Christmas came early and we’re thankful
I walked out of my doctor’s appointment on Wednesday, Dec. 17, at around 10 in the morning. The numerous calls and texts waiting for my response told me something important was up. When I learned of the release of prisoners, and that Obama and Castro would both be talking at noon that day, the first person that came to mind was Francisco Aruca.
There are very few people who worked harder and as smartly as Aruca to make what happened so unexpectedly last Thursday become a reality. I must admit that I held back tears thinking how much I wished he had been here to enjoy the moment with so many of us. Cuban rum would have flowed, I am sure. But I also realized that Aruca, who had been a man of deep faith all of his life, was somewhere in the universe enjoying the moment. In fact, there are some of us who are convinced that this day finally came because Aruca was driving the Lord crazy, urging him to hurry this up…
On that fateful morning the Cuban government delivered a Hanukah present when they released Alan Gross. And Christmas came early when President Obama ordered the release of the remaining three members – Ramón Labañino, Antonio Guerrero y Gerardo Hernández – of the Cuban Five.
For those two gestures we at Progreso Semanal / Weekly are most thankful.
Of course, the announcement to resume diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Cuba after more than half a century of cold war hostility made this the finest end of the year gifts we’ve ever received at Progreso Weekly / Semanal. We will forever remember Dec. 17, 2014, as historical and a starting point, a giant first step, in what we hope will be bigger and better things to come.
It is important to also note that Obama’s declarations signal only the beginning of hard work still to be done to accomplish what both sides deserve. At Progreso Weekly / Semanal we’re ready and gearing up for the coming year(s).
Finally, I would like to thank so many who make Progreso Semanal / Weekly possible. These are many people who work tirelessly to put out the best product possible under very difficult situations.
They include Manuel Alberto Ramy, Milena Recio, Aurelio Pedroso, Liane Cosío, José Jasan Nieves, Jésus Arboleya, Rachel D. Rojas, German Piniella, Claudio Peláez, Mónica Rivero, Lisandra Díaz, Gerardo Fuentes, Karel Pérez and Alejandro Ulloa in Havana.
On my side of the pond in the U.S. I must mention Mayle Gonzalez, who allows me to do other things for the first time in years, Jorge de Armas, Emilio Paz, Felipe Pagliery, Max Castro, Albor Ruiz, Daniel Pontet, and others who know who they are. If I have left anyone out, it was not meant on purpose.
Lastly, I know it’s been a very difficult year, so special thanks go to Marazul Charters who keeps us afloat. I would also like to thank ABC Charters, XAEL Charters and Wilson International, without whose help Progreso Weekly / Semanal would not be able to operate.
Happy holidays to all and may 2015 bring us even better news!
