WAY. TOO. LONG.

/

January 1, 1959.
Fifty years ago today.
A group of bearded rebels rode into Havana (my hometown) and turned our lives upside-down.

Verdes sisters 61
My sisters and me. This photo was taken in early 1961 when we were newly arrived in the U.S. after fleeing the communist takeover.

The details of our exile include:

  • constant fear
  • difficult decisions
  • separation from familiar places and the people we loved.

I think just about every Cuban family I know has a photo like this. 
And a story to go with it.
We've spent fifty years telling our stories.
And every story has those same themes: constant fear, difficult decisions, separation from familiar places and the people we loved.

I know I'm a perpetual optimist, but I sincerely pray that in my lifetime I will get to see a free Cuba.

Because fifty years under communist rule is WAY. TOO. LONG.

Star Cuba Libre copy

Cuba Libre!  Wear it with pride and hope.

More photos and stories from Chantel and Carrie and Marc. And this fabulous piece posted by Anastasio Blanco, written by Cuban author, Carlos Eire.