A Cuban woman who arrived in the United States last March shared with her followers on Facebook the moment she opened a package sent by her family from Cuba. It is usually the emigrants who send items to their relatives on the island, but in this case, it was the other way around.
Mabele Amelia Padilla Martínez commented that her family in Cuba has needs, but above all, they have priorities, and "when priorities are present and there are people who love you, they will keep you in mind."
The young woman opened the package, which contained a bottle of Havana Club rum, another of La Guantanamera, and a bottle of Whisky Chanceler.
"Knowing that this was bought with the sacrifice and effort of people who could have spent this money on food and the ten thousand other needs that we all know exist in Cuba, they chose to spend part of their money to buy us this gift; it is very emotional," she stated.
The package also included medications such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and blood pressure pills. She explained that in the United States, it is very difficult to find medicines: "Everything is by prescription, and for those who don't have health insurance, it is super complicated."
The delighted recipient also received H. Upmann cigars, tobacco, photos from her 15th birthday, work tools for her stepfather who is an artisan, as well as religious bracelets and even cascarilla for a spiritual cleansing.
Mabele Amelia's Acts of Kindness
In early April, Mabele Amelia shared the moment she and her husband managed to get their first car, less than a month after arriving in the United States.
In June, she was involved in a touching act of solidarity by distributing bread to people on the street. According to her, a wrong order of bread arrived at her workplace. The load was going to be thrown away despite being in good condition, so the Cuban decided to keep it to give away on the street.
"They are not expired; they are fresh. I will keep some packages for myself and my mom, and the rest we will give to people who need them," she commented.
"As a Cuban, I couldn't allow these fresh loaves of bread to end up in the trash. God willing, one day, I will be able to do the same thing in my Cuba. The sensation of sharing is unique," she assured.
Questions About Sending Packages from Cuba to the United States
Given the unusual nature of this story, many people might have questions about the logistics and emotional aspects of sending packages from Cuba to the United States. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers.
Is it common for families in Cuba to send packages to relatives in the United States?
No, it is more common for emigrants to send items to their families in Cuba. However, this story illustrates that it can happen the other way around, especially when families prioritize and make sacrifices.
What challenges do people face when sending packages from Cuba to the United States?
There are several challenges, including economic constraints, limited access to goods, and the high cost of shipping. Despite these difficulties, families still find ways to send packages as a gesture of love and support.
Why is it difficult to find medications in the United States without a prescription?
In the United States, most medications require a prescription to ensure they are used safely and effectively. For those without health insurance, obtaining these prescriptions can be challenging and expensive.