I know that all of us Cubans who left our homeland because of the communist revolution have a story. Many of the stories sound pretty much the same, but of course, the details are slightly different and oh-so-very personal. As I read over your comments on the last post, I could almost tangibly feel the pain and loss of each individual. It ...
Cuando Sali de Cuba
Cubamerican the Movie on DVD – Giveaway
I so love celebrating Cuban (!) Hispanic Heritage Month with you guys because...Our stories need to be told. Cubans are amazing people.Speaking of great "Cuando sali de Cuba" stories, I know many of you have already seen the documentary, Cubamerican. If you haven't yet, you will be amazed at how beautifully and poignantly it ...
Cuando Sali de Cuba – Stories of Courage and Hope
My family moved to the U.S. reluctantly. When we left Cuba, we didn't know we were coming here for good. I think that's a part of our story as Cuban refugees that doesn't get much play. When we left our beloved homeland, we (when I say "we," I mean, my parents) thought it was only a temporary stay until that whole pesky revolution thing blew ...
The Cubans: Our Footprints Across America (A Winner)
When I first read Fernando Hernandez's book, The Cubans; Our Footprints Across America, I was intrigued. I read through and was impacted by two things:The scope and reach of the Cuban community is not a small thing. Our stories are so familiar and yet absolutely unique.Thank you all who left such beautiful and poignant comments about your ...
Cuando Sali de Cuba – Gustavo’s Story
Marta here: Through my blog I've been privileged to meet so many wonderful Cubans, who represent the very best of our Cuban exile community. One author in particular has been an inspiration to me since my very first blog post right here on My Big, Fat, Cuban Family titled, like his book, Life on the hyphen... His name is Gustavo ...
Cuando Sali de Cuba – Fernan’s Story (A Giveaway)
Marta here: A friend called me recently: "There's a new book called, The Cubans. You're mentioned in it." I was intrigued and contacted the author, Fernando Hernandez who very kindly agreed, not only to share his story, but to share his book with MBFCF readers. First, let's let Fernan tell his own ...
Cuando Sali de Cuba – Ada’s Story
Marta here: I have more stories than I could fit into just one month. I am going to share them once a week. Thank you all for having the courage to share the details of the most difficult time in your life. Today's story comes from Ada. Being able to leave Cuba after just having had surgery was worth the risk.by Ada Owens My mom, my dad, my ...
Cuando Sali de Cuba – Edilia’s Story
Marta here: My heart was aching as I first read Edilia's story. Imagine being a newlywed in Castro's Cuba and looking for a chance to get out and start a new life. By Edilia Beltran Pinero My full name is Josefa Edilia Beltran Bermudez de Pinero. I was 13 years old when Castro came into power. I did not understand much ...
Cuando Sali de Cuba – Silvia’s Story
Marta here: Silvia shares her story today forthe first time. It was very emotional for her to travel back in time to those last painful years her family spent waiting for the Freedom Flight that would bring them to the America. I'm grateful to Silvia's daughter, my online friend, Maribel, for convincing her mom to finally share her ...
Cuando Sali de Cuba (or not) – Christina’s Story (MBFCF Giveaway #4)
Marta here: I first met Christina, author of The Red Umbrella, a couple of years ago at Cuba Nostalgia in Miami. My first impression of her was that she was "the real deal." She cares deeply about her subject matter because, in the case of The Red Umbrella, it is very close to her family's story. She has been gracious enough to share ...