Byron Peterson Esq. on the meaning of life

(The Trailboss recently prodded Byron Peterson to get busy and write something for the web site. Last fall he bought a love nest in Plymouth, Minn. and we hadn't heard from him since. If he doesn't want to write about all that, we suggested, how about sharing your take on the meaning of life? He responds:)

Hey Stan,
Thanks for the reminder. I am certainly way overdue on getting back to you. I apologize. Our new situation is great, but it hasn't created much of a break to this point. Our first move in October (me) went about as well as moves can go. One down. We moved Susan in bits and pieces until she finally sold her house and closed in February. Easy move, right? Not hardly. We now are fortunate enough to live in half a house while the other half remains as storage.

So, you want me to pontificate about the meaning of life and all the things I have learned about during this journey, eh? Well, I think I can sum it up in four little words: "Keep it simple, stupid"! No, really, it has been a very special journey, and I really have no complaints. Maybe a regret or two here and there, but nothing worth mentioning. I believe I was very fortunate to grow up in Alexandria, meet all the fine classmates that attend Jefferson Senior High, and graduate with that special class of '65. Those experiences have served me well over the years and shaped me into the person I am today. I am proud of that, and I am proud that I have been so fortunate. We grew up at a time when human experience and growth was really changing. We were exposed to many ideas and alternative ways of looking at our world, how we wanted to live, and the kind of world we wanted to live in. The world was alive with dreams. We had the opportunities to follow our dreams, sometimes never knowing where they might lead us, but forever believing in the human spirit and goodness of what we might do. We were energetic, relentless, and naive. We were given an appreciation for learning, the arts, and the journey of the soul.

Tying the knot
I am now embarking on a new adventure, one where success has eluded me until now. After 26 years, I believe I have found the right person, and I am again ready to make an attempt at marriage. Susan Hutchins has accepted my proposal, and we are off to the chapel in May. God willing, it will be a grand adventure. One I very much look forward to. We will go to Italy for our honeymoon. We will visit the countryside, galleries, wineries, shops, and cafes.

Oh yeah, and work, mustn't forget to tell about that. After all, that's why we get to do all these fun things, right? I continue with the practice of law, doing primarily insurance defense in personal injury. I have recently started to do asbestos litigation. I imagine that I will do this on a full-time basis for at least another 5 or 6 years.

"Working" with Street Rods
We make our home in Plymouth which is close to work for me (Golden Valley) and Susan (Plymouth). The dog (hers) and the cat (mine) make for an interesting daily routine. I have been working with sports cars and street rods the last few years, which makes for a nice diversion. I still own property in Alexandria, and I spend some time there during summers. Susan and I enjoy traveling, so we try to do as much of that as we can. I continue to keep in touch with some of our classmates, and I am really looking forward to seeing old friends at the reunion. I understand the website is a must see and I will look at it as soon as this is completed.

Since our last reunion in 1990, I have a wonderful grandson with whom I spent some very precious time. We enjoy our Saturday mornings throughout the season at the Children's Theatre, and when the weather permits, we play some golf. He is twelve next month.

It will soon be time to hitch up the ole SUV, or whatever, and mosey on up to the "Corral" for a little rendezvous with the class of '65. The "trailboss" has ordered that we "mov'em out" and hit that well-known trail to Nelson. We'll be there, and I hope all those classmates will, too.
Thanks, Stan, for all the hard work. Talk to you soon.
Byron Peterson