Miami

South Florida Woman Posts Emotional Video When Grandmother Learns of Castro's Death

As South Floridians continue to react to the news of former Cuban leader Fidel Castro’s death Friday, one woman’s emotional video of her grandmother finding out the news has gone viral – symbolizing the emotions many are feeling.

Ivis Suarez shared the video to Facebook with the following caption:

"Not even Alzheimer's could take away the emotions my abuela Ata felt when she found out that monster had died! Thanks to her, my family is in this country today. #GoodRiddanceFidel."

The emotional grandmother in the video is Flora Suarez, who migrated to Miami in the mid-60's to escape Castro's regime.

Her son Pablo Suarez says everything was taken from his father and grandparents after Fidel took control.

The family says the now-viral abuelita has Alzheimer's, but when her children broke the news to her, Suarez's memory of Cuba did not skip a beat. "She thought Cuba was free because she does not understand that dictatorship is still there. But, for a minute, Cuba was free," said daughter Diana Gil.

Flora's daughter wanted to record the personal moment for her family and the impact has touched thousands of people. "From there it started sharing and sharing but it was never my intention. It was actually a private little video for us," said Gil.

She and her brother Pablo recall how their parents escaped the oppressive regime and prayed for the day change would arrive at the island nation, starting with the demise of the Castro brothers. Gil said her family has been waiting for this moment and she wasn't sure if her mom would make it to see it.

The Suarez family now prays that one day Cuba will see freedom.

112816 abuela fidel reaction 1
NBC 6
Flora Suárez enjoys Cuba coffee with her daughter, Diana.
112816 abuela fidel reaction
NBC 6
Pablo Suárez and his sister Diana Gil hold up the Cuban flag they draped over their grandmother Flora Suárez when they broke the news to her about death of Fidel Castro.
Contact Us