A young Cuban living in Spain moved thousands of people on social media after sharing a video of his reunion with his mother in Cuba. The scene, shared on TikTok by the user @sam_sabater, captures the exact moment when he surprises her in the kitchen of their home and covers his mother's eyes to give her an unexpected joy.
The woman, upon recognizing her son, breaks into tears and embraces him tightly. In the midst of her emotion, she seems to momentarily lose her composure, as if the impact nearly makes her faint. Then, she catches her breath, hugs him again, and, through her tears, raises a hand to the sky to thank God for this long-awaited moment. Her reaction, as genuine as it is moving, has touched the hearts of thousands of people.
The video has received hundreds of comments from other Cubans who also live far from their families. Many admitted to crying upon watching it, and others shared their own longings. “I was never able to give that surprise to my mother. I was afraid something would happen to her,” wrote one user. “Compared to that hug, nothing else exists,” said another. A woman added, “We went through a scare, but it was the most emotional and beautiful experience we’ve ever had.”
The sentiment was shared by many: “How I miss my mom,” “God, I only ask for a chance to embrace my mother while she’s alive,” “It’s been three years since I felt that hug.” Even fears mingled with tenderness: “If I do that to my mom, she’ll die,” someone commented. “These videos make me cry for strangers,” confessed another user. And one person summed up what many feel: “That hug is a complete cure for the heart.”
Others took it with a bit of humor: “Who is cutting onions so early?”, “I'm at someone else's house and holding back tears,” or “I got a little piece of dust in my eye,” were some of the comments that brought smiles amid all the emotion.
Frequently Asked Questions about Emotional Reunions in Cuba
Why are family reunions in Cuba so exciting?
Family reunions in Cuba are emotionally intense due to the prolonged separation that many families face because of emigration. The distance and the time spent apart from their loved ones turn these moments into events filled with tears, hugs, and pent-up emotions that are finally released upon reuniting.
What risks can arise from surprises when reuniting with family members?
The surprises of reuniting with family can be risky especially for older adults or those with preexisting medical conditions. Intense emotions can lead to fainting or other health issues, so many advise notifying in advance of a visit to avoid dangerous situations.
How do social media influence family reunions for emigrated Cubans?
Social media, especially TikTok, has amplified the impact of family reunions by allowing these moments to be shared and viewed by thousands of people around the world. These videos not only capture the emotion of the moment but also connect a migrant community that shares similar experiences of separation and longing.
What do hugs symbolize in the reunions of emigrated Cubans?
Embraces during reunions symbolize emotional healing and the reunification of family after long periods of separation. For many, these embraces represent a deep relief and a reaffirmation of family ties that have withstood the test of time and distance.
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