November 30, 2006

Dear Friends and Colleagues:

Of course, the holiday season is a time for sharing with others, for giving thanks for our many blessings, and for remembering those less fortunate than we are.

This year, in lieu of our traditional series of holiday parties for "grown-ups," my wife, Mariasun, and I decided to open the Official Residence yesterday to those who might not have many holiday parties and posadas to attend.

We invited children with cancer from needy families through organizations like Luz de Vida y Asociación Mexicana de Ayuda a Niños con Cáncer to spend an afternoon in a "holiday wonderland." The children, ranging from ages 5 to 9, are all fighting various stages of cancer and struggle daily with chemotherapy, medical treatments, and hospital visits. Indeed, these children deal with grown-up issues many of us can only imagine.

Yesterday, we hoped to create for them a place where they could forget about their illnesses for a little while and simply enjoy being a child in a fun place.

The children watched a Christmas show, ate chocolate and other goodies, played with piñatas and toys, and spent some time with Santa Claus who kindly agreed to visit the Residence a little early this year.

For Mariasun and me, it was an inspiring experience to be able to share the afternoon with such remarkable children and the workers and volunteers who spend everyday trying to make these children's lives better. We at the U.S. Mission in Mexico wish you a holiday season filled with time with your loved ones and time to give to those who may need a helping hand for whatever reason. (Click here for more pictures)

With best wishes,

Antonio O. Garza, Jr.

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