Melinda Bailey
Aimee Peterson MELINDA BAILEY
Aimee Peterson is an inspirational top player from Colorado who is a fierce competitor on the table. Yet, not many people know she deals with a lot of adversity away from the table. Let’s find out more about Aimee, how she handles her battles, what influences have helped her, and what we can all learn from her: Q: First off, how did you get into playing pool? My mom actually got me started playing. She was playing in a APA 8 ball league and they needed a lower ranked player for their team. As soon as I turned 21, she pretty much told me I was playing whether I wanted to or not! Lol! Been hooked ever since. Q: What is your love of the game? There are many aspects of this game that I love. I think these can change as your game progresses. I love the challenge, the chess play aspect of the game. Each rack is different from the last and each has its own set of unique challenges to accomplish a runout. I also still enjoy a good safety battle. Interestingly, I lack the same amount of patience in my daily life that I have acquired on the table. Q: What do you think is the reason for your successful marriage? (Brad and Aimee have been married for 17 years.)
cessful. We’ve seen each other at our worst and at our best. We’ve laughed and shed many tears together. We’ve There are so many pieces to the puz- also been angry and yelled at one zle to make a marriage work, but another. But no matter what has mostly I believe that you have to be happened, we’ve remained commitwilling to put in the time and effort. ted to each other and are dedicated Marriage isn’t always easy. You have to do what it takes to get us through to be dedicated to each other and the tough times. Our personalities sometimes you do a lot more giving are also quite a bit opposite of each than taking. Honesty is a big one for other. Brad has such a big personalius, along with love, respect, trust and ty. He likes to be the comedian and is forgiveness are all key to us being suc- very outgoing. I’m much more serious
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and reserved. I think we really complement each other. Brad also had a wonderful grandmother and granddad to help teach him about love and patience, and I’m extremely lucky to have him share that with me. Q: Brad’s Grandmother lived with you for several years (which I admire, because it’s a selfless act of kindness/love), until her sad passing in January at the age of 104. What gems did you learn from her?