Cuban Neighbours

When we bought a home in Cape Coral there were few homes in our area. There was however one home directly behind us and living there was a family of three. A young couple with a young son made up this very happy family. As we got to know our neighbours we were amazed at their story of survival. Leaving Cuba on a rubber raft put them in harms way and they risked death rather than bring up their very young son in a country which was not free.

Shortly after leaving the shores of Cuba a storm filled the raft in water and Yvette had to hold her son above water for several days. There were three other people on the raft which was made for two people. Without power and little food they drifted in the current and finally they were picked up by the US Coast Guard. They were returned to the naval base in Cuba and after processing were permitted to come to the USA.

They took up residence in Miami with friends but preferred to live in a less crowded city so came to Cape Coral. Gus was a master electrician and quickly built a lovely home and became a valued employee for his company. All this was done for their son. Time quickly passed and they became good friends of our and we share food and laughter together. When they become serious they recite their tale of their decision to come to America.

Their son turned eighteen this year and is a scholar. He was admitted to a university on scholarship to study space science. He begins in September and when he does the family will really live its dream of a free life in the USA. We have been enriched by their friendship and they have asked me to write their story for reference in the future. I was happy to oblige and will complete the task in the fall.

They are friends and neighbours and our life is better for knowing them. Only in America.