A young Cuban living in El Salvador shared an emotional testimony on TikTok about the pain of spending Mother's Day away from her family, which has touched the hearts of many people both on the island and beyond.
This is about a Cuban doctor who emigrated with her partner —also a doctor— and who had previously shared another video in which she recounted how she lived her last days in Cuba before leaving. In that material, she documented her final medical shift, the farewells with neighbors and family, and the last moments in her hometown, confessing that she “was afraid” to take that step but felt she needed to do it.
"What has been the most difficult thing for me about emigrating to another country? The holidays, they hurt me too much," begins the user identified as @neiyomar in the video. "When there are no holidays, I focus on working, on moving forward, but the holidays hit home for me because my family loves to celebrate, they are very cheerful."
The message was accompanied by a post that read: “Happy Day to all Mothers and strength to all of us who are far from them.” With a trembling voice and visibly emotional, the young woman shared that this date is particularly painful for her: “Now it’s Mother’s Day, and not having my grandmother and my mom here with me, celebrating this day with them, is really hard for me. Honestly, I feel very sad.”
She also added that just a few weeks ago marked a year since her arrival in El Salvador, and that this is the second Mother's Day she is experiencing away from the most important women in her life: “It's like the second Mother's Day I've spent without my mom, without my grandmother. I think that's the hardest part for me: the holidays and not being with family.”
From their perspective, these dates hold a special significance in Cuban identity: “For us Cubans, holidays are an overflow of joy, of having the whole family together sharing. We miss that a lot.”
A tribute full of nostalgia
After his words, Nei shared an emotional carousel of photos with his mother and grandmother, celebrating special moments he experienced with them in Cuba. From the message "Congratulations to all mothers on their day, especially to my Beautiful Mom," to memories like "The Day of Farewell," each image reflected the deep connection he shares with his family roots.
Other snapshots showed everyday situations that today hold a cherished value from a distance: “My grandmother’s delicious meals,” “The day I took my mom to the best ice cream shop in Cuba and the price prevented her from enjoying it,” or “The day I was granted the Salvadoran visa, my mom accompanied me because Omar had an exam.”
The comments on TikTok came in quickly. Many users shared words of support and solidarity: “Hang in there, doctor; God willing, one day not far off, they will be together again,” “Bring them to El Salvador so they can celebrate together,” or “Only those of us who have experienced it know the pain.”
Some also shared their own experiences as migrants or children afar, and there were no shortages of Salvadorans welcoming her to their country: “It’s a pleasure to have you in this Cuzcatleca land,” wrote one user.
A story among many
Nei is not alone. Her story is intertwined with that of many other mothers and Cuban emigrants who, around this time, face similar feelings.
This weekend, Heydi Sánchez, a deported Cuban mother from the United States, shared her first Mother's Day separated from her nursing baby. From Havana, where she was deported after a routine appointment with ICE, she wrote a simple yet deeply emotional message. Her case has sparked outrage and support on social media, while also becoming a symbol of the human cost of immigration policy.
On another emotional note, a young Cuban managed to return to Cuba as a surprise to hug his mother, and shared on TikTok the touching moment when she embraces him in tears. The scene evoked nostalgia among users and reminded everyone of the essential nature of family connection.
The user Fariri López, a Cuban mother residing in the U.S., also shared her pain on this day. Amid tears, she recounted how she has spent six years unable to celebrate this day with her children, and received an outpouring of messages from mothers experiencing similar situations.
Even the singer Leoni Torres revealed that he lost his grandmother Carina just on Mother's Day. On social media, he dedicated words of love to his mother for taking care of her until the end, while fulfilling professional commitments.
Migrate, resist, remember
Nei's testimony not only gives voice to his personal experience but also reflects a collective sentiment: the harshness of emigrating and facing family dates without the warmth of home. For many, it is a temporary resignation in search of a future; for others, it is a sacrifice with open wounds.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Emotional Impact of Emigration on Cubans
What is the main emotional challenge faced by Cubans who emigrate?
The most significant emotional challenge for Cubans who emigrate is the separation from their loved ones. The distance exacerbates feelings of nostalgia, sadness, and anxiety, especially when leaving behind parents, children, and other close relatives. These emigrants must learn to manage their emotions while striving to maintain contact and provide support to their families in Cuba.
Why is the connection with family in Cuba so important for emigrants?
For Cuban emigrants, the connection with family in Cuba is vital as it represents an emotional bond and essential support. Despite the distance, keeping in touch with their loved ones provides them with comfort and motivation to move forward. Furthermore, it is common for emigrants to send remittances to their families, which reinforces their commitment and emotional obligation towards them.
How does emigration affect the identity perception of Cubans?
Emigration can have a significant impact on the identity perception of Cubans, as they face a cultural shock and the need to adapt to new environments. While they seek to integrate into the host society, many maintain their cultural roots as a way to preserve their identity. This duality can create internal conflicts, but it also strengthens their sense of belonging to the Cuban community abroad.
What role do social networks play in the lives of Cuban emigrants?
Social media is a fundamental tool for Cuban emigrants as it allows them to keep in touch with their families and communities in Cuba. Additionally, it provides a platform to share experiences, reflections, and find emotional support among other emigrants facing similar situations. These interactions help reduce feelings of isolation and strengthen the sense of community.
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