A Cuban Mother's Heartfelt Message: Seven Years Apart from Her Children in Cuba

A Cuban mother living in the United States has moved countless TikTok users with her heartfelt reflection on the challenges of being separated from her children, the sacrifices she makes to support them from afar, and the criticism faced by those who send money and supplies to their families in Cuba.

Known on social media as @la_narra_te_enseña, she has been away from the island for seven years and has yet to return to reunite with her three children: two daughters, aged 17 and nearly 16, and a 12-year-old son, who remain in Cuba under the care of their grandmother.

Distance and Sacrifice

In a TikTok video that quickly garnered over 21,000 views, the Cuban mother shared a recent conversation with her youngest son that prompted her to reflect on the values she strives to instill in her children despite the distance.

A few days ago, she purchased an iPhone 12 for her son without him asking for it. However, she noticed that the phone had been off for about six days, although they continued to communicate using the grandmother’s phone. Concerned, she inquired about the situation.

Her son's response was touching: “I’m embarrassed to tell you I don’t have any data,” he admitted, choosing to go without connectivity rather than ask for money for a top-up.

She quickly resolved the issue, reminding her son that he should never feel ashamed to ask for help. “Why would you be embarrassed with me, dear? I’m your mother, and I’m here for that reason. I left Cuba for this, my love,” she reassured him.

Challenging Criticism

This anecdote led to a broader reflection on remittances and the criticisms that some Cuban emigrants face for continuing to send resources back home. For this mother, supporting her family is not about politics but a duty and a demonstration of love.

“The food box I send doesn’t go to Díaz-Canel’s house; it goes to my parents’ house to feed my children. The money I send doesn’t go to Díaz-Canel’s account; it goes to my mother’s account,” she stated firmly.

She also questioned those who, after promising to support their families when they emigrate, stop doing so, using political arguments as justification. “As long as I’m in this country, I will fight for my own, for what I set out to fight for,” she declared, making her stance on providing financial support to her loved ones clear.

Lessons for the Next Generation

During her reflection, she also mentioned Amanda Pérez, an 18-year-old who disappeared in Bayamo and was found alive on November 3rd. Unconfirmed rumors suggested a staged event to obtain money from her father abroad. The Cuban mother used this incident to emphasize the importance of teaching children values to prevent material needs from leading them astray.

She recounted how one of her daughters asked for an electric bike for her birthday, to which she responded with humor and a nod to the Bayamo case. “Forget about the girl who never loved you. Look at what just happened: a girl was kidnapped for a motorbike,” she told her daughter, though this version of events has not been officially confirmed.

Her story reflects the reality faced by many Cuban families separated by emigration. As highlighted in a previous CiberCuba article discussing family separation, millions leaving the island have left parents and children trying to maintain their ties through calls, messages, and financial support.

The video's protagonist, who also mentioned her bypass surgery and weight loss journey, concluded with particularly emotional words for her three children. “The only thing I want in life is for you to be well. There’s no greater gift you can give me than to take care of yourselves,” she expressed.