A Cuban mother living in the United States has moved people on TikTok by sharing the difficult decision she is contemplating: sending her daughter, who is just two years and three months old, to Cuba to meet her grandparents and great-grandparents, whom she herself has not seen in over three years.
“I am considering sending my daughter (...) because my mother and my grandparents, who are the most important people I have after my daughter, are in Cuba. They do not know her, and I do not yet have residency to travel, confessed the user @lety_tuestilo, visibly affected.”
Her testimony, filled with pain and vulnerability, quickly sparked an avalanche of reactions. While some users supported her and shared similar experiences, others advised her to wait until she had residency before traveling together. “Don’t separate from your daughter; she’s a baby, and if something happens to her…” commented one user. Another noted, “Do what your heart tells you; you know what’s best for your little girl.”
Lety explained that her daughter would be traveling with her father, but still, uncertainty and guilt envelop her. "I judge myself as a mother and daughter every day... I don't know if I'm being selfish or if I'm making a mistake," she wrote in the video's description. "It breaks my heart not to be able to accompany her, but it fills my heart to know that she will experience something I couldn't have close: her family, her roots, her history."
The post became a space for dozens of migrant mothers to share their dilemmas, fears, and hopes. One user revealed, “I went five years without seeing my children and I never sent the boy. Thank God they are with me now.” Another confessed, “I thought about it too, but what holds me back is the situation over there. It’s not just about food; it’s also about hygiene, diseases...”
With this confession, Lety not only reveals the intimate drama of a mother torn between two shores but also speaks to the shared experience of many Cuban women who, amidst exile and the wait for immigration, strive to keep family ties alive without compromising the well-being of their children.
Frequently asked questions about the decision to send children to Cuba to meet family
Why do some Cuban parents in the U.S. consider sending their children to Cuba?
Many Cuban parents in the U.S. consider sending their children to Cuba to meet their grandparents and great-grandparents, who are an important part of their history and family roots. The inability to travel together due to the lack of legal residency also influences this decision. The situation reflects the dilemma of maintaining family ties without putting the children's well-being at risk.
What are the risks of sending a young child to Cuba without their mother?
Sending a young child to Cuba without their mother can involve risks related to the child's health, safety, and emotional well-being. Some parents worry about hygiene, food, and diseases on the island, as well as the uncertainty of being separated from their children in a different environment. However, the trip is usually made with a close family member, such as the father, to mitigate some of these risks.
What do Cuban mothers say who have made similar decisions about sending their children to Cuba?
Cuban mothers who have made similar decisions share feelings of pain, guilt, and sacrifice. Many express that family reunification is essential to keep emotional and cultural ties alive. Some confess that although it is painful, they believe it is the best for their children. It is also common for them to share their stories and experiences on social media to find support and understanding among other mothers facing similar situations.
How does family separation affect Cuban migrants in the U.S.?
Family separation is a painful experience that deeply impacts Cuban migrants in the U.S. The distance and immigration restrictions complicate family reunification, generating feelings of sadness, guilt, and despair. The sacrifice of leaving loved ones behind in search of a better future is a significant emotional burden for many mothers and fathers. Social media has become a space where they share their stories, seeking empathy and emotional support.
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