U.S.-Cuba changes lift Redmond woman’s hope

President Barack Obama’s announcement Wednesday to improve relations with Cuba was a surprise for millions across the world, sparking reaction of both cheers and protests.

A Redmond woman was ecstatic about the move.

“I just heard the speech, and I was crying and jumping,” Sonia Galvez told NewsChannel 21 by phone from Nicaragua.

Galvez is visiting Central America now, but she calls Central Oregon home. She travels to Nicaragua to meet her Cuban husband — the only way the pair can be together.

Galvez said her husband recently was deported back to Cuba after he stayed illegally in Nicaragua for two years. She said in Cuba, her 65-year-old retired husband has to live off government pensions equating to about $24 a month.

“It’s extremely sad,” Galvez said. “It’s all garbage on the streets, broken sidewalks, rundown houses, it’s pitiful, and they are beautiful people.”

When travel restrictions will change between the two countries is not yet certain. President Obama said for now, the average American tourist still will be banned from traveling to Cuba. Only Congress can officially lift the embargo on the country.

Still, Galvez is optimistic the announcement is just the beginning.

“It means that he is going to be able to come to the States as a legal resident,” Galvez said. “We are going to be able to help his family.”

Now Galvez will be able to send his family money — and that could save lives.

“He had relatives that died trying to leave Cuba,” Galvez said. “These people are going to be able to survive. Eleven million people who are finally going to see something different.”

For one among those millions, a new life in Redmond is waiting.

“Now we finally have a chance to believe and to hope that we are going to be together,” Galvez said.

Galvez said she hasn’t yet been able to contact her husband since the news broke. She said the next step is figuring out what options her family has.