My father was also my mother

I was just eight years old when my mother died. My father immediately took over her responsibilities.

Papa woke me up early every school day. He bathed me, dressed me up, and brought me to the then Southern College (now University of Southern Philippines). We lunched together at the school canteen. We also went home together. From grade school to high school, Papa brought me over to school and back home.

When I was in college, Papa did not have to accompany me. But when I went home after evening classes, he would be waiting early at the school entrance to take me home.

In my younger years, it was Papa who bought for me my dresses, shoes, and other teen necessities. I followed his preferences because he chose well. My classmates thought it was my Mama who bought my things because they were all beautifully ladylike. My father had excellent feminine choices.

Papa was also a “woman” as far as responsibilities were concerned. He enrolled me in a cooking school. He made me wash my dresses with our laundry woman. I had to help clean our house together with a helper, under his direction.

I would have learned so many things my mother would have taught me. But then I have a father, who is also my mother.

Evangeline La Villes de Paula