Happy Birthday, Little Vicky!

Sixty-two years ago a very special person entered my life.  My cousin, Vicky, was born and I had a friend for life.  She was the most beautiful baby.  There are so many pictures of our tea parties and our little table at family functions.  She has a picture of both of us sitting on Santa's lap.  I mean we go way back.

Vicky at a Christmas dinner with my family

I can't remember exactly when Vicky's health issues began.  She was in the hospital in Atlanta at a very young age and from there things just got worse.  I was too young to know exactly everything going on with her but she had issues with her kidneys, a mole removed that was diagnosed as a melanoma, and the spinal disorder scoliosis.  I can remember one scary night when my parents were trying to get the highway patrol to get word to her father in route to Atlanta that she had taken a turn for the worse.  At one time she had orthopedic shoes, a back brace that had the support under her chin, braces on her teeth, and prescription glasses.  Her family lived in a house that didn't have air conditioning.  I don't know how she ever survived the summers in those braces, but she did more than survive - she thrived.  I don't remember her ever using her "issues" as a reason for not doing something.  If she complained, she didn't do it to me.

Isn't she a cutie?

When she reached high school, she made a lot of friends, many whom she maintains a relationship with even today.  She kicked up her heels a little and made her mother crazy, but she was going strong.

She attended college and received her doctorate in art history.  During this time she had surgery to have a rod inserted into her spine to correct the scoliosis.  Later she went to law school and became an attorney.  During this time she met and married Robert, another attorney.  They have a beautiful home, two greyhounds, and many friends.  Vicky has become a gourmet cook making things that I've never heard of using ingredients that I probably wouldn't recognize in the produce section.  She is the only person who has been able to duplicate our grandmother's teacakes and believe me, I've tried.

Vicky was a visitor in our home from the time Bubba and I married.  Everytime she came home from college, we picked which night she would spend with us.  She continued this up until she got married.  Amy used to love for her to visit.  She would talk about all the different cases she was studying and we both listened with rapt attention.

Vicky holding Amy (5 months old)

I tried to teach Vicky how to make biscuits.

This one looked like a pine cone.

Vicky, Amy and me at a party prior to her graduation.

She always remembers my birthday by sending a card and/or calling.  She always remembers Amy's birthday with a gift.  She was there when she graduated from college and has given her some beautiful jewelry through the years.   Now she has become "Bebe" to Amelia and is just as thoughtful with her.

"Bebe" and Amelia walking the greyhounds

We have never quarreled.  Through the years she has been my sounding board and support in the various issues I faced with my mother.  She always seemed to understand my side and was always willing to listen.

Vicky and husband Robert celebrating their anniversary

Very few people call her Vicky today.  To most, including her husband, she has become Victoria.  After all, would you trust an attorney named Vicky?  To me she will always be Vicky and I will always be thankful for her presence in my life.

Happy Birthday, Vicky!  I love you.