William Conrad Watson

I am overwhelmed by the grit and spark of the person who wrote this blog – as a mum, I don’t know how you find the spirit and strength but you set an amazing example and some day your little boy will be able to see that and he will be so proud of his mum. I wish there was something that we could do to help. Please let us know if you would let us do something – families have to stick together!

I am so sorry to hear about Buddy! When Leroy called me to tell me I was shocked. It’s been a long time but was told how a good baker he was. Always remember us going to school at Irving and old Irving. My prayers to you all!
Susie (Gallegos) Whitehead

I was incredibly sad to hear about the passing of Buddy. I know how heartbroken I am and so I can only guess at the depth of the sorrow the Watson family is feeling right now.

Even though I have not seen or spoken to Buddy for many years, I think of him often and in small ways he is always with me. When I clean my bathroom vanity and clear off the items to do so and one of those items is a small homemade vase with dried flowers that Buddy’s son made and Buddy gave to me ‘�� I think of Buddy. When I have my living room drapes open and the glass roses Buddy gave me catch the sun or when I am cleaning the shelf they sit on and I am so careful removing them because they are so fragile ‘�� I think of Buddy. When I look down at my hand and see the gold band lined with Buddy’s birthstone and remember that before he gave it to me, he had always worn it on his pinky finger ‘�� I think of Buddy. Yes, to this day I still wear it.

Buddy had many talents, but my favorite, and I was so lucky to be the recipient of, was his talent as a writer and poet. I have saved every card and letter he ever wrote me. I hadn’t read them in a long time, but when I got home yesterday, I got them out and read them all again. One of the letters he sent me is actually a poem he wrote me when we were still together and it is one of my most treasured possessions. As I read it, I realized that the words Buddy sent to me long ago so accurately reflect what I am feeling, and I thought I would share it with you. I hope he wouldn’t mind. I once asked Buddy what it is that he most likes to hear and without any hesitation whatsoever, he told me. I have never forgotten his answer. So although the following are Buddy’s words, the last line of all of this is mine and they are the answer Buddy gave me when I asked him that question. The exact words Buddy cherished above all others. I wish so much I could be there to honor Buddy, but I do know that at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, January 14, I am going to stop whatever I am doing, and I am going to listen to the song Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison for reasons only Buddy and I know. And I am going to reflect on a time when I was so loved by one of God’s most precious Angels to ever walk the face of this Earth.

It’s so hard for me now, I used to get over you somehow
But now, it’ll never be the same, I always think of you and call your name.

I wish you were here next to me, loving you tender, loving you sweet.
When you speak I have no choice, I’m under your spell by the sound of your voice.

I fell for you at the start, now I miss you so much,
So much it breaks my heart.

And as I sit and wonder why, I’m so lonesome (for you) I could cry.

Just thought you’d like to know
Think of you always and missing you so.

I love you, Buddy.