Reunification: The family arrives from Cuba next week
I am not very sure how my father will survive the next few days with calm.
His oldest daughter will step onto a plane in Havana next week and when she lands in Miami, less than an hour later, she will step onto ground firm with freedom and possibility — for the first time in her life. Her father will be there to embrace her and guide her. It will be only their fourth meeting in 48 years, so there is a lot of catching up to do. A lot of embracing to do.
My step-sister, her husband and son actually purchased their plane tickets to Miami yesterday. They were granted permission by the United States government to immigrate and their paperwork sped up a few years under the Cuban Family Reunification Parole Program. Three other relatives are expected to arrive in early 2010, si Dios quiere. We’ve been working on this for quite a while.
My mom reported that my step-sister and her family were out of their minds with joy yesterday when they spoke. Their apartment was full of friends who came by to wish them well. The phone lines here in the states were on fire as my extended family shared the good news too. Al fin!
When I spoke to my brother last night, we talked about the mind-blowing idea that our relatives will, for the first time in their lives, be completely free. Where they travel, what they say, where they live all are open to them. Personal choice. Imagine that? As an American, it’s a bit of a difficult thing to imagine and understand the squelching of spirit that happens in Cuba. And, I am guessing my relatives have no real understanding yet about how huge their world is about to become.
It will be my pleasure to watch them get it.
And to watch my father embrace his oldest daughter.
Al fin.
Congratulations to everyone, Carrie.
Wow…..I join you in your delight.
Melissa
Wow – that is so wonderful. What a big, exciting adjustment for them. Congratulations to all!
I hope for her safe arrival and a smooth transition. It won't be easy for her to adjust but as long as she has family there to support her and her family, she'll do just fine. I'm excited for you. We've been waiting for my sister in law to come with her kids. She won the lottery over 2 years ago and is still waiting for an interview. ugh! But like I tell her, you can't go against the current. There's a reason why things happen the way they do. Look forward to future posts about your family's arrival!!
Reading this (unexpectedly) brought tears to my eyes.
I didn't realize that this is your stepsister's family.
Por fin!
Que dicha Carrie …
This is like having a life sentence in prison commuted … in this case, the prison is Cuba! Congratulations!
I wish you well :) Melek
"Life without liberty is like a body without spirit." ~ K. Gibran
carrie, you know how excited i am for them and for your whole family, and i like to think that i helped make their transition here a little easier too. looking forward to pictures!!!
Thanks all! We are so grateful and excited. I told my parents it is like they're expecting triplets, as my mom and dad have spent a lot of time preparing the house, buying extra clothes and stocking the fridge.
This morning, my mom said the labor pains have begun…
Will post a note when they arrive!