Your party, the CDU, has crashed and, seriously wounded and desperate, is trying to get back on its feet.
The way to the Chancellery seems to be blocked for the time being;
largely through own negligence.
Angela Merkel, on the other hand, experiences her last days as Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany in complete contrast.
On her farewell tour through Europe and in the neighborhood she is showered with praise, expressions of respect and honors - whether in Israel or in Rome, in Spain or in Brussels.
Her commitment to European politics is praised everywhere.
There were times when the verdict wasn't quite as enthusiastic.
Merkel was scolded for her refugee policy as a divider of Europe.
In the euro crisis, it was pinned down.
So to close, fame and honor.
And Merkel's legacy: the Europeans have to tame the centrifugal forces that are tugging at their union, they have to be united.
If they are not, then others will determine their fate.
Right, strength comes from unity.
This is not a new finding, it is a truism, not a policy.
So it would be good if all actors stuck to it - especially those who steadfastly lay hands on the European foundation.
A weak, internally eroding union becomes the plaything of other great powers.