24/03/2023
The bread that builds character.
I come from a family who had a bakery as a business. My lolo, my uncles and parents. It was an on and off business but it was a go to for us. I remember waking up to the smell of freshly baked bread in the morning while I was growing up.
In 2000 my father had a stroke and had to be temporarily unemployed when we were in Pampanga. As the go to, we converted our garage to a bakery to have a supplemental income. One day, our baker went on AWOL. We have to keep the business running so we could have an allowance for school and pay for other expenses. After school, I arrive home at around 1PM and start to do the baking myself from putting together the ingredients, mixing, kneading (with the machine roller), shaping and organizing in the tray. I was 16 years old. My father would be the one to put the bread in the oven as it was a more delicate process when the breads have already risen.
It was a good strategy because when we have no money for allowance, I would take with me just the fare to go to school and 60 pesos worth of bread. I would then sell it to my classmates so I could buy my lunch, snacks and fare going home. Otherwise, I would eat the bread myself so I still don't go hungry.
Looking back, I saw it as a blessing and a lesson. Having no money is not a problem as long as you are resourceful and the additional experience and skill can help train you for the challenges in life. I am always thankful about these experiences because they help build your character.
What's your character building story?
Photo not mine.
