A Cuban woman residing in Spain recently shared a poignant testimony on TikTok about her grandmother's situation in Cuba and the profound sadness of not being able to be by her side. Posted by user @legmy_, the video has resonated deeply with fellow Cubans who relate to her plight.
"I'm not sure if this is the hardest or most emotional video I'll ever make, but I'm going to record it as my words come out. My nearly 90-year-old grandmother in Cuba is ill with a silent pneumonia, and today I found out she has broken her hip. Here I am, thousands of miles away, with my heart literally shattered into a thousand pieces," she expressed.
She reflected on the source of her anguish, stating, "If you ask me why I despise communism, it's because of this crap. It's not about the poverty or need, even though I completely understand how that affects many, but it robs you of the privilege to be with your family, with your loved ones."
The woman explained her current predicament: "I can't travel to Cuba. I have two small children whom I can't leave behind, and I won't take them with me because Cuba is not a safe country for my kids."
She also criticized the island's healthcare conditions: "If my kids get sick in Cuba, there is no public health system to support an illness. They don't even have paracetamol or any kind of medicine for a sick child, they have nothing. I mean, a simple dehydration could be fatal for a child."
She pointed out the exorbitant costs of traveling to Cuba: "Not to mention that the ticket prices are outrageous, as if to remind you that visiting your family is a luxury or a pleasure. I don't know what's going on with them, but a ticket costs a fortune."
Regarding the challenges of living abroad, she said, "Spain is not a place to make money; you literally spend years saving to have three pennies because you end up spending your monthly income on constant expenses."
"I feel it in my soul to say this, but being Cuban is a misfortune that follows you wherever you go," she concluded.
The young woman has also shared insights into other aspects of her life as a migrant. In another video, she revealed that after seven years in Spain, she hasn't made any new friends: "I've been in Spain for seven years. In those seven years, I haven't made a single friend. Not one. All the friendships I have are old ones. I don't know, socializing doesn't come naturally to me, and with each passing day, I feel embarrassed to approach people or start a conversation."
Both testimonies have struck a chord with many Cuban migrants who see in her words a shared reality: the forced separation from loved ones, the challenges of assimilation, and the emotional weight of living far from the island.
Common Challenges for Cuban Migrants
Why do some Cubans feel resentment towards the communist regime?
Many Cubans express resentment towards the communist regime because it often separates families and deprives individuals of the ability to be with their loved ones during crucial times. This situation is exacerbated by the economic hardships and lack of basic resources on the island.
What are the healthcare challenges in Cuba as described by Cuban migrants?
Cuban migrants often cite the inadequate healthcare system as a major concern. There is a lack of basic medicines and medical supplies, which makes it difficult to treat even common illnesses, posing significant health risks.
What financial challenges do Cubans face when living abroad?
Cubans living abroad, particularly in countries like Spain, often face financial challenges due to high living costs and limited opportunities to earn a substantial income. This situation makes it difficult to save money and achieve financial stability.