The Places and People that Shape Our Lives

As I sit and enjoy the melody and crooners of time gone by, Sonora Matancera, I can’t help but think of how much a particular culture of people shaped me and taught a younger version of me what is most important in life.

Travel has played an essential role in my personal growth, expanding my capacity to see the world. It takes us out of our comfort zones, helping us realize that the context in which we are raised is just one way to live. Gaining an appreciation for different cultures and walks of life has fostered a deep curiosity and a true ability to appreciate the beauty of being welcomed into another world.

I remember the first time I visited Cuba, a country that has shaped me in ways words fail to describe. I was young, and my travels had been few. I was encouraged to visit by a client at the bank where I worked as a teller. She asked me to help her translate letters from a friend who had become dear to her. As I translated those letters, my heart was moved by her kindness in thanking me for supporting her friend. She encouraged me to visit and meet them.

One day, I did just that. Not only did this incredible woman welcome me into her home, but so did the neighbors and family. They prepared a feast for us—a feast that likely took more effort to put together than I realized at that age. I knew the family had humble means, and I had brought gifts from her friend and on my behalf.

The host and her husband ate with us, and the rest of the family and friends waited until we were finished to ensure there was enough for us. It was incredibly humbling to be extended such hospitality and treated in this way. My parents, both immigrants to Canada who had experienced financial hardships, had taught me that many people globally struggle yet still have hearts of gold, and we should support them where possible.

This trip left such an impression that I returned later during a significant transition in my life, leaving behind my community, religion, and everything I had known to step into an uncertain world. Again, I was moved by the simplicity of life, the beauty of these souls who, despite not having many of the comforts we take for granted in Canada, found happiness and peace in the priceless treasures of community, resilience, and hope for a better future.

Canada has maintained strong business ties with Cuba and promoted it as a tourist destination for decades. This is something special and necessary, especially as the embargoes placed on the country have caused significant hardship for the local people.

During my visits, I made a concerted effort to learn more about the culture and the people who had won my heart with their nobility and kindness. Being fluent in Spanish allowed me to have deep discussions about life, politics, religion, and the meaning of existence. I felt truly honored that they trusted me with their perspective on the world and their political struggles. We laughed, broke bread, played dominos, danced, sang, and bonded over the one thing we all shared—our humanity. I made friendships that have lasted decades, and every time I visited again, it felt like returning home to family.

A Visit to the School: A Moment of Pure Connection

On one visit, I felt compelled to do something different—something that would help make a small but meaningful difference in the lives of the children of Cuba. I had heard about a local school and decided to bring supplies that could benefit the students. As always, I packed things that I knew would be useful: clothes, medicine, sanitary napkins, and other necessities that are often costly and hard to find.

I asked one of the gentlemen I had befriended to arrange for a driver, and together, we set off with bags filled with school supplies. My heart raced with excitement as we approached the school, eager to meet the children and share a little part of what I had brought.

When I arrived, I explained I was from Canada and wanted to give the children some supplies. The teacher warmly invited me into the classroom, where I was greeted by the wide-eyed faces of beautiful children, ranging in age from 3 to 12. It was a sight to behold—so many curious, eager minds in one room, all well-behaved and attentive.

The teacher asked the students to share what they had learned that morning. In unison, they recited their lessons from memory, their voices echoing with pride and excitement. I was amazed by their discipline and the depth of their knowledge.

The teacher then invited me to say a few words, and I felt humbled to address them. I told them I was thrilled to meet them, shared a bit about Canada, and spoke to them about snow. I told them how each snowflake was like a delicate, beautiful star, unique in its shape—just like each of them. We talked about the animals we have in Canada, and I shared stories about life back home. It was a moment of pure connection—across cultures, across languages, and across the miles between our lives.

As I left the classroom, my heart felt full. It was another precious memory added to the album in my heart, a moment of simplicity and beauty that I will never forget.

