Dear Dad, I want to grow up to be like you.

Last Sunday was Father's day in Switzerland as well as in the U.S., and unfortunately, I was not able to spend the day with the man who has been the most influential person in my life. However, I took a long walk on Saturday evening, and thought of the many amazing memories I have shared with him as well as the things he has taught me. Here are just a few of the things that came to my mind as I strolled through the woods wishing I could recall all of these stories with my dad walking next to me...

When I was in sixth grade, you taught me with one simple sentence, that a bad day can always be changed to a good one if I always look on the positive side of things.

You taught me everything there is to know about baseball, a fascinating sport, including the complicated third strike rule. (I loved watching baseball games with you on cool summer evenings.)

You came to almost every soccer game I had, and it meant so much to me to see you in the stands. I loved getting a hug from my biggest fan, wearing your "be a fan of your kid" hat paired with suit and tie, straight home from work, even if we had lost the game. You showed me what it meant to support and encourage.

You taught me how important it is for me to seek knowledge myself, and to learn as much as I can. Simply by showing me that I can do anything I want.

And, how can I ever pay you back for the countless hours you volunteered so that I could play soccer and go on trips with the team, and go to the Dominican Republic with Amigos?

I only hope that someday I can be like you, my dad, Steve.