One of the things I worried about after my dad's passing was the continuation of his company.
I didn't want his hard work and years of building his company to be in vain.
He was a mechanical engineer and I, his first born had studied accounting and finance. The knowledge we had couldn't be any more different.
But one thing my father always use to do was talk to me.
Ah... we always had long, long talks. Despite my academic background,y father will talk to me like one who studied engineering. He spoke of the tools he worked with, the men he worked with, terminologies I would probably never understand in this life time and some more.
Our discussions were always about life in general or work...and it was mostly his work, I never did mind it, I sometimes asked questions in repetition just cause, and some days I asked so I could understand better what he was saying and next time we spoke I would easily catch on.
I remember the first time we got a call to deliver some seals was hard.
Despite all, I was unsure of myself and what I knew. I could never know what he did and I wasn't trying to be better than him. But I wanted to deliver a good job, I wanted to represent his name, his work, and maintain the standard he upheld in all he did.
And also, for the first time, I wanted to experience all he use to, to provide for our family.
Myself and my younger brother got up early to prepare all that was needed from us to have a smooth delivery as I decided on the best route to take. The refinery (Indorama Eleme petrochemicals) was an hour away from where we lived. To be there on time, we got up at 6.30am to prepare and somehow decided on not having breakfast.
The first time on the refinery grounds was hard, I lost my way, couldn't find buildings easily, lost our way to the warehouse, found it again. I had no idea who was who and when I found the right way I saw how long the journey truly was. I was hurt but found a new level respect for all my dad did for us.
I walked a mile in his shoes and some more.
There was so much to see that I couldn't understand, so much I needed someone to talk to me about.
In hindsight, he was in some capacity preparing me for what was to come, no matter how much I wish it wasn't the case. I wish this wasn't my reality, it is and it's on me to make sure all is well.
On our way back after delivery, our minds felt calmer, we had done what we set out to do and until next time, we had no cause to feel anxious or worried. We walked a good forty minutes back to the main gates. Yes the grounds are that big.
Diverter valve seats that were delivered
After spending more time than we anticipated on delivery, we took ourselves to a restaurant for a late breakfast.
Do not mind the messy plate :)
It was a long day but fulfilled one too. And this marks the beginning of a new chapter for me.
Thank you for reading, until my next post. x