Possibilities
Italy in 2005 was my last "Make-A-Wish" trip. I took with me all the fight and vigor I had, like Charles Batcher back when he formed the Jefferson Highway Boosters in 1915 and fought with all their might to win this forever historic highway for us, not Fergus Falls. They won!
In Italy, there is a story that happened to me. It's too long for here.
But just know that I clenched these renderings I paid artist David Rickert to do for me, and as I witnessed the whole of France and Italy, I prayed that if I am given the chance, I will build a place of peace for the traveler to rest...for no reason other than to rejoice in the day God gave us.
Speed ahead 3.5 years ago: after the roof was ordered, I continued the dream of building "Little Italy" for you.
Then, my friend from 4th Street walked over to share her story and how she needed to sell me her lot on 4th Street....
Yes, right on the FAMOUS Jefferson Highway!
Overwhelm is what I felt. Then I dropped to my knees and thanked God for this opportunity, and asked Him to hold that family up as He did me so long ago.
At first, I wanted to build a home above a retail site...Then I remembered Italy, Charles Batcher, and the fight He and I fought a century apart.
Grace came over me, and I promised Him that I would never forget the grace He gave me, a now survivor.
So with that, I met with my friends in "The Hood," and we came up with a plan to extend to the Traveler, "Little Italy," a place to rest.
To ponder the past, the present, and a future filled with Hope.
Staples is filled with Hope. Hope is all around us.
From Healthcare, to clean air to passed-on dreams of new opportunities for us to take a leap of faith into, if we only had a place to sit still and ponder the possibilities.
This is what I am building for you.
A place to ponder possibilities. Bring your dreams to Staples. Someone just may be sitting in "Little Italy" - A Traveler's Rest to pray for your dreams to come true!
Rick Brichacek, has masterfully built part one of what is coming for you! The Little Gingerbread House is in honor of his Brothers, Lonnie and Brad. Family. Bring your family to Jefferson Highway, 4th Street Staples, and Let's Celebrate History and Create More as we ponder possibilities.
Thank you forever, Rick and the City of Staples. Your history, legacy, and passions for preservation and progress inspire us all.
Italy took my breath away...I only dreamed of faraway lands from the magazines my mother bought us...
It was Staples that put a breath of fresh air into me and gave me the energy to fight to live and save a history so rich and life-giving. Everywhere I look, I see possibilities and progress.
Jefferson Highway Boosters? Let's boost downtown Staples and give our travelers a place to rest and fall in love with History!
Who's with us?
All Aboard Minnesota - Staples, historically a "Traveler's Rest"!
