Even long after we left the house she insisted on putting one up, all the little ornaments, tambien. This display irked me as I got older. She had a Christmas tree until she was 9 and in New York City; and not again until she was a young lady, as my Abuelo brought the entire family back to Cuba after 1959. It took about 3 months for the reality to sink in that what he had brought the family back for – social democracy – was not happening. The family was able to leave on the once-a-month flights that left for those who had American citizens (my Aunt) and the wait-list was years long…then I saw this photo, from when she arrived from Cuba to NYC before the revolution popped off. I get it now Mami, and I can’t wait to visit Cuba with you.
#ImAFuckingAmerican #cubaNYtachronicles #OGImmigrants #MadreEsTierra ••