Cubana fulfills her dream of seeing her 100-year-old grandmother in Cuba again: "When I left, I thought I would never see her again."

Marian Anett returned to Cuba after three years to reunite with her 100-year-old grandmother, sharing an emotional video of the moment. The story resonates among Cubans, evoking nostalgia and hope.

Cuban with her grandmotherPhoto © TikTok / @marian_anett

Marian Anett (@marian_anett) left Cuba for the United States when her grandmother was 97 years old. At that moment, she believed that embrace would be the last. But fate had a moment in store that today moves thousands on social media.

After three years without seeing her, Marian returned to the island and was able to hug her grandmother again, who is now 100 years old. The reunion, shared on her TikTok account, shows both of them in an intimate moment, filled with love, gratitude, and tenderness.

“I left when I was 97 years old and thought I would never see her again… After 3 years, I embraced her again. Thank you, God,” wrote Marian about the video that has already gathered thousands of views and reactions. The scene, filmed in Cuba, shows the grandmother sitting in her usual armchair, with Marian walking directly towards her to feel her presence and chat with her, as if time had stood still for a moment.

The video struck a deep chord in the Cuban community. In the comments, dozens of people share similar stories: grandparents who passed away while their grandchildren were far away, postponed trips that came too late, and hugs that were never given.

"You were very lucky. Many of us didn't make it," commented one user. "Mine passed away while I was on the journey, and I couldn’t say goodbye," added another. But there was also hope: "God willing, I will be able to embrace my grandfather... when I left he was 94 and now he is 97."

Marian responded to each message with the same love that reflects in her video. “When I left, I felt like I didn't hug her enough,” she confessed. “I only asked God to be able to do it again. And today, all I can say is that grandparents should be eternal.”

His story is, in the end, that of many Cubans. A blend of nostalgia, family love, and that faith that sustains from afar. For Marian, returning was a promise fulfilled and being with her grandmother a dream come true. And for those who follow her, her video has become a collective embrace.

Frequently Asked Questions about Family Reunions in Cuba

Why has Marian Anett's reunion with her grandmother touched so many on social media?

The reunion of Marian Anett with her grandmother has moved many due to the emotional weight and hope it conveys. Marian embraced her grandmother again after three years, when she thought she would never see her again. This story resonates with the experiences of many Cubans who are separated from their loved ones due to migration.

What role do social media play in these stories of family reunions?

Social media, like TikTok, has been essential for sharing and spreading these stories. They allow Cubans abroad to showcase intimate and emotional moments of family reunions, fostering empathy and connection among those who have experienced similar situations. These platforms help keep family bonds alive, despite the distance.

What feelings prevail among Cubans living abroad when they witness these reunions?

The predominant feelings are nostalgia, hope, and gratitude. Many Cubans express sadness over prolonged separations, but also hope of being reunited with their families. These stories evoke a strong sense of community and solidarity among Cuban migrants.

How does migration affect Cuban families, according to the shared testimonies?

Migration, often driven by economic or political reasons, causes long family separations. These separations create a deep yearning for reunion, and in many cases, the fear of not being able to say goodbye to loved ones. The testimonies reveal the emotional sacrifice involved in leaving family behind in search of a better future.

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Izabela Pecherska

Editor at CiberCuba. Graduated in Journalism from the Rey Juan Carlos University of Madrid, Spain. Editor at El Mundo and PlayGround.