'I'm So Proud To Have You As A Daughter'
Mario Loiseau works two jobs, including long hours as a parking lot attendant, to help pay for his 9-year-old daughter Mabou's tutoring. Mabou is a science and language prodigy and is already studying college-level algebra.
"So Daddy, how did you feel when I was born?" she asked her father during a recent visit to StoryCorps in New York City.
"It was like a dream come true," he said. "I wanted a child forever, and you were my first and only born. You know, so, when I went to the nursery to see you, you were sleeping. You opened the eyes and look at me. Everyone was amazed, even the doctor said, 'You see the connection she make with you?' "
Maybe that's why Mabou loves her dad so much. But still, she heard that Mario cried a lot the day she was born.
"Yes, I did. Tears of joy. I was so happy to have you," he said. "It's like sunshine comes into our house. It's so nice to be with you. You always come up with some new questions."
Mabou wonders if her constant questions annoy her dad, but he says it's not annoying it's challenging.
"But Dad, why do you leave so much instead of staying here with me?" she asked. "That's what's more important!"
Mario reminds her that he has to work.
"Daddy works two jobs, so you're going to have to go to my boss and ask him to give me days off," he said.
Mabou said she will do just that.
"OK, I know you will," he responded. "You know, I cannot be home all the time. But if I have enough time I will do four, five, 10, hundred jobs for your education. It's a joy to do that knowing that I'm doing that for you. Because I'm so proud to have you as a daughter."
Audio produced for Morning Edition by Von Diaz and Emily Martinez.
StoryCorps is a national nonprofit that gives people the chance to interview friends and loved ones about their lives. These conversations are archived at the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress, allowing participants to leave a legacy for future generations. Learn more, including how to interview someone in your life, at StoryCorps.org.
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Transcript
STEVE INSKEEP, HOST:
And it's time for StoryCorps. Heading into Father's Day weekend, we're going to hear from a Haitian immigrant and his daughter this morning. Mario Loiseau works two jobs including long hours as a parking lot attendant to help pay for tutoring for his daughter Mabou. She is a science and language prodigy and at 9 years old, is studying college-level algebra.
MABOU LOISEAU: So Daddy, how did you feel when I was born?
MARIO LOISEAU: It was like a dream come true. I wanted a child forever. And you were my first and only born, you know. So when I went to the nursery to see you, you were sleeping. And then you opened eyes and look at me. Everybody was amazed; even the doctor said you see the connection she make with you?
MABOU: Maybe that's why I love you so much.
LOISEAU: (Laughter).
MABOU: But I've heard that you cried a lot.
LOISEAU: Yes, I did - tears of joy. I was so happy to have you.
MABOU: Screaming?
LOISEAU: Screaming, crying - it's like sunshine comes into our house. It's so nice to be with you. You always come up with some new questions.
MABOU: That's when I'm annoying you, right?
LOISEAU: Well, not annoying me. See, it's like you're challenging me.
MABOU: But, Dad, why do you leave so much instead of staying here with me? That's what's more important.
LOISEAU: Mabou, I have to go to work. Daddy works two jobs. So you're going to have to go to my boss and ask him to give me days off (laughter).
MABOU: I will.
LOISEAU: OK, I know you will. You know, I cannot be home all the time, but if I have enough time, I will do 4, 5, 1,000 jobs for your education. It's a joy to do that knowing that I'm doing that for you because I'm so proud to have you as a daughter.
INSKEEP: Mario and Mabou Loiseau at StoryCorps in New York City. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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