"Damn!"
I swore for the umpteenth time. I was completely fed up of the entire situation. Having been in business for about three years, I had gone from one failure to another and I was at my wits' end. The last investment was the last straw that broke the camel's back. The deal appeared feasible and productive so I invested everything I had into it. I even went further to sell my two cars to raise the necessary capital only to be defrauded.
I was ready to end it all.
"What is the essence of life if I am not successful?" I muttered under my breath as I alighted from the taxi.
Photo taken by @wakeupkitty.
"Damn!"
As I strode angrily towards my apartment, I saw my neighbour, an elderly man in his late seventies. He must have observed my agitation especially as I didn't greet him as before.
He waved at me frantically but I ignored him and plodded towards my door. As I fumbled through my pockets for my keys, I noticed a movement behind me. It was Mr James as everyone called him. I turned away from him and continue searching for my keys.
"Can I discuss with you briefly?" He quipped.
I refused to respond. Just then, I found the keys in my left coat pocket and brought them out triumphantly.
"Please..." He added.
I was visibly irritated by his appeal.
"He must be desperately lonely and looking for another idle person to keep him company. Does he think I'm jobless as he is?" I thought.
"It won't take more than a few minutes." He added and tottered a little on his walking stick.
"Well, a few minutes won't hurt. I have some important business to attend to." I mumbled without looking at him.
"Thank you."
I turned to him. "I'm listening. What's the matter?"
"I have something to show you in my house. Can you please come with me?"
"Okay."
He turned and walked unsteadily to his house. I had to reduce my pace to match his. Soon we got to his door and he pushed it open. I followed while giving a quick glance around.
What captivated me first was the neatness of the living room. Then I observed a wall that was entirely lined with several awards. I took my seat.
"Feel at home." he said with a smug smile.
"I will feel at home when I get to my home." I murmured.
He went inside. After waiting for what seemed like hours but was just two minutes, I became bored so I stood up to give the awards a closer look. I was surprised to see the name of one of the famous business consultants, "J.D. Miller" on each of the awards. Miller was one of the foremost economists who was widely consulted across continents. My postgraduate thesis was centered on one of his theories, "The Concentric Business Model".
I began to wonder if Mr James was perhaps a cousin to J.D. Miller. Just then I heard some movements so I hurriedly returned to my seat. Mr James came out holding a pair of red handmade crochet slippers in his hands. He handed it over to me and told me to tell him what I observed.
"It's a red crochet slippers." I responded.
"Is that all?" He asked eagerly.
"Ehhmm..." I muttered. "It's handmade and it's beautifully woven."
"Okay?" He quizzed.
"That is all."
"What do you observe on the sole?"
"Well, Mr James, the sole has a lot of white wool which make it look rough and unattractive."
"Good! Would the sole be visible when you wear it?"
"Of course not. Only the beautiful red part will be visible."
"Would you prefer that the sole be removed?"
"Not at all. It is one of the most important parts of the slippers. It protects one from cold and thorns." I saw that he was smiling.
"It is indispensable." I added.
"Phil, I've been observing you for some months now and I admire your tenacity."
I raised my eyebrows inquiringly.
He continued. "Let me start by introducing myself. I am J.D. Miller. Dr James Dwight Miller."
I was astounded.
"I get that reaction a lot. That was why I moved to this area. Having achieved all there is to achieve in about eight decades of existence, I realized that I wanted nothing more than serenity and peace of mind as my clock runs out. When my wife, Kate, passed on five years ago, I retired and handed my booming business over to my son."
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Sir. My postgraduate thesis was centered around one of your works."
"I know. However, more importantly, I want you to learn a golden lesson from the crochet slippers before you. Like you said the sole is rough and unattractive unlike the visible parts of the slippers. Nevertheless, it is indispensable."
"I am lost, Sir." I was on the edge of my seat.
He drew a chair closer to me and sat down.
"The business difficulties you've faced in recent times are necessary parts of your journey to success. They form the foundation of your experiences and expertise. I didn't just become the best economist and business consultant of my generation. I had several failures too and there were times I felt like ending it all but I never gave up. Those rough parts with white wool are the reason why the slippers is sturdy, warm on the feet and beautiful. Do not discard them."
"Hmmm..." I nodded with understanding.
"I know you have a lot of questions to ask me. But let me ask mine first. Phil, are you willing to give yourself another chance?"
I breathed in deeply and looked away from him as drops of tears rolled down my cheeks.
"Yes."
"Good. I know you have what it takes."
"I'll write a check of $50,000 for you now. Reinvest it into your business. I'll call my account manager now so he can process the transaction faster."
"I am astounded? Thank you very much, Dr Miller."
"It's okay. Anytime you are on the verge of giving up, remember this red handmade crochet slippers, a beautiful work of art yet with a rough and unpleasant sole..."
"Yes, Dr Miller."
"I believe you'll achieve your dreams if you don't give up." He added as he picked up the telephone to call his account manager.
Photo taken by @wakeupkitty.
Thank you for reading through my story. Please let me know your thoughts in the comment section.