‘He Listens, Understands, Gives Advice’

When I hear other girls talking about their moms--how great they are, their advice, their shopping together for a new dress or a prom dress--I don’t feel sad or jealous about not having a mother. I have my daddy.

My dad and mom have been separated for almost six years. Mom moved to Colorado, and I haven’t seen her or heard from her since the separation. My daddy has had both parenting roles in my life.

He is a one-of-a-kind daddy. Sure, one may ask: How can he give me advice about those routine teen dilemmas that girls generally talk about with their moms--settlement of he said/she said arguments, how to respond to a boyfriend who flirts with other girls, advice on dealing with an unfair teacher? Well, my dad responds to those situations like any regular mom. He listens, he understands, he gives advice.

I remember the time when I had to work on the day of the last softball game of the season. I had barely started my job and felt being there was a commitment. When I talked with my dad, he said, “There will always be work, but you have only one chance to create high school memories.” I went to the game.

One thing about my relationship with my dad that puzzles my girlfriends is the fact that I go shopping with him. “How can you do that?” they ask. Well, again, it’s just like shopping with a mom. “That color is unattractive on you. You don’t have to wear your dresses that long, Maria. That’s cute; let’s buy it,” he might say. And guess what? I always trust his judgment.

Maybe to an outsider my situation is not the ideal family. But to me it’s all I want and all I need, for my dad is the best.

* Maria Michel is a junior at Inglewood High School.