A Precious Gift: A Moment to Remember

In 2019, I had the privilege of visiting a second family that had captured my heart in Cuba. The experience was even more profound this time, as I developed a deep bond with the grandmother of the family. This family had welcomed me as one of their own, and I had grown to admire their strength, simplicity, and love for one another.

On this occasion, my friend and I decided to forgo dining out and instead bring food from the market so we could share a meal with the family. It was a small act, but I knew it would be a meaningful gesture. Upon arriving at their modest farm, I was greeted by the familiar warmth of their hospitality. The house, though simple, felt alive with love and laughter.

As they prepared the meal, I helped the grandmother separate rice for our dinner. Her presence was calming, and we connected in a way that transcended language and culture. While one of the brothers cooked, the grandmother made me a strong Cuban coffee—sweet and rich with sugar, a reminder of the warmth of Cuban life.

After the meal was ready, we all gathered around the table, eating together and sharing stories. The food, prepared with love, was more than just sustenance—it was a symbol of community. The family and neighbors worked together in harmony, each playing a part in making the evening special.

As the night unfolded, Cuban music filled the air. The rhythm of the drums and the melodies of the songs lifted our spirits, and I found myself singing the familiar ballads of Cuba. The neighbor, who was also a dear friend of the family, joined in, and our impromptu duet brought even more laughter and joy. His passion for the song was contagious, and soon, everyone was caught up in the joy of the moment. The laughter that followed was a beautiful reminder of the simple pleasures that life offers.

At the end of the evening, the grandmother took me into her room and showed me a colorful, warm blanket on her bed. "Thank you," she said, looking at me with such sincerity. Confused at first, I realized she was referring to the small amount of money I had gifted her on an earlier visit. "This is what I bought with it," she explained, her eyes filled with gratitude. I hugged her tightly, overcome with emotion. In that moment, I felt as though we had known each other across many lifetimes—not just in this existence, but in the past as well. Our souls seemed to have intertwined in a way that transcended time, and I knew that this was a moment I would never forget.

Later, the grandmother gifted me a delicate crystal shot glass—one she had given me to use during our meal. It was a thoughtful gesture, and I cherish it to this day as a tangible reminder of the warmth and love I experienced in that home.

A Conversation That Changed Everything

Later that evening, as we sat outside under the stars, the eldest son of the family—a bright and thoughtful man—pulled me aside. He had observed my genuine interest in their culture and our shared moments of joy. Quietly, he asked, “What do you really think about how we live?”

I looked into his eyes, feeling a lump in my throat. I had been so moved by their hospitality, the simplicity, and the strength of the family. But this question went deeper. "You really want to know?" I asked, my voice soft. "Yes," he replied, his expression filled with curiosity and a gentle vulnerability.

With that, I took a deep breath and answered, “You have a wealth that people globally, despite having material comforts, would give anything to have. Despite the lack of material possessions and modern conveniences, you live in a way that so many would envy. You have love, joy, and peace in your hearts, and this is the kind of wealth that no amount of money could buy. Your family is united, and your neighbors—well, they’re like family too. You help each other without hesitation. That… that is true wealth.”

His eyes softened, and he simply nodded. He gave me a big hug as tears streamed down my face.  We sat in silence for a while, letting the gravity of the conversation settle. I could see how deeply my words had resonated with him. I understood then that while they may have faced hardships, they were rich in ways that many of us, in our pursuit of success, often overlook.

The True Meaning of Wealth

The simplicity and humility of the Cuban people have shaped me in profound ways. They have taught me to appreciate the magic of culture, the value of music, and the importance of true community. Despite often lacking material wealth, the people of Cuba live in a richness of spirit, a wealth of connection and unity that is priceless.

As the country faces increasingly difficult challenges, I can only hope that the world recognizes the importance of supporting these incredible people. They deserve the basic necessities of life—access to healthcare, food, and the opportunity to build a sustainable future for themselves.

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