The 18 hour drive from Virginia to Florida was exhausting but all the while worth it. I was on my way to go to Cuba. As I walked onto the plane, my heart filled with excitement. I haven’t been there in years.
“My home,” I thought as I was just about to land in Havana. Oh, how beautiful that boot-shaped island looked from 30,000 feet above. I couldn’t stop staring at the crystal-clear ocean that wrapped around that massive island. How could such a majestic island be the root of pain for so many families, including my own?
I was expecting Cuba to welcome me with open arms. Instead, I found a hot and inefficient airport with some of the rudest people I’ve ever met. And we still had to drive seven hours to get to Pinar del Rio, the province where my family grew up.
I had only met Pipo, my grandfather, once before. I didn’t have much of a connection with him. My only memories are the stories that my mom would tell me about how he abandoned her family and left them to starve.
We finally made it to his apartment building. Walking up the four flights of stairs wasn’t the hard part for me, witnessing the tremendous lack of regard among the people that lived there was nearly impossible. “Why would people let their homes become this gross” I asked my parents. “Cuba isn’t like America, niña. The people here don’t focus on how their homes look, they focus on being able to keep them.”
As soon as we got to his apartment, I saw how hesitant my mom was to knock on the door. It’s like she was preparing herself for all the disappointments she had already faced. She knocked three times, each time in a rhythmic pattern, as if she had practiced this exact moment again and again. When Pipo opened the door we walked in, uneasy of the emotion-filled events that we suspected were about to occur.
My grandfather offered us some of the little water he had left (in Cuba, even water is a precious commodity). My dad and brother chugged their drinks while they sat down to take recuperate from two days of draining journey. My grandpa, mother and I walked to Pipo’s room.
“How have you been?” my mother asked in Spanish. “Good” he replied. We sat there on his bed for minutes in utter silence. I noticed Pipo just looking down at his feet, trying to think of something to say but I know, we all knew, he had nowhere to start. He lifted his head; his face drenched in tears, and looked at my mom. “Niña, I am sorry” he said. She grabbed him and held him the way a mother would hold a newborn baby. We cried and cried until our bodies couldn’t cry anymore.
All these years I never understood how my mother could still love someone who had caused so much agony to her and her family, but now I understand. Forgiveness is the key to happiness. She learned from her father’s mistakes and forgave him. He taught her something that transformed her into the amazing person she is today. She learned that to hurt those you love is to hurt yourself. Although he may not have known that at the time, he finally understood what he had done.
When I went to Cuba I was expecting to see poverty and depression, but instead I experienced a new way to live – to live without resentment but instead, with forgiveness .
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
0 Replies to “Home of the Soul-less”
Comment on this article
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
This is a topic that’s near to my heart… Take care!
Thanks for finally talking about >Family Travel Insurance <Loved it!
Family volunteering opportunities are a great way to give back with your teenager at your side.
May I simply say what a comfort to discover someone that actually knows what they’re discussing over the internet.
Wow, this list is amazing! I’ve always wanted to experience Mardi Gras beyond New Orleans. Thanks for sharing these incredible locations. Can’t wait to start planning my next adventure!
My partner and I absolutely love your blog and find most of your post’s to be precisely what I’m looking for. Would you offer guest writers to write content for yourself?
I wouldn’t mind creating a post or elaborating on a number of the subjects you write regarding here. Again, awesome weblog!
excellent post, very informative. I’m wondering wwhy the other experts oof this secto do not notice this. You should proceed your writing. I am sure, you have a huge readers’ baee already!
Hello.This post was extremely remarkable, especially because I was browsing for thoughts on this issue last couple of days.
You completed several good points there. I did a search on the matter and found mainly folks will agree with your blog.
WOW just what I was searching for. Came here by searching for
T Thomas Group offers bespoke travel planning.Luxury Travel Specialist that specializes in customized itineraries, luxury cruises, small group tours, solo travel and all aspects of LGBTQ+ travel. We ensure a seamless and luxurious travel experience, designed exclusively for you.
Thank you, I have just been searching for info approximately this subject for a while and yours is the best I have found out so far. However, what concerning the bottom line?
Are you certain in regards to the supply?
Hello! Would you mind if I share your blog with my myspace group?
There’s a lot of people that I think would really enjoy your content.
Please let me know. Thanks
Very interesting subject, thanks for posting. blog
It’s appropriate time to make some plans for the future and it is time to be happy.
Great post and straight to the point.
Interesting post. I’m glad I came across this page. I’m going to bookmark it so I can read any future posts.
An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who has been conducting a little research on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch because I stumbled upon it for him… lol. So let me reword this…. Thanks for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to talk about this subject here on your website.
Hi! Im originally from Cambiaso and
I do mission trips to the village every year. I have read your article and I am so grateful for what you have done with my people. I would love to connect with you.
Wow, this article really resonated with me! Traveling in Europe with family can be such an incredible adventure, but it definitely comes with its own set of challenges. From navigating unfamiliar streets to finding activities that everyone enjoys, it’s a whirlwind of excitement and sometimes chaos. But hey, isn’t that what makes the best memories? Thanks for sharing your experiences and tips, they’re super helpful for planning our own European family escapade! ???
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people in this
particular topic, but you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks
Greetings! I’ve been following your website for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give
you a shout out from Atascocita Tx! Just wanted to mention keep up the great work!
Your writing has a way of making even the mundane sound interesting. Kudos!
They are very very similar to the key facet all of us keep hidden from the world, the part of us that dares to dream impossible issues, where all our hopes and fantasies are born.
This article is impressive for me as mine east coast of usa
Howdy! This blog post couldn’t be written any better! Reading through this
article reminds me of my previous roommate! He constantly kept preaching
about this. I will send this article to him.
Fairly certain he’ll have a very good read. Many thanks for sharing!
Absolutely love this list of Mardi Gras celebrations outside New Orleans! Each destination seems to offer its own unique blend of culture, music, and vibrant festivities. While I’m tempted to explore them all, I can’t help but dream of experiencing the colorful chaos of Mardi Gras in Goa, India. Exploring India’s rich cultural tapestry during this festive season would undoubtedly be an unforgettable adventure. Thanks for inspiring wanderlust with these fantastic recommendations!
Thanks verfy interesting blog!
I was able to find good info from your blog posts.
“MyFamilyTravels provides a wonderful platform for families to share their travel experiences and glean inspiration for their own adventures. The diverse array of destinations and insightful tips make it a valuable resource for planning memorable trips. Kudos to the team for fostering a community that celebrates the joys of family travel!”
Your site is great and I plan on exploring it even more in the future. It is well written, comprehensive in it’s suggestions, It was a great article, thanks for sharing!
nice
There is certainly a lot to learn about this subject.
I really like all the points you made.
Nice Blog, Thanks for sharing this informative blog. We provide a Nepal Tour Package from Musafircab.
Yes. This is exactly what you should know to have a comfortable and cost-effective trip.
bookmarked!!, I love your site!