Cuban singer La Diosa shared a heartfelt message on Instagram for her eldest son, Axel, who turned 18 on Thursday. The post was overflowing with emotion and received an outpouring of love from her followers.
In the Instagram post, the artist—whose real name is Dianelys Alfonso Cartaya—expressed the whirlwind of feelings she experiences seeing her son become an adult: "Today my son Axel turns 18... and I can't even begin to describe how I feel. It seems like just yesterday I was holding you in my arms, when you were my little boy and I dreamed of watching you grow into the good, strong, and brave man you are today."
Her message went beyond a simple birthday greeting; La Diosa emphasized that being a mother is her deepest identity, surpassing any artistic achievements. "Before being a singer, a working woman, or anything else in this life, I am your mom. And you are one of the biggest reasons I fight every day," she wrote.
The singer acknowledged that the journey hasn't always been easy, but every decision was made with her children's well-being in mind: "Many times it might not have been easy, but everything I've done has been for you, to give you a future, to ensure you never lack love, an example, and a mom who never gives up."
Along with her loving words, La Diosa offered Axel advice for his new chapter: "Be a man of values, respect women, guard your heart, work for what's yours and never let anyone make you feel less than you're worth."
Axel's 18th birthday comes just a month after his graduation, which La Diosa celebrated with immense pride, highlighting the excellent grades he achieved after overcoming the language barrier by adapting to the U.S. education system.
Axel's journey is marked by tough decisions. In August 2022, at the age of 14, La Diosa bid him farewell at Havana's airport, sending him to live in Europe to shield him from Cuba's mandatory military service and to provide him with quality education.
Born in Nice, France, Axel grew up speaking French, Italian, and Spanish. When the family moved to Miami in early 2023 under the humanitarian parole, Axel joined them. Since then, La Diosa has documented each milestone of her son's growth, from adjusting to life in the U.S. to his graduation and now his coming of age.
Key Insights into Axel's Journey
Why did La Diosa send Axel to Europe at 14?
La Diosa sent Axel to Europe to protect him from Cuba's mandatory military service and to ensure he received a quality education.
How did Axel adapt to the U.S. education system?
Axel successfully adapted to the U.S. education system, achieving excellent grades despite the language barrier.
What advice did La Diosa give Axel on his 18th birthday?
La Diosa advised Axel to be a man of values, respect women, protect his heart, work hard, and never let anyone make him feel less than he is worth.