"I was 8 years old, when I first started this job."
I watched him worked, and listened to his story... amazing story!
The dexterous Cobbler
While we were walking with my son- on our way to Opon market, I came across with this man.
I just stood besides his stool waiting for my son to finish his "banana que". And did listen to him talked with a customer from a distance - enough for me to hear his voice.
Really, I didn't plan to have my sandal be repaired because it's still in good condition. But as I watched him from a distance, I was hooked with his skills and thinking what if I'll let my sandal be sewed too!
So I did! and here it goes..
Just a clip of his background story
Bro Max was from Osamis Oriental, somewhere in Hingoog City.
According to him, his father was a sculpture, a very crafty man. He did sculpture works - like carving images , particularly church images.
How did Bro Max end up as a "shoe repair man?"
His father did multitasking jobs. Aside from carving he also repaired shoes and sandals.
If "shoe repair" were done and customers were few, he went on carving while his son "Max" would call his attention only if someone will come for another shoe repair. Bro Max was very young then- around 5 years old.
It was his routine job assisting his father - calls him when there is customer, prepares tools and materials needed to repair shoes.
Until one day, his father was sick. One customer refused to just come back the following day - or until when his father will be well. The lady needed it badly that she asked Bro Max to do it for her. He was 8 years old then.
He was very hesitant at first because never did his father allow him to do it himself. But the lady refused to quit.
So, he tried it...and "Alas!" the lady was satisfied of his job and was very happy to have his sandal got repaired.
That was Bro Max's first success story!
My thought
Really, being skillful runs in the blood. Young as he was, by just watching his father doing it, he got the skills that would feed him a life time.
Isn't it amazing?
And opps!.... my sandal is done! yeeeh!
Just sharing his story to you!
Have a nice day steemians.