In this chapter, two friends who had not seen each other in years joined a wildlife rescue team to determine security of bald eagle fledglings in a vast natural recreation area. After the work was complete they went camping as a reward. What happened that evening in the rugged wilderness taught as much about nature, as it did about strength, precision and determination, in a man named Peter Churchfield. Who made a fortune while all those around him were losing theirs. Continuing the conversation from last time…
“In college, to supplement his meager scholarship, he took classes at night and found employment with a company that made diesel engines. After he graduated, Peter could have worked in an office, but he chose the factory floor so he could work as many hours as possible.”
“Thanks, buddy. You know that story well,” Peter said. “I worked six or seven days a week and had to buy steel-toed shoes that I always took off before I entered my home to see my new bride so I didn’t track in oil and metal clippings. During one stretch, I worked for forty-two days without time off during an assembly line shutdown. That assembly line issue is where I had a chance to rise. I had to collaborate with others and earn their respect when I came up with a solution that even the bosses had missed. This was my greatest lesson in honesty and diplomacy. I could have used this situation to my advantage and moved up the ranks in the factory, but this situation also made me want out of manufacturing work. I was tired of Ohio and its environmental problems and frigid winters. By this time, we had Kristopher and Kimberly—and Kimberly …”
“Kimberly has special needs,” I finished for him. “When she was seven months old, Wendy and Peter learned she had cerebral palsy. Her ability to function grows worse every year. By the time she was five, her mobility was severely limited and her vision and hearing had significantly deteriorated. Peter’s primary reason for jumping at the job offer he’d gotten here in New Jersey was to better provide for her needs—better health care, schooling, and social integration—and to allow Wendy to be a full-time mother.”
“I have a friend whose son was diagnosed with autism,” Bernie said, “and I’ve seen their challenges. I’m sorry, pal.”
“At times, caring for Kimberly felt overwhelming for all of us. When her other coexisting medical issues—epilepsy, the need for a feeding tube—arose, things got even worse for our family. I was working harder than ever at sales. I was as hungry to succeed for myself as I was to take care of my family. And Wendy, she set the example for us with her faith. She says that if you make up your mind to accomplish something for the greater good, no matter how bad the circumstances are, Divinity creates the means to help you succeed. She’s a believer that she can use her free will, no matter the circumstances, to create victories. Her attitude is strong, and I have to say that I’ve benefitted from it so much that I believe it now myself.”
Continued here next time.
Read the complete story in the book, The Quiet Rich: Ordinary People Reawakening an American Dream.
Kevin J. Palmer, Author
