Osmara, the charismatic aunt of Cuban urban music singer El Chacal, has gone viral on TikTok with a new video featuring her in a store in Miami. In the clip, she can be seen shopping for products to buy for her granddaughter who is in Cuba.
“I am going to take everything I can to send to my granddaughter over there. I can’t be at ease if she doesn’t have everything I have here, no matter what anyone says,” the woman said firmly, as she looked at everything the girl might need on the island.
The video was posted on TikTok by @osmara0641 and depicts a scene that many Cuban emigrants know well: the constant effort to support their family from afar.
"They say we are here, but we are there. Whatever I have here, she has there. That's just how it is. The only granddaughter," the woman added, visibly emotional. Another person in the video commented: "It's incredible how some people say we shouldn't help in Cuba, but what about family?"
The granddaughter is 12 years old and, although her father does his best, “the one who goes out to buy is the grandmother,” noted the woman who recorded the scene. The moment has moved thousands on social media due to its emotional weight and its reflection of a very common reality among Cubans in exile.
The comments on the video were unanimously positive. "Grandchildren love more than children," wrote one user. Another commented through tears, "I'm putting together a care package of snacks for my kids. Family first."
There were also practical recommendations. A follower commented that in Miami there are agencies where the pound costs 1.99 and arrives in Cuba in less than a month. "I have been with them for years and they are the best," she stated.
This story reflects what many families experience daily: distance does not erase commitment. As another grandmother wrote in the comments: “For my granddaughter and my daughter, everything. As if I have to give my lungs here.”
Frequently Asked Questions about Sending Aid to Family Members in Cuba
Why do Cubans abroad send help to their relatives in Cuba?
For many Cubans in the diaspora, sending help to their relatives in Cuba is a responsibility and an act of love. Despite the criticism and challenges, they prioritize the well-being of their loved ones, ensuring that they do not lack the essentials. This practice is common due to the precarious economic situation on the island, which forces many to rely on remittances and packages sent from abroad.
What are the main criticisms faced by Cubans who send aid to their families on the island?
The most common criticisms come from other Cubans who believe that these shipments indirectly support the Cuban regime. Additionally, there is criticism regarding the alleged excessive demands from the family members who receive the aid. However, those who send support defend their decision, prioritizing family welfare over any ideological debate.
What challenges do Cubans face when sending aid to their families in Cuba?
Sending aid to Cuba involves logistical and emotional challenges. Emigrants must plan and ration products due to weight and cost restrictions. Furthermore, there is emotional pressure to send more than one can, dealing with criticism or a lack of appreciation from some family members.
How does the aid sent from abroad affect families in Cuba?
The aid sent from abroad has a significant impact on the quality of life of families in Cuba. Many Cubans rely on these remittances and packages to meet their basic needs, highlighting the economic precariousness on the island and the importance of ongoing family support.
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