Experience: Memphis, the day we said goodbye
A year and a half in the city where FedEx was born, in the same year I closed more than 30 years at the company. What Memphis leaves with me.
Today we say goodbye to Memphis. The city will always hold a special place in my heart. It’s the birthplace of FedEx, home to its global hub and headquarters, and for the past year and a half, it’s also been our home.
A year of transformation
2025 has been a year of deep transformation and reflection. I closed a remarkable 30+ year chapter at FedEx and, like many of us, said farewell to its visionary founder, Fred Smith.
Living in the Deep South as a Latin American gay couple was an experience filled with meaning and a journey marked by the unmistakable warmth of southern hospitality. It was also a time to reconnect as a family and create unforgettable memories along the Mississippi River, moments that will stay with us wherever the next chapter leads.
A city of contrasts
Memphis is a city of contrasts. With over 630,000 residents, it faces economic challenges: its poverty rate of 22.5% is among the highest in large U.S. cities, and comparable to those in Latin America, where poverty affects more than a quarter of the population.
And yet, Memphis thrives culturally: the cradle of blues, soul and rock ’n’ roll, the energy of Beale Street and, of course, the unmistakable flavor of Memphis-style barbecue and soul food.
Gratitude
We leave Memphis at a moment when the U.S. Army arrives in the city, a powerful reminder of how times change and history keeps unfolding. It’s hard to put into words the mix of emotions this brings: reflection, hope and, above all, deep gratitude. As we move forward, my heartfelt wish is for a brighter, more prosperous future for the amazing friends and everyone who calls this remarkable city home.