Happy Father's Day, Dad!

I lament plenty about what it's like in a household of all girls. My dad has been outnumbered for most of his adult life! Somehow, he managed to maintain his sanity. Today's post is for him.

My father spent most of my childhood driving me around. He commuted from Santa Cruz to San Jose every day for his job, and as soon as he got home, he'd get back in the car to drive me to auditions or rehearsals or performances all over the Bay Area.

He was always there for me.

He was there during my first heartbreak. I was 8 years old and after 3 call backs, had just been cut from consideration for the national tour of Annie. It was my father who held me as I cried for what must have seemed like forever.

He was there for my triumphs. We joke about my first opening night in a non-children's theatre production when he waved to me during the curtain call, and I scolded him afterwards for being "unprofessional." (Yeah, I was annoying, and yet he gave me a pass.)

He moved us to Los Angeles when we learned of the public arts high opening there that I would end up attending.

He put more mileage on his car than I do, driving me all over Los Angeles for auditions, and sometimes jobs I booked.

He helped me make some difficult decisions, but always left the ultimate choice up to me.

My father has shown me how to be a better parent by being an amazing dad. He taught me about unconditional love by giving it. He let me make my mistakes, and then helped me find my way back.

And he's an awesome granddad. He taught the girls how to bike ride, how to swim. He helps me out when I can't be two places at once. And he respects my role as their parent; again, helping me talk through the difficult decisions, and always supporting my ultimate choice.

Like with my mother, I can't ever truly make up for the heartbreak I've caused him, but I know that I don't have to. I know that all I have to do is be content with where I am now, and he is happy. My parents are still the first I call to share my triumphs and troubles, and they cheer me on and support me all the way.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. I love you with all my heart.