Leyanis Barroso Carbonell took to Facebook to share a heartfelt message as she marked one year away from Cuba, expressing with sincerity the pain of family separation and the emotional toll of leaving the island in search of a better future.
"A year ago, I boarded a plane with my heart shattered and my suitcases filled with fear," Leyanis wrote, accompanying her words with a collage of four photos taken inside the plane in June 2025, when she left Cuba behind.
Her message vividly captures the daily rituals she misses most from afar: "I miss the smell of freshly brewed coffee at 6 am. I miss the fights over the TV remote. I miss my mother's scolding, my grandmother's advice, the silly laughter of my siblings in the living room. I even miss the power outages because even in the darkness, you were there."
Leyanis acknowledges she was unprepared for the true cost of emigration: "No one told me that the price would be this emptiness here in my chest. That every old photo would hurt. That I would learn to smile in pictures while internally screaming 'I miss you.'
The Emotional Struggles of Exile
Her testimony also unveils the dual emotional life many Cuban emigrants lead: "I cried in silence so as not to worry you. I celebrated alone so it wouldn't hurt you. I learned to be my own family."
She adds candidly, "Forgive me if my voice sounds 'fine' on the phone when inside I'm falling apart. It's just that I don't want you to suffer more because of me. You already suffer enough without me being there."
Leyanis's account reflects a shared experience among hundreds of thousands of Cubans. Since 2021, over a million people have left the island, reducing the effective population from 11.3 million to between 8.6 and 8.8 million.
This recent wave of emigration is predominantly young and female, with more than half being women — 56.6% of the total — many of whom emigrate alone, leaving children and elders in the care of other relatives.
Long-lasting Impact of Migration
This pattern creates prolonged separations, as reunification depends on immigration, economic, and political conditions that can take years to resolve, exacerbating what experts call migratory grief.
Other Cuban women have shared similar experiences on social media. One, living in Ferrol, Spain, expressed feeling "empty" due to missing her family, a testimony that resonated with thousands of compatriots abroad.
Leyanis concludes her message with a promise and a hope: "May next June 15th be a day of reunion, not farewell."
Understanding the Cuban Exile Experience
What challenges do Cuban emigrants face?
Cuban emigrants often confront emotional struggles such as family separation, homesickness, and the pressure of adapting to a new culture. These challenges are compounded by economic and political uncertainties that can delay family reunifications.
Why is the recent emigration wave predominantly female?
The recent emigration trend is largely young and female due to women seeking better opportunities and safety that are often lacking in Cuba. Many leave alone, driven by the hope of building a more secure future for themselves and their families.
How has this wave of emigration affected Cuba's population?
The significant emigration has reduced Cuba's population by millions, affecting the demographic and economic landscape of the country. This loss has implications for labor markets and the social fabric of Cuban society.