My very first 50 cents

In my country, try giving a child this now and he/she won't have a clue on what to do with it. Or anyone finding this coin along the road will no longer spare a second glance. In this time and age, this amount won't be able to buy anything nowadays.

There is no value, not anymore.

As a pre-school, the kids in my neighbourhood will just be playing the whole day. As for me, I hated having " Siesta" as it took me away from those games. Our world revolved around it, day after day. I remember pretending to sleep one time, waited for my aunt to sleep herself, then sneak away. T'was never found out of that am sure.

My aunt as a retired principal was into embroidery, her and her friends who were also retired teachers. She did her own designs of flowers with letterings. People back then wanted their names, family names as well embroidered. Blankets, pillowcases, table covers were covered with their intricate works. They don't do it together, only meeting each other after Sunday Mass. They borrow each others designs, that's for sure. Each time we go to Vigan, we bring the finished ones ourselves then get new ones. This had been my aunt's routine till her sight became problematic. The first noticeable sign being unable to pass the thread through the needle holes. She was always independent and headstrong, a very little woman with an attitude.

Who wants 50 CENTS???

So one day, my aunt told me to do her threads. For a 50 cents FEE. A 50 cents can buy a lot of candies then so why not? I went running to the store after that. Not remembering what i bought sure, but I remember my excitement at that time. I can see myself running to the store now, with my 50 cents clutched tightly in my tiny fist. Happy days!

Till now I can see it as clearly as it was. And I remember my aunt as clearly from that day. For the way I am with money right now, I credit all of it from her.

Cheers to you Auntie Teresa. Look at me now.

Addendum: Asking what year was this is not allowed.