When Ileana Yarza, 76, heard that President Barack Obama would be visiting Cuba, she decided to write him a letter. To her surprise, she got a reply soon after, that arrived in the island on the first flight after the reestablishment of the postal service between Cuba and the United States, after almost half a century of interruption.
In her letter Yarza invites Obama to a coffee at her house in Vedado, to which he replied that he would have liked to have the time to accept her invitation.
She told OnCuba that she was surprised to get the letter, and she took the opportunity to thank Obama for his attention, and recommended him to put an end to the blockade. “The future has to be built by young people, on the base of love,” she said.
“History will pass. The future of humanity cannot be built with hatred, but with love,” she added. Marti said that there are two types of people: those who hate and destroy things around them, and those who love and build new things. Time will pass, ideas will pass. The new generations have their own way to see life and they have the right to make their own decision. To keep living in the pass is bad for everybody, for the people here and there (in the United States). We have to live in the present with a view to the future. That’s the way I see it.”
The letter exchange
Mr President,
I heard last night by telesur — not the Cuban broadcast news — that you will visit Havana in March. I could not be happier to hear this.
An American president finally taking this so much needed step, the second best one after your open admittance that the over half a century cruel embargo on this lovely, enduring and resilient little island just did not work. We Cubans believe it’s a black page on American history and geopolitics. Very sorry to say this…
Dear President Obama: I’ve followed your political career since you were running for office the first time. Then I drank to your victory at/with the CNBC Havana office that glorious night. I also celebrated your second term election with friends at home. I wish there would be a third, perhaps one day…
I’ve written you many times introducing myself. Also I have invited you to a cup of Cuban coffee at my place in Vedado, if and when you would finally come.
Please, please, do visit me. Give this 76 year old Cuban lady the gift of meeting you personally. I think there are not many Cubans so eager as I to meet you in person not as an important American personality but as a charming president whose open smile wins hearts.
Please understand I very much look forward to it.
I would also love for you to come with your wonderful, lovely wife.
God bless you son, also bless your family.
Ileana R. Yarza
……………
Dear Ileana:
Thank you for your kind words. I appreciate your support over the years, and I hope this note — which will reach you by way of the first direct mail flight between the United States and Cuba in over 50 years — serves as a reminder of a bright new chapter in the relationship between our two nations.
I am looking forward to visiting Havana to foster this relationship and highlight our shared values — and, hopefully, I will have time to enjoy a cup of Cuban coffee.
Sincerely,
Barack Obama
Pueblo de Cuba, aprendan a quererse a sí mismos. Luchen por su libertad y sus derechos . Presenten una sola voz, potente y firme para romper sus cadenas: ” A las armas valientes corred”… Viva Cuba Libre ! ❤️❤️❤️