This is a photo of my family backstage in 1997. As usual, my dad is taking the photo. We probably had to convince him to be in on it, since he has a tendency to be the cameraman in our family. And yes, we’re backstage because he’s played for famous bands and people since before I was born; Natalie Cole, Three Dog Night, Dave Mason, Chuck Negron, and now America. Do I love the perks that come with having a father who has all access? Yes. But that’s not what makes my dad awesome. The reasons he is the coolest are as follows:
1) He pretty much dedicates his life to making other people look good. He added working Christmas lights to my 9th grade bridge building project so my bridge would look great. He worked for days on my music CD and asked for nothing in return. He’s constantly doing little extra things for his band, whether they’re graphics or arranging things or editing or learning the recorder so he could play on The Last Unicorn.
2) He taught me everything I know about computers. I wouldn’t know how to use Photoshop, do basic HTML commands, install and uninstall things, or use hotkeys without him. Also a ton of stuff about music.
3) He always takes an interest in everything I’m doing. As a musician who spends a ton of time on the road, he could have easily ignored his kids or taken a minimalist attitude when he was home. But anytime he was home, I could count on him to help me out if I needed it, and I can always talk to him about nerdy stuff.
4) He’s still very much in love with my mom. Which, of course, ruined my standards for casual dating, but that’s okay.
5) There was that one time when he put a golden retriever puppy in my bed to wake me up. I mean, that’s just the best.
6) He hasn’t lost his sense of fun, and he doesn’t have some overblown sense of machismo that prevents him from doing silly things.
7) He completely believes in me and my brother. And my mom, for that matter. He knows we can be successful, and that’s why I haven’t lost my sense of hope even though I’ve lived in L.A. for my entire life.
There are other things, but I thought seven was a good number. Happy Father’s Day!
P.S. Fun Fact: One time I caught him vacuuming fig beetles in the yard.
