Change Happens

Jun 17th 2009, Legacy By Design

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Kevin Spafford

June 2009

Have you noticed? Business owners, corporate employees, government minions, and consumers are whiling away the days in a state of prolonged noncommittal shock. We’ve witnessed some horrific business collapses, bankruptcies and failures. We watch idly as the government befuddles with bailouts, warns of pending doom and then promises brighter days. At times I find myself going through the motions in a veil of fog, hesitant in purpose and determination. But I know, for every adversity there is always the seed of an equal or greater benefit.

In 2006 I met Mike Penketh. His story was featured in a magazine and, after reading it several times, I wanted to hear his life’s tale with my own ears. At the time, I needed personally to witness the events that shaped his being, even if only through the filters of time. Mike’s life was forever changed, through a near death experience with irreversible consequences. But, he says that change is “For the better.”

The article started, “People often go through life changes, but not at 250 mph.” For Mike Penketh that change occurred in 1993 on the Bonneville Salt Flats when the vehicle he was racing crashed at almost 263 mph. Ten days later he opened his eyes vaguely aware of someone speaking to him. With tears in her eyes, and a voice barely audible through the crying gasps, his wife whispered that his hands were gone.

Life would never be the same. Mike told me, "When I woke up, I started a new life. What's done is done. I'll never grow hands back." He explains, “It wasn't easy. There were plenty of dark days.” His mind constantly turned to “what’s next?” He contemplated suicide, and like a stuck needle on an old ‘45’ his conscience repeated why. Why me? Why now? Why this? Why, why, why… 

Mike was a man’s man. His life was defined by the kind of life affirming experiences most men only dream of. He was a Marine Corps fighter pilot whose first trip aboard an aircraft carrier was his first carrier landing. He was an airline pilot, flew aerobatic biplanes, competed in the Reno Air Races and flew fire fighting air tankers. Needless to say, Mike lived in the fast lane.

The Sunday before that fateful day in September, Mike placed second in his division at the National Championship Air Races in Reno.  Three days later, he was attempting to break the land-speed record of 263 mph for a specialty car. He can’t recall what happened, but the car he was driving rolled several times and, as it crashed, the body disintegrated around him. The centrifugal force at that speed sent his arms outside the Lakester’s cockpit, and caused his hands to be sheared off.

As often happens, a disaster, tragic event or overwhelming challenge can become a life altering grace.  W. Clement Stone says, “For every adversity there is an equal or greater benefit.” Mike’s life since his accident is proof of that statement.  He will tell you that though his life will never be the same, “It has definitely changed for the better.”

He’s now a devoted volunteer for a nonprofit organization called A Touch of Understanding. It is an all volunteer group which educates children about the disabled.  A Touch of Understanding has sparked, in Mike, that inner fire known only to those who are determined to change the world through their vocation. Mike now has the life affirming satisfaction of deeper friendships, an enriched purpose, new goals and he’s admittedly, “A much better, happier, person.”

Failures, disasters, and overwhelming challenges, are definitely life altering. Our response to those challenges are definitely life defining. The manner of our reaction informs who we are, creates character and grows our capabilities. A near death disaster, or a threat to our way of life, rocks our equilibrium, causes reflection, a renewed accountability and rekindled commitment. For Mike, A Touch of Understanding, and a renewed sense of purpose, has sparked an almost spiritual inner fire – a passion to change the world. 

Whether it’s an accident, economic catastrophe, a job change or a sudden change in altitude, a life awakening event will clear your senses and focus your desires. A friend of mine often says, “What you do when you don’t have to will determine what you’ll be when you can’t help it…” It shouldn’t take a near disaster, or a cataclysmic event to change our lives. Our sole focus should be to wring satisfaction, joy and appreciation out of every day. 

I encourage you to consider these simple affirmations:

1) Success is a choice.
2) Innovation and ingenuity are always born in adversity.
3) It is better to create than to conform.
4) A life of challenges met is more satisfying than a life of regrets.
5) The legacy you leave will be the lives you touch.

In one article, a phone call and a lot of reflection Mike taught me a lot. The human spirit is a wonder of survival, ingenuity and creativity. We will always fight back. People want to create. They drive to improve their circumstances and maximize opportunities. The only difference between the person you are today and the person you will be tomorrow is the decisions you make and the actions you take. This economic catastrophe will run its course. Some will win, others may be less fortunate; it matters not what happens, but rather how you respond.

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