From the day of his birth (10/31/2011) to the day of his death (10/15/2020) Jake Randall Meredith brought sunshine and joy to his family. Jake had many names each with a special story: Bubba, Jakey, Jakey Boo, and Jakelynn.
To his parents Carla M. Adamek and Ronald (Ronnie) Peyton Meredith he was called son (the second) for Carla and for Ronnie son number four. They called him son, Bubba, Jakey, and wise little man.
To his brothers, Bryce Robert Meredith, Connor Meredith and Allen Dunham he was little brother, Jakey, and any number of other names that brothers call each other.
He loved games: Pokémon with Grookey as his favorite; Fortnite with Llama as the identified favorite. Often, we would see Jake in his zipped-up Llama hoodie which covered his face. He could see you, but you couldn’t see him. Wherever he went he carried Grookey, a Black Panther pillow and a Fortnite blanket with him.
Jake would tell you his favorite color was Red, and Blue was his second favorite. Prior to his illness it was not uncommon for Jake to dress like one of his favorite characters. In fact, that was his normal dress. Depending on his age and the day, he always had a favorite to dress like. It didn’t have to be Halloween; he’d do it any old day and sometimes every day. He could be a ninja turtle, Llama, spiderman, many of the Marvel/Avengers characters, and especially Black Panther. You never knew who would greet you with a big smile and a deep hug.
Like all kids, Jake had favorites for everything: playing video games on Xbox and Nintendo Switch, painting, doing arts and crafts, reading books. Favorite movies are Big Daddy, Black Panther and ALL 3 Iron Man movies. His football team was the Houston Texans and his Baseball team was the Astros.
Sports were a big thing for Jake. In fact, there is a touching story about Jake and his brothers. Connor had a necklace with a baseball as the pendant. Connor gave it to Bryce. And Bryce gave it to Jake. That describes the love these brothers had for each other.
Before his diagnosis of Anaplastic Epenydoma Grade lll in June 2019, Jake already displayed a sense of what was important in life. So, grown and yet so small. He was quick witted and what adults call an Old Soul. No one ever had to guess what he was thinking, he told you. He always had something to say and kept everyone on their toes. For example, once when Dr. Weiner, Neurosurgeon (Jake named him Dr. Dangerous) was visiting Jake, the doctor asked quite innocently “Is there anything I can do for you?” Jake quickly answered,” you can get me some M&M’s”. Dr. Weiner did.
After his diagnosis and during his many rounds of radiation he enjoyed pulling the” Cancer Card” as he would call it so he could speak his mind. If anyone in the room acted surprised, he would say,” I can cuss I’ve got Cancer”. During the last months of his life Jake stuck with his favorite foods: McDonald’s chicken Nuggets with sweet and sour sauce, fettucine alfredo and salads. Jake liked to call himself favorite too. He would say” I am the favorite “with a big knowing grin on his face. He was never without Strawberry Chapstick.
So many friends and family gave support, thoughts, and love to Jake and his family it is impossible to name each one. However, a special thanks goes to Dr, Murali M. Chintagumpala Pediatric Hematology-Oncology Specialist and the team at Texas Children’s Hospital; Dr. Arnold dela Cruz Paulino, Pediatric Radiation Oncology and the MD Anderson team; Dr. Howard L. Weiner, Pediatric Neurosurgeon at Texas Children’s Hospital. Jake’s school Hyde Elementary offered support and kindness.
Jake is preceded in death by his Grandfather Robert Adamek, Grandmother Shirley Rose, and Grandfather Clyde Meredith.
In addition to his parents Carla M. Adamek and Ronald Peyton Meredith, Jake is survived by his Great Grandmother Darlene Booth; Grandmother Cheryl Adamek; Grandparents Curtis Randall Rose (Darlene); Aunt Rhonda Pucheu (Tom) and cousin ( more like a brother) Jacob Adamek; Aunt Stephanie Adamek,(Brett) and cousins Ricky, Cameron, Madie; Aunt Annette Perez (Frances) and cousins Shayne, Avery, Ashlyn, and Erica Roberts(Janine).
Just one more thought about our beloved Jake.
In the last couple of weeks of his life Jake told everyone he loved them, and they were his favorite. He said, “I love you and you are the best family anyone could have”. He was telling each one good-bye.
And now we tell Jake good-bye. You were the best boy ever. You are our favorite.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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