I can still remember one Christmas like that like it is still fresh in my head. I was still little then; I cannot recall my exact age, but I was still skinny and always asked for money from my mom. That very day, one of the people we call Big Mummy from Lagos came to visit us during that Christmas period. She spent little time because she planned to visit other people also that day. When she was going, my mom called me to help her carry her handbag to the next junction to catch the bike even though I was tired because I had been working since.
On our way, she gave me five new #200 notes that I should use to flex until school resumes back. My heart jumped as I was happy even though I knew the money would not last long in my hand, and back then, the Naira still had value, and I could use the money to buy different things at my age, unlike now.
I folded the money into my short trousers as I kept on checking it until I got back home to check if it was really because it also looks so much to me. That evening, I used part of the month to buy a few things that I shared with my friends while we were playing. I felt so happy to do that.
Those fine new notes that I was given that day changed my perspective towards effort to respect it. And even after that day, as like as I was then, I stopped spending on unnecessary things because I got to understand why people get tired after a stressful day and they get paid for the work they have done. And till this very moment, I still take a little flashback to that day anytime small money enters my hand or anytime I remember her because little things like that can stay with me for a very long time and have shaped my mindset.
Over here, not all kids know that every penny earned has a lot of struggle and sweat behind it. From waking up so early to catch the morning bus to get to work to coming home late. Those fresh notes that I was given taught me that I must work before I earn. It also taught me how to persevere, be bold and patient, and even what some teachings from the grown-ups could not teach me.
Thank you for reading.
Images created by Gemini AI
