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Kimberly Houk ReportingFor years a Croatian mother has struggled to visit her two sons in Logan. We first brought you her story a couple of months ago. Well, she's finally here, and Kimberly Houk brings you the happy reunion.
The mood surrounding the Ivans' family is lighter these days, filled with excitement and lots of smiling.
Sasha Ivans: “We are like living a dream. I thinking someone will just pinch me and wake me up."
It's a dream that Sasha and Sinisha never thought would become a reality. For the past several years they've fought to bring their 71-year old mother Nada here for a visit. But her request for a visiting visa kept being denied.
After 9/11America's borders were tightened. Embassy officials didn't think Nada would go home to Serbia if she was allowed in America. Finally, her story caught Senator Orrin Hatch's attention and he stepped in to help. Soon Nada was on her way to America.
Sinisha Ivans, “ We were looking in the plane when it was landing, and saying, ‘Goodness, my mother is in the plane.’”
Sasha Ivans: “She just went out. She was like looking around and I was like, ‘Mom!’ That was so great.”
Five years ago Sasha and Sinisha left behind their mother to attend Utah State University. Over the years they've married and Sasha had a daughter. Events in their lives Nada couldn't be a part of.
But for the next six months,the time allowed on her visiting visa, Nada will get to be with her boys and experience life in America.
At first surprised by people smiling at her, she now finds herself smiling back. And if you really want to see her light up, just ask her to describe American ice cream. The ice cream's just the icing on the cake of this happy reunion.
Sasha Ivans: “It’s just incredible. What can I say? Just incredible
Sinisha Ivans: “See, miracles are possible.”
