Before moving to Australia in 2014, I spent a decade working in the Middle East, from 2004 to 2014. I held the position of Lead Power Control Room Operator at one of the largest Independent Power and Water Utilities, exclusively serving a massive Petrochemical Complex. It was my domain—a journey that began when the plant was still in its land development stage, essentially starting from scratch.
As the only son with three sisters, life had its challenges, but the bond between a father and son is unique and unwavering. My father has always been my hero, a guiding force in my life, and even now, his memory continues to inspire me.
In 2010, my professional path took an unexpected turn when my father underwent a quadruple heart bypass operation. This life-altering event made me reconsider my career goals and priorities, as I faced the reality of his fragile health.
Though I enjoyed my work in Saudi Arabia, I was confronted with a profound dilemma as my father entered one of the darkest chapters of his life. Despite his recovery after the surgery, complications arose—his kidneys began to fail. For three years, we managed his condition with medications, but eventually, dialysis became inevitable. Faced with this reality, I made the bittersweet decision to leave my career to support him through his twice-weekly dialysis sessions. It was a difficult choice, but one I have never regretted.
In 2013, I got married and made plans to migrate to Australia—a decision that soon revealed unexpected challenges. My then-wife's eagerness to move seemed to overshadow my situation with my father. She showed little understanding of the challenges I faced in caring for him and even suggested placing him in an elderly care facility so that we could leave for Australia as soon as our PR visa was approved.
This moment marked a turning point. I decided to put our migration plans on hold to prioritize my father's care, a choice that was met with resistance from my ex-wife.
One evening, I shared my decision with my father, fully expecting concerns or frustration. To my surprise, he encouraged me to continue with our plans for Australia, convinced that it would open doors to a brighter future. His words moved me deeply: "Just find someone who can help me with my daily needs," he said, before making me promise to be successful.
For my father, success was never an abstract concept—it was rooted in education, his lifelong measure of achievement and progress. Even in his frail state, his belief in the transformative power of learning remained steadfast. His selflessness in prioritizing my future during his own time of need left an indelible mark on my heart.
On April 4, 2014, my father succumbed to his illness. That date is forever etched in my memory—a moment when time seemed to stand still, and I lost not only my father but my confidant and guiding light. On his deathbed, I made countless promises, desperately wishing for him to recover. Among those was a solemn pact to fulfill his long-standing wish: that I complete my master’s degree.
Fast forward to today, as I stand on the verge of completing my MBA, I carry a profound mix of pride and heartache. Fulfilling this long-overdue promise fills me with immense gratitude, but also a bittersweet sadness. Every success I have achieved in Australia serves as a reminder of the struggles I endured and the painful decision to leave my father behind.
His memory remains a cornerstone of my journey—shaping who I am and inspiring me to honour his legacy through education and perseverance.
Soli Deo Gloria.
