The Little Engine that Could, Would and Did!
Like most events, celebrations, programs and other organized activities, there is one or two people who are the catalysts that make these things possible. America’s 250: A Bagley Celebration was one of those bigger events. These events don’t just happen. It takes a “catalyst”.
According to a Google search for the definition of catalyst, it is “a substance that accelerates a chemical reaction or allows it to occur under different conditions without being consumed by the process. Figuratively, a catalyst refers to any person, event or condition that provokes significant change or action. An individual or event that rapidly triggers progress, or transformation.”
America’s 250: A Bagley Celebration didn’t just happen. It took a catalyst, someone with a fire, the substance from within that accelerates progress and transformation. Someone with passion, commitment, drive, determination and above all courage. Courage in spite of any obstacles that may be encountered, to overcome and see this through.
From the inception (idea/plan) through to the end of the pancake breakfast Sunday and beyond, Bagley’s catalyst for this celebration was Denise Milton, a nurse, 40 year Army Veteran, Bagley American Legionnaire and Auxiliary Officer at all levels local, regional and state. And she will be the 26-27 Bagley Legion Auxiliary President, not her first time.
Denise was and is “the little engine that could, would and did, in spite of the obstacles in her path for her whole life. Remember the definition of catalyst?
To her, the “obstacles” were not obstacles, only levels of inconveniences her passion and grit would overcome and see this celebration through. Were there times she thought about quitting for various reasons such as believing she lacked support and at times she did? Absolutely! Yet she persevered through the challenges and found ways to make the events happen, especially our event special speaker, who was outstanding, and she knew it!
As someone said who was close to the situation through the 3-days regarding Denise’s tenacity and drive, “she will succeed!”
Denise Milton, words alone will never be enough to congratulate you on the incredible achievement you have accomplished in making this event for the residents of Bagley and beyond come to fruition! It is the hope of many that you live in the truth of what you did; believing in something so much greater than yourself. Your vision has touched the lives of so many. You are not one big on public recognitions such as this, yet you are so worthy. Thank you!