The episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation I saw last night involved the loss of a father. Since today is the fourth anniversary of Patrick’s death, I found the coincidence curious. I have been meaning to write on this day, about that event, but as usual words failed to materialize.
I was talking with Gretchen last night and she mentioned how she missed him. I pointed out the anniversary and she was surprised. The time flows past so quickly, into the past in a great rush, and suddenly times and dates are blurred.
Clearly I still think of him often, still wish that there was something more that I could do on his behalf, something more I could do to further preserve his legacy, something I could do to bring peace to the family.
However, he is lost to us, just as all the generations before us, and those before them, are lost.
Tonight I will watch again the memorial concert footage. I’ll revisit some of those moments that we shared together, to listen to his voice on those recordings that I have, and to celebrate the joy of knowing this imperfect father who cared about his kids despite the life choices that he made.
Of course, the part he’d appreciate most is the music.
I’m the son of Patrick of Meadows.
Hi again JP,
In rereading your fourth anniversary post…
No one who is loved is lost to us.
Or anyone who is appreciated, which is a part of love.
I appreciated your father and how he helped, and Stephanie and how she helped.
In no way are they lost.
Nor are anyone else who you yourself have loved and appreciated.
best,
Laura
Hi JP,
I met your father early in 1989 because he and Stephanie were the Spain management of the then touring “New American Chamber Orchestra” and I was principal viola of the group for that tour…and as it happened, the only one who had some Spanish study. So I made a bond with Patrick and Stephanie, and it was they who made it possible for me to audition for the newly forming Orquestra Simfonica des Balears later that same year. Some years later my American husband and I drank lemonade on their Daval es Penyal terrace…and decades later your father hosted me and a Mallorcan pal of mine (that he and Stephanie had connected me to years ago when I did the audition) on his Valledemossa terrace.
I send you salutes, and via you, to your father.
Peace and blessings to you both,
Laura
Hi, Laura,
I replied privately via e-mail, but thought it’s worth posting here too.
Thank you for your thoughtful words on my dad’s memorial web site. I enjoyed hearing about your many encounters with Patrick and Stephanie. They did indeed touch many lives and, through the web site, they continue to connect with old friends. Should you ever be inspired to write more about them, I’d be happy to share. It makes me happy to know that people like you were in his life.
JP
P.S. I never got to see his Valldemossa place. I’ve heard it was lovely. He was the type to keep friendships going for decades. I’m glad you did.