​John and his Mickey Smile

I had the great fortune of being welcomed as an exchange student by the Schelter family in Brockville, Canada, back in 2002. Right from the moment I arrived at the airport, I was greeted so warmly with welcome signs and open arms. I spent a wonderful half year with the family, during which I had the chance to get to know this beautiful country, the family, and their friends.

​John made it incredibly easy for me to feel right at home with them. When I think of him, I always remember his wide, bright smile. He was rarely in a bad mood and always looked on the bright side of life. In fact, his grin always reminded me of Mickey Mouse, which is why I affectionately called him "Mickey."

​Some of the wonderful experiences I shared with John truly captured the essence of the Canadian way of living. We went ice skating on our lake right outside the front door, tried ice fishing, and enjoyed boating, swimming, and barbecues during the warmer months. We celebrated Halloween and Christmas together, and spent cozy evenings roasting marshmallows around the campfire.

​My absolute favorite memories with Mickey, though, are our road trips. In Germany, distances are much shorter than in Canada, but car rides with the Schelter family were never boring. Most of the time, John was at the wheel, making sure we had cool music playing. He would sing along at the top of his lungs while playing a fictional drum solo on the steering wheel. Those were truly wonderful hours.

​I am so grateful that he also made it possible for me to see and experience so much of the country. I was treated just like a daughter, and when it was time for me to go back home, a piece of my heart stayed behind in Canada.

I will never forget my time with the family and with John. He was a wonderful dad to me while my own father wasn't there, just as he always was for Melissa. He made sure everyone was taken care of, and I will forever cherish that.

Sending love from across the miles.