 I come from a big extended family with plenty of aunts and uncles, and so birthdays meant cake, candles, and cards. Now, by the time I was eight, I knew that some cards held more than a few kind words. An eight-year-old boy can feel if there's something else in that card. Now, open it up. You'll find one of two things. There could be simple money in there. A $5 bill back then was a great gift. Or it could be a check, and that would always be something more.