Emotiva despedida del Embajador Garza

Siempre he pensado que los diplomáticos tienen un talento especial para la escritura, a veces en la forma de Octavio Paz, a veces en personajes con habilidades literarias más discretas, pero en muchos casos he encontrado sorprendentes fragmentos para leer, salidos de manos de embajadores.
Hoy fue el último día de Antonio Garza al frente de la Embajada de Estados Unidos en México, para mí fue de particular atención pues durante su gestión conocí el vecino país del norte.
Y debo decir que ya me había acostumbrado a recibir cartas del Embajador, espero que su sucesor tenga el detalle de escribirme también.

Copio un fragmento del emotivo cierre de su carta (los subrayados, por supuesto, son míos):

"In six years, I feel as though I have lived a lifetime in Mexico, and been touched by this country's ancient soul. And, on a more personal note, it was during these six years that I found the love of my life, my Mariasun. Because of her, I can honestly say Mexico has not only changed me, it has blessed me.

Today at noon, I will walk out the front door of the embassy, salute the flag that flies over the doorway, and end my tenure as the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico. I know the embassy will be in good hands with Leslie Bassett, who has been asked to serve as Chargé d’Affaires. Leslie is an extraordinarily talented and intelligent individual. Her deep understanding of U.S.-Mexican relations will assure that the high level of mutual cooperation we have achieved will be sustained during this time of transition.

I also leave with special gratitude to the 2,000 employees who work with us across Mexico, and who have humbled me with their dedication to excellence. Serving the United States alongside them has truly been one of the most extraordinary honors of my life, and today it draws to a close.

So today, I conclude my letter to you with a prayer that I will keep in my heart wherever I am, and that is, may God continue to bless the United States and Mexico. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Antonio O. Garza, Jr."

La carta completa está en:

http://mexico.usembassy.gov/newsletter/enA090120.html