While in Cuba, July 26th is heavily laden with political symbolism, a Cuban couple residing in the United States chose to redefine the day through expressions of love, faith, and thankfulness. Instead of participating in official ceremonies or chanting slogans, they celebrated their freedom, their new life, and the nation that welcomed them.
"We are celebrating July 26th, but in a very special way," they shared in an emotional post on TikTok under the handle @yaumarasa. "On this day, we entered this country. We give thanks to God, to José Lozano for the idea, and to this country that has embraced us. We are American citizens by adoption, though Cuban by nationality."
The couple, who have managed to build a life in the United States that they couldn't achieve in Cuba, wanted to publicly share their joy and gratitude. Their day began with a heartfelt surprise when their daughter invited them to breakfast and gave them a card filled with words of appreciation that moved them deeply.
"We don't want this day to go unnoticed," they explained. "Our daughter gave us a beautiful card, gifted José a pair of Polo sneakers, his favorite brand, and gave me a lovely piece of jewelry. But the highlight was an exercise we did together... it was an incredibly special moment."
They later attended church, where they participated in a spiritual program that rounded out a deeply personal and meaningful day. For them, July 26th is not a political date but an anniversary marking a fresh start, a life they were denied in Cuba.
"Today, we celebrate the chance to move forward, and we thank God for being here," they concluded. It is a simple yet powerful story that resonates with thousands of Cubans in exile, who have transformed their uprooting into an opportunity to build, give thanks, and celebrate.
Understanding the Cuban-American Experience
Why did the couple choose July 26th to celebrate?
The couple chose July 26th to commemorate the day they arrived in the United States, redefining it as a personal milestone rather than a political date.
What did the couple's daughter do for them on this special day?
Their daughter surprised them with breakfast, a heartfelt card, and thoughtful gifts, including Polo sneakers for José and a piece of jewelry.
How does this celebration connect with other Cubans in exile?
The couple's celebration of freedom and new beginnings resonates with many Cubans in exile, who often find ways to transform their displacement into opportunities for gratitude and growth.