The First Money I Earned

"The first time I brought money home was when I was 11. I think I must have helped a neighbour carry his goods to the bus station. I do not remember how much he gave me but I remember I had run home and given the money to my mother. She was happy. I remember feeling like I had become the responsible son to a father and mother who had spent their lives in poverty. From then on there was no looking back. I have done everything there is to do. No work is small or big for me as long as it pays and I get to send my kids to school. You see, I do not want them carrying heavy goods like I had to when I was 11. No father wants that. My father would have wanted to provide me with a comfortable life but I understand his predicament. He had no choice. Back then if you had a mouth, you had to work. Or you die hungry."