A Cuban mother who emigrated to the United States in search of a better future for her children shared a deeply emotional testimony on TikTok, where she reflects on the emotional cost of leaving her children on the island. Her story, marked by sacrifice, nostalgia, and doubt, has resonated with many users who feel identified with her words.
"I came here for them," she explains in the video, clearly upset. She recounts how she made the decision to emigrate alone after her brother could include her in the parole process, but not her children. "They told me, 'Yes, Mom, go there... then you can bring us later.' And out of fear that when they grow up, they might get on a boat and risk their lives, I decided to come first," she shares.
Since then, she says she holds on for them, even though she feels she has taken a back seat in her children's lives: “I’m now like the one in charge, the one who is out there. I don’t know if they think the same way as those who say that because I’m alone, what I lack is affection, love.”
"While my kids have a pair of $400 sneakers, I have one from Temu that cost around $7. I don’t complain, I don’t mind; everything I do is for them," she says. But she admits that the pain of distance is heightened on occasions like Mother's Day, when she received no greetings at all. "A neighbor congratulated me… but from my kids, nothing."
Among the memories that hurt him the most is his bond with the youngest: “I used to tell him he was my little rearview mirror. He followed me all day… I was his battle companion.” Today, he says, that role has changed. In a story written by the boy, his adventure companion is now his father, and she no longer appears.
"I feel like, in his subconscious, I am no longer present... and it's true that I'm not, but it still hurts," he confesses. "I don't know to what extent this sacrifice will be rewarded."
She also referred to the current migration context and its impact on her decisions. “With all this mess of Trump wanting to turn back, I told him: 'I have roots, I have my things, I can go back,' but they respond: 'no, no, no, no, you stay there, what we want is to leave.' She, who claims to hold on for her children, is clear: 'I came because I was told to come, if they tell me to go back, I will go back.'”
The testimony has sparked a wave of reactions on TikTok. Some mothers are sharing similar experiences: “I feel the same as you, that my daughter sees me as a cashier,” wrote one user. Another said: “All we have left is our partnership and to keep fighting, wiping away our tears… neither do they value nor appreciate our sacrifices.”
Other voices were more critical. "Children should never be left behind under any circumstances," remarked a user. However, many comments expressed empathy: "It's adolescence; they do care about you, they just don't show it right now," stated another.
This type of testimony is not new, but each one opens up a space to highlight the silent pain that many Cuban mothers experience in exile. In July of last year, another mother responded to similar criticisms while celebrating her U.S. citizenship alongside her daughter. “When I was criticized for leaving her... today we are together,” she wrote at that time.
The Cuban psychologist Carelis Conde also addressed the topic from the perspective of emotional health. In a video posted on her account, she reflected on the guilt many migrant mothers feel and provided tools to maintain the connection with their children.
The story of this mother also brings to mind other testimonies, such as that of Fariri López, who shared her pain of being separated from her children for six years, or that of Nathyy Zaldivar, who chose not to celebrate Christmas while her children were away.
The testimony of this Cuban mother reflects a painful reality that is often overlooked regarding what it means to emigrate without family. And although her voice is one among many, her words resonate with those who have ever wondered, with a heavy heart: was it worth it?
Frequently Asked Questions about the Challenges of Emigrant Cuban Mothers
Why do some Cuban mothers decide to emigrate, leaving their children in Cuba?
Cuban mothers emigrate in search of a better economic future for their children. The economic and social crisis in Cuba forces many to make the difficult decision to temporarily separate from their children in order to send them resources from abroad.
What emotional consequences does the separation between Cuban mothers and their children due to emigration have?
Separation can lead to significant emotional consequences for both mothers and children. The distance can create feelings of abandonment in children and guilt in mothers, even if the primary reason is family well-being.
How do remittances affect Cuban families remaining on the island?
Remittances sent by Cubans abroad are a crucial support for many families on the island. These shipments help cover basic needs, such as food and medicine, in a context of economic scarcity within the country.
How do Cuban mothers view the criticism for emigrating and leaving their children behind?
Many Cuban mothers defend their decision to emigrate as a necessary sacrifice for the well-being of their children. Though they face criticism, they insist that their priority is to secure a better future for their family, even if it means painful temporary separations.
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