The last time I saw Ron was (too many) years ago, on a bitterly cold, windy, snowy day, faithfully as ever cheering on his beloved Michigan State Spartans. I’ll never forget that Fall day – late afternoon led to early evening, and the lights at Spartan Stadium cast a surreal glow on the faithful in the crowd, hoping against hope that the boys in Green would pull out a miracle and beat that dastardly team from Ann Arbor. With seconds left in the game, on a wild play that headed right in his direction, they did. I guess I always hoped that somehow, some way, the same thing would happen with Ron’s battle with MS.
There are many memories that have bubbled to the top since Ron’s passing. I think that happens when you leave home at a relatively young age, and learn as you grow that there truly is no place like home. Those of us blessed to grow up in a time and a place where friendship, loyalty, laughter and neighbor could all be used in the same sentence know what I mean.
Everyone has their own special memory, and mine involves sports, but Ron was clearly so much more. He was a boy who grew into a man with a zest for life and love. He was blessed with a father and mother who never thought anything mattered more than their children. We are all better people for having known him.
It crazy to think that anyone can find an adjective that hasn’t already been used in reference to Ron. Clearly, he had every gift but length of years.
God bless you, Ron. You were loved by so many, and always will be. May your family find strength from your courage and peace in your memory.
On behalf of the entire Peterson clan -- Don & Cora, Jeff & Cindy, Steve, Lynda & Dave.##imported-begin##Lynda (Peterson) Nicholls##imported-end##
