Chicken & Wimp

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When Victoria was born, her cousin Buddy was 20 years old, physically. We're not sure where he is mentally, because Buddy's mind holds a lot that is locked to us. We do know a lot about Buddy. He loves people. He loves hugs and pretty girls. He loves string - especially from Hobby Lobby. Tell him you'll take him to Hobby Lobby and his eyes light up like light bulbs. He loves to watch wrestling on t.v. He loves country music. He enjoys movies and hockey. He DOES NOT like fishing. And he loves his cousin Victoria. When she was about 8 years old, we all went to California for my husband's uncle and aunt's 50th wedding anniversary celebration. My sister-in-law and I and Victoria and Buddy had gone shopping. Victoria and Buddy were walking behind us. We began hearing "Chicken" and "Wimp" coming from the two of them. For some reason, Buddy had called Victoria "Wimp" and she responded by calling him "Chicken." For months, maybe years, after that, the two of them would get on the phone, and all you would hear would be "Chicken" "Wimp" "Chicken" "Wimp" This would go on for several minutes, and they each would about die laughing. They would send cards to each other addressed appropriately to Buddy "Chicken" Watson or Victoria "Wimp" Watson.

Buddy has a cousin near his age and for years Scott had held the distinction of being Buddy's favorite cousin. He would ask Buddy - "who's your favorite cousin?" and Buddy would usually answer, "Scott." But after the trip to California, Scott asked Buddy that question and was shocked when Buddy answered, "Victoria."

Victoria will quickly tell you that Buddy is her favorite cousin. We have vacationed together in South Dakota and Idaho, North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky and Tennessee, as well as California. We stay with them in Nashville. Buddy collects T-shirts and sweatshirts from colleges and sports teams, and Victoria usually tries to find one for him that he doesn't have (not an easy thing).

Last week, I learned that Buddy has a growth on his thyroid gland. Doctors did a biopsy this week, but we don't know the results yet. However, they said the growth needs to be removed. They also said before the biopsy odds were 90% that it would be benign. After the biopsy, they lowered the odds to 30%-70%. Victoria is very worried about her cousin, as are we all. It's hard to know how much he understands about the problem. He won't complain about the surgery, but sometimes he does get nervous and then he gets sick.

If you read this, please add Buddy to your prayer list. And his Mom & Dad. And "Wimp."