A Cuban in Miami (@pergolascoronado) has touched thousands on social media by sharing a video where he says goodbye to his son, who is driving alone for the first time.
The recording, shared on social media, captures the moment when the young man drives off in his newly purchased car, while his father expresses a mix of pride, concern, and nostalgia: “It’s a tough moment when you know your child is going to drive alone for the first time.”
The scene, seemingly ordinary, has gone viral for its sincerity and its ability to resonate with what others are experiencing. “He’s really straight-laced, I’d say even more than me, but still, one can’t help but worry,” says the father, visibly moved. In the background, the young man’s mother is crying: “She sees him as grown up now and says he’s no longer the child he used to be,” the father comments, not hiding his emotions in the moment, as the car drives away.
Reactions: an emotional mirror for thousands of parents
The video has gathered thousands of comments, many of them filled with empathy. Parents of various ages have opened up to share their own stories, as if they saw themselves reflected in the scene.
"I didn't sleep the first month my daughter went out on her own," wrote one user. Another mother recounted that she silently followed her son to ensure he arrived safely. "I trailed behind without him knowing. I couldn't help it," she admits.
Many shared that even years after their children learned to drive, the anxiety doesn't fade. "My son is 30, and I'm still waiting for him to text me when he arrives," several commented. Others said they lost weight due to the stress of those first weeks, that they cried inconsolably, or that they never slept peacefully again. A grandmother said, "It's the same or worse with the grandchildren, because you have no control."
Amidst the many messages, there were also reflections on responsibility. Some questioned whether it is appropriate to give a new car to a child: “It’s not wrong for them to have a car, but they should also be taught to earn it,” commented one internet user. Others firmly defended the gesture: “If he is a decent young man, why not support him in this important stage?”
Most agreed that a parent's worry knows no bounds and is ageless. “Even at 40 with a family, my heart is in my throat every time they take the car out,” a father admitted. The most repeated phrase in the comments was: “We have to pray to God for them every day.”
A recent debate: What car to gift a child?
This video adds to a recent debate about the type of vehicle that parents give their children as their first car. Earlier this year, singer Marc Anthony made headlines for gifting his son Ryan a hybrid Toyota Camry, a choice that many applauded for its simplicity and educational value, but which was also criticized for not being a "luxury" car.
The comparison quickly emerged when the Cuban singer Bebeshito gifted his wife a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, creating a stark contrast between Marc's moderation and the extravagance of other artists. A Cuban's reflection on TikTok summarized the contradiction: “I don’t know whether to take it as a lesson or if the world is going crazy.”
Beyond the wheel: letting go, trusting, and continuing to care
The story of this Cuban father has struck a universal chord. Ultimately, it isn’t about the car, the price, or even the journey. It’s about a symbolic moment: the instant when a child leaves alone for the first time, and a father must let go of control—while still being protective.
As one user wrote: "That day we not only learn to let our children take the wheel. We learn to let them go, even though it hurts."
And that learning, perhaps, is what has made this video one of the most moving stories of the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emotional Impact of Children's Independence
Why has the video of a Cuban father saying goodbye to his son at the wheel gone viral?
The video has gone viral because it captures an emotional and universal moment: the instant when a father must let go of his child, symbolizing the transition to independence. This act resonates deeply with many other parents who have had similar experiences, fostering empathy and comments on social media.
How do parents react when they see their children driving for the first time?
Parents often experience a blend of pride, worry, and nostalgia when they see their children driving for the first time. This event marks a milestone in the lives of young people, but it also represents an emotional challenge for parents, who must learn to trust and let go of their children despite their fears.
Is it appropriate to gift a new car to a young child?
The decision to give a new car to a young child is a subject of debate. Some argue that it is important to teach them to earn things to strengthen their responsibility, while others advocate for support during key moments if the young person has proven to be responsible and upright.
What emotions do other parents share when they see their children driving alone?
Other parents share feelings of anxiety and concern when they see their children driving alone, even after they have years of experience. Many express the need to receive a message from their children when they arrive at their destination and recount stories of how they secretly followed their children to ensure their safety.
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