Political prisoner José Gabriel Barrenechea, who was unable to say goodbye to his recently deceased mother, penned a heartrending letter in light of her passing. The heartfelt message, dedicated to his mother as the "heart and soul of the home where I was born and raised," was sent from La Pendiente prison in Santa Clara and published in full by the independent outlet 14ymedio. It serves as a powerful expression of grief over such a profound loss.
"I never appreciated her as she deserved, yet God saw fit to grant me the privilege of a mother who was quintessentially that. Whatever I am, the little I can take pride in, I owe to the home where I was born and raised. And in that home, my mom was the heart and the brain, the arms, and even the lungs," the writer expressed.
In his reminiscence of Zoila Esther Chávez, José Gabriel evokes memories of his mother's scent, her gentle arms, her sorrowful songs, and her crooked eyes. His words convey both anguish and nostalgia for the woman who shaped him. "Her laughter, which was broad and gentle, with a hint of melancholy; her deeply honey-colored hair; her hands worn out from washing for others and ceaseless cleaning; her archaic idioms, reminiscent of rural Cuban folk," the activist continued.
Zoila, he asserted, endured "immense suffering": witnessing the death of one son and the imprisonment of another, just months before her own death.
A Life Torn Apart by Circumstances
"The fault lies with me. Knowing the country I was born into, I committed the grave crime of joining my neighbors in a civic protest for electricity... I couldn't say goodbye to her, couldn't ask for her forgiveness, or receive her blessing. I couldn't tell her how, after so many years of denying the truth, I finally understood what is truly essential in the human world: its foundation is those who, through suffering and joy, give birth to us, our mothers," Barrenechea's poignant words continued.
His mother suffered from cancer and required constant care. Barrenechea's imprisonment for protesting amidst Cuba's energy crisis left the elderly woman without the support she desperately needed.
A Fleeting Farewell
After being separated from her for months, the Cuban political prisoner was granted only a brief farewell following her passing. He was transported from prison to bid a final goodbye to Zoila in the municipality of Encrucijada, Villa Clara province.
The event, heavily monitored, lasted less than an hour. Barrenechea was escorted to the wake, with no media contact and no chance for a dignified and intimate farewell. Once the brief moment concluded, he was returned to his cell.
Understanding the Impact of Political Imprisonment in Cuba
Why was José Gabriel Barrenechea imprisoned?
José Gabriel Barrenechea was imprisoned for his involvement in a civic protest demanding electricity, amidst the energy crisis in Cuba.
How did Barrenechea's imprisonment affect his family?
His imprisonment left his ailing mother without the necessary care she required, as she suffered from cancer and needed constant attention.
What does Barrenechea's letter reveal about his relationship with his mother?
The letter reveals a deep sense of regret and appreciation, as Barrenechea reflects on the vital role his mother played in his life and his failure to express his gratitude sufficiently.