"Here, I've realized that we experience loneliness. Everyone who leaves feels this solitude." These heartfelt words were shared by a Cuban woman who has spent four years away from her homeland. On TikTok, she emotionally expressed how deeply she misses the warmth of her family, especially during significant occasions like her birthday and Christmas.
Known on TikTok as @gladys.minov1, the Cuban immigrant recorded the video shortly after shedding tears, choosing to open up about a reality that has profoundly impacted her life since she left Cuba.
"Today, I'm sitting here and I want to share something personal. You might think I'm crazy, or wonder why I don't just go back home or why I left in the first place," she began, currently residing with her husband and three children.
The root of her sadness was the memory of her birthdays in Cuba. Over the decade she has been with her husband, his family, particularly his mother, grandmother, and aunts, always made sure her birthday was a day full of love and celebration.
Reflecting on Celebrations
"There were kisses, there were hugs," she nostalgically recalled. However, since moving away, these celebrations have significantly changed. "I've spent my birthdays just with my children and husband," she admitted, her voice filled with emotion.
Her sorrow, she explained, doesn't stem from material circumstances. She's grateful for having food, celebrating Christmas, and being with her husband and children, yet she acknowledges that no comfort can replace the presence of beloved family members.
"Here, I've realized that we experience loneliness. Everyone who leaves feels this solitude. It's incredible that we have everything and I thank God, but we still have loneliness," she expressed in one of the most poignant moments of the TikTok video.
The Emotional Weight of Emigration
The nostalgia also hits hard during Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Despite having food, sweets, and family moments at home, she misses the hugs, gatherings, and the vibrant atmosphere she enjoyed when surrounded by loved ones in Cuba.
Gladys is not alone in sharing the pain of emigration. In May 2026, she posted another heartfelt account about the emotional difficulty of leaving Cuba, especially because of the relatives she couldn't say goodbye to.
Her story resonates with many Cuban expatriates who have expressed similar feelings on social media. In September 2026, Cuban Dean Pablo Hernández broke down as he recalled spending three birthdays without hugging his younger brother.
Earlier, in April, a young Cuban woman living in Spain also shared her tears at the thought of celebrating her birthday away from family. Similarly, in December 2025, Rosmery, a Cuban in Albacete, expressed the sadness the holidays brought her far from her loved ones.
These narratives unfold against the backdrop of significant Cuban emigration. According to Infobae, by October 2026, Cuba recorded a negative migration balance of 245,264 people in 2025, highlighting the scale of departures.
Concluding her testimony, Gladys invited other Cubans living abroad to share if they too experience this sense of emptiness: "Let me know in the comments if you have felt the same and if you think like I do."
For this Cuban mother, having her husband and children by her side is a blessing, but it doesn't stop her from longing for the hugs, celebrations, and affection from those she left behind in Cuba.
Understanding Cuban Emigration and Its Emotional Impact
Why do many Cubans feel lonely after emigrating?
Many Cubans feel lonely after emigrating due to the absence of close family ties and the unique cultural connections they left behind, which are hard to replace in a new country.
How has Cuban emigration impacted family celebrations?
Cuban emigration has often led to more intimate and less vibrant family celebrations, as many find themselves away from their extended family and the traditional gatherings they once enjoyed.
What are the common emotional challenges faced by Cuban emigrants?
Cuban emigrants commonly face emotional challenges such as homesickness, guilt over being away from family, and the difficulty of adjusting to a new culture while missing their roots.