Yasmy Montes, a TikTok user, has stirred deep emotions among thousands with a brief yet powerful 14-second video. In the clip, @yasmonterd showcases an impressive view of Miami from above, accompanied by the poignant phrase: "Only a Cuban knows the pain of visiting a beautiful place and thinking: 'I wish my parents and siblings were here to see this!'"
The post has deeply resonated within the Cuban community, sparking an outpouring of nostalgic and emotional messages.
Subtitled Messages of Nostalgia and Pain
"At mealtime, at bedtime, every hour and every second of every day"; "Thank God my wife and I managed to bring my sister and my in-laws, but our parents and children remain, and it's the greatest pain to feel that longing. There's no medicine to ease that pain, but day by day, and with God's blessings, one day we will heal it for us and all Cubans who suffer it"; "Seeing how there is food waste in these countries while Cuba lacks it"; "Seeing this and breaking into tears is the same," shared some users.
Others added, "You made me cry just by reading"; "When I'm somewhere, I call them and show them, saying we'll come here soon because I know God will allow me to have them here with me"; "We constantly think about our families"; "Cubans always thinking about those we left behind"; "You are so right, but we have to fight to bring them here so they can see the wonders of this country"; "Sometimes we don't even eat something thinking about our loved ones who don't have it"; "It hurts a lot."
Additionally, comments such as "We also think about our children all the time"; "It's true, even when I go to breakfast, not just my family but all Cubans, may God always bless us"; "It hurts a lot"; "That's why I brought them with me, now I'm calm and happy"; and "It happens with landscapes, food, stores, products, transportation... in short, we live a half-happiness," are seen among the hundreds of comments on the post, which has already garnered over six thousand likes.
The emotional and even heartbreaking reactions to this TikTok video are the clearest evidence of the feelings of emptiness, deep nostalgia, and pain that many Cubans around the world carry. They bear the heavy burden of enjoying the fruits of their labor for a better future, all while remembering their loved ones back on the island, who not only remain distant but often face significant hardships and suffering.
Understanding the Cuban Diaspora's Emotional Struggle
The article highlights the deep emotional turmoil faced by the Cuban diaspora. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers to provide more insight into the issue.
Why do Cubans feel such deep nostalgia and pain when separated from their families?
The deep connection to family and the harsh realities of life in Cuba, including economic hardship and political repression, contribute to the intense feelings of nostalgia and pain among Cubans separated from their loved ones.
How has the Cuban community responded to Yasmy Montes's video?
The Cuban community has responded with an outpouring of emotional and nostalgic messages, sharing their own experiences of longing and the pain of being separated from their families.
What are common themes in the responses to the video?
Common themes include longing for family, the pain of separation, and the desire to reunite with loved ones. Many also express gratitude for being able to bring some family members to the U.S., while others share the ongoing struggle and hope for future reunions.