"We have had the dream of being happy in our country taken from us": The moving message of a Cuban far from home.

The Cuban creator Robertalba Vlogs shared a video in which he speaks about his love for Cuba and the sadness he feels for the reality his country is experiencing.

“Today I woke up with a knot in my throat because I dreamed of Cuba,” he begins, before recalling some words from José Martí: “We love freedom because in it we see the truth; we will die for true freedom, not for the freedom that serves as an excuse to keep some men in excessive joy and others in unnecessary pain.”

The young man, who lives in Spain, continues with a series of truths that have resonated with many Cubans both on the island and abroad. “The truth is that today Cuba suffers, the truth is that our freedom has been taken from all Cubans, the truth is that we have been robbed of the dream of being happy in our country,” he says in a poignant voiceover in his heartfelt video, where he is seen traveling by bus. His words reflect the pain of millions of Cubans who, like him, have had to emigrate, leaving behind family, friends, and memories. “The truth is that I dream of a true Cuba,” he states, admitting that many times he “laughs to avoid crying” in light of the current situation in his homeland.

The video by @robertalbavlogs0 has received numerous supportive and empathetic comments, many from Cubans living abroad who also feel the nostalgia and sadness of being away. “The truth is that Cuba has become an immense pain. Freedom for Cuba,” commented one user, while another wrote: “Best wishes to you and all Cubans. Surely one day Cuba will be free.” “It’s very hard to be away, but Cuba will change; it has to change.” “I love your videos; I’m Cuban and live in Nebraska, United States, and it hurts me deeply what is happening in our country and to the family members who remain there,” added others.

The feeling of sadness and nostalgia is shared in every message. “That’s right, darling, such a hard and sad reality, blessings,” Ana wrote, and Yansy Batista confirmed: “Exactly, pure truth.” Others like Orisbel Morales commented: “It’s all true, what’s happening in our Cuba pains us deeply.” However, not everyone shared the same sentiment; one user left a challenging comment: “Well, go back and fight from within.”

Through his reflection, Robertalba articulates what many feel: the pain of having left their homeland, the hope for change, and the longing for a Cuba where, as he himself states, freedom is "genuine" and not just a "pretext."