A video posted on TikTok by the Cuban @yily_cubita has touched the hearts of thousands of people both inside and outside of Cuba. The scene captures the moment when a mother surprises her son at the airport after more than four years apart, and the child's reaction says it all: he hugs her, pauses for a moment, looks at her intently, and uncertainly asks, “Are you my mom?”
The mother explained that her son was not waiting for her, but for a friend of hers. The surprise was complete. The boy was bewildered, and he could only recognize her by her voice. Four years and two months had passed since the last time they saw each other. He was four years old when she emigrated, and he turned nine just during those days of the reunion.
"I left him at 4, and he turned 9 while I was there. He was waiting for my friend. When I hugged him, he asked me if I was his mom," commented the creator on TikTok.
The video sparked a wave of reactions. Many people identified with it, others cried, and some questioned it. Some asked why they weren't communicating via video call. She responded honestly:
"We talk every day. I work from home. We even take a shower together over video call. But he didn't know I was coming. It was a surprise."
Even her own mother—the child's grandmother—didn't recognize her when she saw her after so long. The physical changes, the accumulated emotions, and the distance took their toll.
In the comments, hundreds of mothers, fathers, and children shared similar stories: long separations, tearful reunions, and the fear of not being recognized after so much time apart.
"I went through that too. My daughter looked at me and told me that I wasn't her mom. It broke my heart," wrote a user.
Yily's story is not unique. It reflects the experience of many Cuban families separated by migration. Reunions that are painful, that heal, and that leave a lasting mark.
"He will always be my baby," she said through tears. "I saw him changed, thin, tall... And he must have felt the same seeing me."
Frequently Asked Questions About Family Reunions in Cuba
Why didn't the boy recognize his mother after four years without seeing her?
The boy did not immediately recognize his mother because it had been four years and two months since they last saw each other. During this time, the mother had changed physically, and although they communicated via video calls, the boy did not expect her at the airport, which heightened his initial confusion.
How do prolonged separations impact Cuban families?
Prolonged separations emotionally affect Cuban families, generating anxiety from the fear of not being recognized and sadness for the time lost away from their loved ones. These reunions are often emotional and can carry a mix of joy, relief, and nostalgia.
Why are emotions so intense during family reunions in Cuba?
Emotions during family reunions in Cuba are intense due to the prolonged separation caused by migration. Distance, geographical barriers, and immigration restrictions amplify the desire to reunite, making the moment of reunion filled with feelings of love, relief, and deep emotional connection.
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