Cuando Sali de Cuba - Henry's Story

Marta here: Today's entry in my continuing series of "coming to America" stories contributed by readers, Henry tells about his family, who are proud Americans with Cuban roots and his memories of growing up Cuban in Little Havana in the 70's.

by Henry J. Celorio

I was born in Miami, but my family was from Cuba. My mom and dad were part of the "Pedro Pan" exodus in the early 60's. My dad settled in Miami and my mom lived originally in Tampa before settling in Miami. My parents met while attending school at Miami Senior High.
 
I was born in 1971. I grew up being a American made with Cuban parts. I would visit my grandparents alot in my youth. Both sets lived in Little Havana. Little Havana back in the 70's  was what Cuba should have been in my opinion. I remember staying overnight with my parents and going to the "bodega" to get fresh Cuban bread, pastelitos and Cuban coffee. I remember the smell of the fresh food in the air and the friendship that all Cuban had when talking to each other.
 
My uncle showed his appreciation for this country as in 1969 he volunteered to go to Vietnam. He joined the army right out of high school. My uncle came back paralyzed from the waist AND never regretted the price he paid for the freedom America gave him. My father was drafted  for the Armed Forces in 1970 and showed up to his assignment. My dad didn't make the cut because of his high blood pressure but was ready to go if he had passed his physical.
 
My parents taught my sister and me to be proud to be American but to NEVER forget our Cuban roots and heritage. I feel very proud of the heritage I have with my family. My parents and grandparents struggled hard and succeeded here in America. My family has always been grateful to America for taking them in and for giving us the opportunity to succeed and for the freedom America gave them after it was lost in Cuba. My family has served in 2 foriegn wars and always followed the rules of this great nation. America is our home and we would die to defend her.
 
As for me, a first generation American of Cuban heritage, I hold my Cuban roots dear to my heart. I heard the stories of Cuba and Cuban life on the island from my parents and grandparents. Now its my turn to pass the stories and heritage on to my son. My son will be second generation American of Cuban heritage. I want him to be a proud to be a American and proud to be of Cuban heritage.
 
In honor of my departed Grandparents......I miss you all so very much to this day.
 
Henry J Celorio

La Virgen de La Caridad - A Personal History

September 8, 1961.

My family had been in the U.S. for seven long months. There was still a longing for anything or anyone that reminded us of "home." We eagerly waited for news that the revolution had failed and that the new regime had fallen and that we would soon be heading back to all things familiar.

The Catholic Archdiocese of Miami, which was instrumental in helping 14,000 unaccompanied minors travel to the U.S. to save them from Marxist indoctrination, was to have a mass. (My brother was one of those Pedro Pan kids. You can read about that here.)

September 8, 1961. That same day...

The image of Our Lady of Charity (La Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre) arrived from Cuba. She was first taken to the camps where the newly arrived children were interned waiting to be sent to host families in other parts of the country. Then she was to be exhibited during a mass at St. John Bosco in what is now known as Little Havana. My mother insisted we go. I think it was equal parts religious devotion and longing to be among other exiles.

The Verdés sisters minus one. Circa late 1961. I'm the little one with the curly hair.

Off we went to the participate in the mass, to see the newly-arrived-from-Cuba image of Our Lady, and to connect with other Cuban refugees. 

Picture my mother with her three youngest daughters (there are 5 of us girls) in tow. Into the throng we went. And there she spotted an Old Cuban Friend. The exchange went something like this:

Old Cuban Friend: "You! Here? What joy this brings me!"

Luza (my mom): "I can't believe it!"

They proceed to hug and cry and cling to each other like drowning children to a life preserver.

Breaking away and between the sobs, they begin to ask about the rest of the family. My mom introduces us as her three youngest. "You have THREE young girls?" The woman starts looking a bit suspicious.

Old Cuban Friend (or was she?): "Wait! What about young Arturito? And what about Zeida from down the street?"

It was at this point that both of them simultaneously realized that they did not know each other after all. But, of course, in Classic Luza Style, she said nothing. It was a case of completely mistaken identity.

She quickly grabbed us and we went into the mass.

"Mami, who was that?"

"I have no idea."

I think the emotions were genuine. We were here and we were free and there was some comfort in the familiar. The tears of grief and joy were heartfelt, even if they were grossly misplaced. And, to be honest, I've experienced that Cuban familiarity many times. My dad used to say that all of us Cubans have a map of the island on our forehead that only other Cubans can see, but that's not important right now. (Cuban Superpowers Activate!)

This happened 50 years ago and I can vividly remember the moment. I had never seen my mom cry so hard. It made such an impact on me.

September 8th is the 400th anniversary of the original finding of the statue in the rough Cuban waters in the Bay of Nipe (pronounced NEE-PEY). Here's that story.

The Archdiocese of Miami is celebrating with a mass and concert. And because the Cuban community has grown in the half century since the arrival of Our Lady, it will be held in a much, much bigger venue.

Here are the details:

Saturday September 8th 2012

American Airlines Arena, 601 Biscayne Boulevard, Miami, Florida 33132

• 4:00 PM - Doors of the AAA open to the public
  Statue of Our Lady of Charity departs by sea from the Shrine of O. L. of Charity
• 4:30 PM - Holy Rosary at the AAA
• 5:00 PM - Arrival of the statue at the AAA
• 6:00 PM - Holy Mass, presided by Archbishop Thomas Wenski
• 8:14 PM - Concert with the participation of well-known singers and musicians

*Admission is free, and there will be concession stands open throughout the event.

If you're in Miami, you should go. Maybe you'll see someone you know. Or think you know. Even if you don't know them, if they're Cuban and you're Cuban, you should hug and kiss them anyway.

It's what we do, isn't it?