Becoming a father transformed my life, which I thought was really rich, into the most joyful experience. Even the more frantic moments are memorable now. The time my daughter spilled her Mom's purse all over the floor (I caught that moment on film), rushing to drop her off at day care and still make the Bart train to work, escorting her from my Cal Berkeley office up to Strawberry Canyon for summer swim classes --- we just re-enacted that over 30 years later, and we were both wondering how I made the hike. It's steep (but I was younger), taking her to a somewhat secret day care in San Francisco when her mom was recuperating from something, quitting my job on the spot after a boss got really scary, on "Take your kids to work" day, showing her how to deal with abuse, and of course, the drives from the Bay Area to San Diego with college gear in the pickup and the 5 story dorm with no elevators. (How can that be?) and so many more thrills.

My Dad was a commercial artist (he did portraits and still lifes at home) and put two kids through college. How he did that still amazes me. He commuted from the north shore of Boston through downtown to Dorchester. What an ordeal that must have been.

I joined the ranks of commuters when I moved to the Bay Area. I'll spare you those stories (for now, anyway)

After the commercial art job, Dad had a succession of jobs. He worked his butt off. I recall his job reviewing trust funds for the state. And then that office closed when the federal government took it over. He did get to see all his grandchildren.

My daughter was too young to understand what I did at my many jobs, but that's actually OK. Kids learn from their time with you, and hopefully, I gave her a good example of integrity and trust.

Seeing how that gift has flourished is the greatest gift I can get this Father's Day, being so far away, but she and her husband did treat me recently to a nice brunch, and of course, frozen yogurt, when I visited.

CIAO to all Dads today.