Wake County family gets emotional video reunion with loved ones in Cuba

Monday, December 5, 2016
MORRISVILLE, NC (WTVD) -- Our ABC11 video from Cuba is bringing Janet and Roberto Leyva a lot of joy.

"This is the best Christmas present that I have, because at least I can see them through the video," Janet Leyva said. "It's really nice."
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Our ABC11 video shows Janet Leyva's parents, Josefina and Miguel, at home in Havana.

"The house looks totally different than when I was living there," Leyva said.

The Leyvas moved to Wake County 15 years ago, but their hearts are still in Havana.

Last week, we made the journey in a taxi, driving through small towns on the outskirts of Havana, to Janet's parents' house on a farm.

READ THAT STORY HERE: SPECIAL DELIVERY TO CUBA FROM A TRIANGLE FAMILY

We had a special delivery, directly from Janet in North Carolina: her parents' favorite kind of coffee.



It's clear, the long distance between Cuba and North Carolina is just as hard for her parents.
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"They miss me a lot. And I know that," Leyva said. "And I miss them a lot too."



To blunt her sadness, Janet reflects on the reasons why she moved to North Carolina to raise her Cuban-born children, including having the means to send money to Cuba to help their relatives live a better life.



"I wish I can be there with them, but I have to be here too, so I can help them," Leyva said.

She's hoping she can get permission from the Cuban government to bring her parents here for a visit next year.

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