captured during our last visit there.

JP

I’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.