A simple, almost silent act was enough to stir deep emotions and remind many Cubans of the reality they carry with them daily, even miles away from their homeland.
Ivian García, a recent Cuban immigrant to the United States, shared a tearful story on TikTok about an experience she had while working as a caregiver for an elderly American woman.
According to her account, the event took place during what seemed like an ordinary day. As a company was installing central air conditioning in the home where she works, one of the technicians struck up a conversation with her. Despite her efforts to communicate in English, the brief exchange was enough for him to inquire about her nationality. When Ivian revealed she was Cuban, the conversation shifted significantly.
The technician mentioned he had a Cuban friend who frequently traveled to the island and was well-aware of the tough conditions there. Ivian seized the opportunity to describe what many Cubans no longer need to explain: the scarcity of medicines, the relentless power outages, and the simple joys, like enjoying a candy, that children are deprived of. The worker was visibly moved.
Soon after, he stepped outside and returned with a $50 bill in hand. Though Ivian tried to refuse, he was insistent. "Here, send this to your mom," he said, emphasizing that it wasn't charity for her but a gesture aimed directly at those still in Cuba.
That moment overwhelmed the young woman emotionally. On her way home, she couldn't hold back her tears. She was deeply touched that someone practically a stranger, with whom she could barely communicate, showed such empathy and understanding towards the Cuban reality.
"They understand how things are in that country," she recalled with emotion, noting that the man urged her to accept the money because he had more than enough.
The video she posted on TikTok has sparked a wave of reactions among Cubans both on and off the island. For many, the story encapsulates a painful truth: the Cuban crisis is no longer a distant issue but a reality that even strangers recognize and are moved to address with compassion.
"These kind people that God places in my path," Ivian concluded, grateful for a gesture that, beyond the money, restored a bit of her faith and made her feel less alone amid her dislocation.
Understanding the Cuban Crisis Through Personal Stories
What challenges do Cuban immigrants face in the United States?
Cuban immigrants often face language barriers, cultural adjustment, and the emotional strain of being separated from family, as well as the challenge of supporting relatives still in Cuba.
How do Cubans in the U.S. support their families back home?
Many Cubans in the U.S. send remittances to help their families cope with the economic hardships in Cuba, including shortages of basic necessities and medicines.
Why is the Cuban crisis becoming a global concern?
The Cuban crisis is gaining international attention as the economic and humanitarian issues on the island worsen, affecting both residents and the global Cuban diaspora.