I still can’t fathom or comprehend what has happened. What we are experiencing today seems like a scene pulled from a novel that, if I read it, would seem like science fiction and beyond belief. They say a genius has left us. But I’m not so sure. Something happened, that’s clear. But leaving us? No. Someone once said that genius is a lightning bolt whose thunder reverberates for centuries. His life was a sort of lightning that generated a great thunder. And like any thunder, it was heard in every corner where he was. He made himself heard and left his mark. We all wish not to go unnoticed in life. We all desire to immortalize ourselves by achieving something that keeps us in the collective imagination, thoughts, and knowledge. He achieved that. And how!

Many labeled him as mad. But hey, there’s no genius without a touch of madness, right? Entrepreneur. Innovator. Aggressive. Businessman. Bold. Lover of risk. All adjectives you might associate with another country, but no, he was Uruguayan. Yes, Uruguayan. He proved by example that one can be what they want to be if they set their mind to it and work for it, even in this country. He is an example to many. The envy of others.

That’s why today we are in mourning. Mourning, but with the satisfaction that he lived and died by his own rules. Mourning, but with the joy of having known him – personally and through his ideas. Mourning, but grateful for having had the chance to acquire and assimilate many of his pieces of advice and teachings, despite disagreeing on several things.

In his memory and honour, we must keep working. Seek excellence and distinction above all. For those who believe, it is not a “goodbye” but a “see you soon.”

What is expressed here is not a feeling exclusive to his family, friends, or acquaintances. This is, without a doubt, the feeling of those who, in one way or another, knew one of the most influential, intelligent, and successful figures in our country. A character worthy of admiration.