!Mi Familia!
September 14, 2006
For the first time in 2 years and 9 months, I was finally able to leave the United States to travel. Our first destination was not Japan but - Spain - a country that’s always had a special place in my heart, but this time, it had an even deeper meaning. One was to attend my best friend’s wedding, and the other, to meet my husband’s Spanish side of the family he hadn’t seen in over 14 years.
My husband, who is a second generation Cuban or a Y.U.C.A .- Young Urban Cuban American - was born and raised in Miami, Florida. His mother’s from Sagua La Grande, close to Santa Clara, and his father’s from Havana, Cuba. Both families escaped Cuba, once Fidel Castro took over the country. Most of them moved to Miami, the now “official” capitol of Cuba (funny but true), and some moved to Spain, where their family lineage started.
The Cuban immigrants’ story is always a sad one. It has wet my eyes many many times, and still does, whenever I see or hear about the good ol’ days of Cuba. The thought of not being able to go back to your own country seems pretty hard enough, but to leave everything behind with a dream of one day going back, breaks my heart. Because I know that the Cuba they love and reminisce, exists no more…
So, when I met Tia Olga - Bruce’s aunt - for the first time, I understood her. I understood her because of my love for Cuba, it’s culture, and it’s people through dancing Salsa, but also through my husband, who is a history teacher. What I’ve learned from him was the importance of keeping the heritage alive, the stories alive and the dreams of those who’ve left this world, without EVER touching the soil of Cuba, A-L-I-V-E. Mi Tierra - my homeland - were on Tia Olga’s lips often.
Tia Olga is an amazing woman. Not only because she’s Cuban and has survived through so much, but because she is someone from the “Old Era”. The elegance, the flavor, the class and the strength is still so vividly present in her, I was able to see and feel history in a living form. And to think that now I’m also part of her, makes me shiver with honor.
Even though her children and grandchildren speak and act very Espanol, they all know and appreciate where they came from. They are Cuban or Cuban-Spanish and they have such a depth of love and goodness in them. Their love, the connection of this family is so pronounced, it extended easily to me - la japonesita - the little Japanese girl who married their cousin or nephew. And just like that, I was in.
The same warmth also goes for the beautiful wedding I attended, too. My friend, Laura, was my roommate from highschool and my best friend who’s always visited me wherever I moved around the world. I’ve known her family for years, and when I saw them again, they kissed and hugged me with joy and it truly felt like seeing my own family. It’s been at least 14 years since I’ve seen them all, but it doesn’t matter. They have always been part of my life through her. That’s enough to rejoice.
Spain is a beautiful country. I would recommend everyone to go at least once. The people are warm, the food is to die for, and the arts and history of the cities are just breathtaking. The old tradition has mixed with modernization - mainly American influences - and kids there have a great future in bridging the best of both worlds. But what I realized through my trip and cherish the most, were family values.
In Latin and Spanish cultures, whatever the relationship is - say, you’re the grandfather’s cousin’s son’s wife’s sister etc…- well, once you are part of the family somehow, you ARE family!! No matter how long and complicated it is to explain the relationship, these people that I hugged, laughed, ate with, danced, talked, and instantly fell in love with, are now part of my life forever. They are mi familia - my family now - and they are my treasures.
My husband and I hardly went sightseeing or enjoyed the nightlife of Madrid, but the quality time we spent with everyone was better than anything we could have ever done. We promised to go back next year, for a longer stay for more long nights and to enjoy each other’s company again.
Finally, for me, all the scattered dots are connecting…
Technorati Tags: Spain, Cuba, Madrid, Miami, family, love, connection, tradition, travel, wedding, friendship, refugee, Castro, revolution, homeland
Comments»
First — it’s so great that you finally get to travel!
Second — I never think of Cubans going emigrating anywhere but the US. How incredibly self-absorbed is that? Is it because I went to school in Miami and the Cuban-American culture is so entrenched there? Wow.
I can’t wait to see the pictures of your trip and to finally meet Bruce at our other Laura’s wedding!
Thanks Carly! Yes… it was awesome being able to travel again. I was so excited to show my Greencard wherever I needed to! lol…
Actually, a lot of Cubans are Spanish decendants. So, it’s only natural that they are a lot of Spanish-Cubans like my father-in-law who was 2nd generation Spanish-Cuban. Of course, afterwards, there were people who migrated from all over, but when the older era Cubans refer these as Gallegos (from Galicia- North West of Spain). Funny, huh?
I can’t wait for the wedding either! And your ceremony!! It’s going to be SO exciting!
I found your story heartwarming. Especially since I am a first generation Cuban-American born and raised in Miami. I feel ties not only to Cuban but also to Spanish culture. I’m glad you shared your husband’s culture and have embraced it as a part of you.
Sorry for the super delayed response, but thank you so much Jen for your sweet comment! It definitely means a lot coming from someone like you.
I’ve really come to love Miami and the people here. There is really so much more than the glitz and glamour portrayed in the media. The heart of it is really the vibrant people, like you and my husband, all the family and friends behind you guys. And this city, the people will always have a special place in my heart…