A Cuban mother in Portugal has touched thousands of people on social media by confessing that she does not like birthdays, neither her own nor her children's, because they bring her deep emotional pressure in not being able to give them everything she wishes.
“Today my son turns 12, and I didn’t want this day to arrive,” says @lacubanadelpijamarosa in a video that has already surpassed 60,000 interactions on TikTok. “I have been alone with my children since they were very young and received very little financial support from their father, so the effort of my work has always gone toward the needs of my children, without having the opportunity to save for birthday parties or expensive gifts.”
The young woman explains that although she cannot afford big celebrations or luxurious gifts, she tries to ensure that the day does not go unnoticed. "My love language is being present, giving love, attention, and a lot of affection, and making the day special not because it’s the biggest party of the year or because of receiving the greatest gift, but because I won't allow it to be just another ordinary day."
During her testimony, she also expresses the pain she feels when she sees other mothers able to provide their children with grand celebrations. “Every time one of their birthdays comes around, or someone I care about, it hurts me because I see other moms throwing parties, inviting all their friends, taking them to expensive places, spending money on nice gifts or trips, and I have never been able to do that.”
Despite those limitations, she assures that her children have always been surrounded by love and close people. “Mom always manages to save a little to make them a gift on that very special day, even if it’s not the best one or the last of the year, but it was what they needed.”
The post has generated a massive wave of empathy, with thousands of people feeling reflected in its words. "You described all my feelings," "That happens to me," "You spoke for many single moms," or "My mom was like that" are some of the messages that abound among the over 20,000 comments.
A user wrote to her: “You said it for all of us who have raised children alone.” Another confessed: “I also didn’t have a birthday party, but I had that happy birthday from my mom, and I swear, today I am super grateful.” Some daughters also commented: “I am the daughter of a humble family; my birthday was a roasted chicken and a gift (flip-flops, pajamas, a t-shirt...), but mom was always there, and that was everything.”
The testimony of @lacubanadelpijamarosa also prompted many people to share personal stories of parenting, sacrifices, and resilience. “I have three children and I always make their cakes myself. It’s the only thing I can give them, but it’s what fulfills me the most,” wrote a mother. Another commented: “I thought I was the only one who felt this way. My son turns 15 in January and I have no way to celebrate it.”
Messages of support and validation were constant. “Your children are lucky to have a mom like you,” “The little details last forever,” “Believe me, that’s what they will remember,” or “I would have given anything for a mom like that.”
There were also those who emphasized the true value of maternal love. “I felt remorse for what my children lacked. One day, my daughter told me: ‘We don’t remember what we lacked; we remember that you were always there.’”
The video has gone viral for showing, without filters or embellishments, a reality that many mothers live silently. As the author concludes: "There is nothing I love more in this world than my children, and I will always let them know, not just on their birthdays, but every day of the year, and that really is the greatest gift."
Another reality experienced by many others was shared by a Cuban mother who witnessed her daughter's 15th birthday celebration in Cuba through a video call, as she was unable to travel due to being under an I-220A in the United States.
Both testimonies reflect different forms of love and maternal dedication, shaped by distance, economic limitations, or migration processes, yet united by the same desire: for their children to feel loved, even when there is little more to give.
Frequently Asked Questions about Birthday Celebrations in the Cuban Diaspora
Why doesn't the Cuban mother in Portugal celebrate lavish birthday parties for her children?
The Cuban mother in Portugal feels emotionally pressured due to her inability to provide for her children as she wishes because of financial constraints. She prioritizes love and presence over material gifts or lavish parties.
How does the community react to the testimony of this Cuban mother?
The testimony of the mother has generated a wave of empathy and support on social media, with many people feeling a connection to her situation and sharing similar experiences of sacrifice and maternal love.
What does maternal love symbolize in the context of economic limitations?
Maternal love in this context is symbolized by presence, affection, and daily attention, which are valued above material possessions. Mothers prioritize shared moments and emotional support, even when they are unable to provide luxuries.
How does migration affect birthday celebrations in Cuban families?
Migration can lead to birthdays being celebrated modestly, due to family separations and economic constraints. However, the focus remains on love and emotional connection with children, even from a distance.
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