Yoel Diaz and his wife Marissa Diaz have taken TikTok by storm in the last year with videos of Yoel’s new experiences in the United States after fleeing communist Cuba. The couple has gained over 400,000 followers by sharing his powerful, emotional and beautiful reaction to the freedoms of our country.
Seeing Yoel’s genuine appreciation of things that so many Americans take for granted makes you want to weep for joy right alongside the sweet man.
A trip to Home Depot left him in awe, and in tears, at seeing how easy it is to find the simple tools and materials needed to protect a family from the elements. “And to see it here. It’s so simple. I think this is the first place that has made me feel so sad but so happy at the same time.”
@yoelandmarione of our happiest and saddest “firsts”. while they construct hotels for tourists, homes crumble for our families.♬ A Thousand Years – Instrumental – Bluewater Kings Band
The Diaz family took Cuban friends to Costco for the first time.
@yoelandmari When its rare to potatoes, limes and grapes and costco has 5 different kinds in giant bags…. #patriayvida ♬ Inspiring Emotional Piano – Metrow Ar
A simple trip to big box pet store left Yoel in tears saying, “All these for animals? That’s it?”
Reading from an ingredient label on a can of cat food, he says, “Pumpkin…tuna…they eat better that I did in Cuba. There’s so much food for dogs and cats. It’s like they are humans! One of the things that impresses me most about this country is how you treat your animals.”
@yoelandmariEven things like PET Stores is a shock for many immigrants…..♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) – Danilo Stankovic
Yoel challenged Marissa to eat like a Cuban, a challenge that left their otherwise full pantry decimated.
@yoelandmariAnd that bread wasn’t even stale.. a good reminder to stay humble.♬ You Found Me – Instrumental Pop Songs
Yoel and Marissa joined Newsmax to discuss his first American paycheck as a UPS driver.
Yoel’s reaction to seeing the Statue of Liberty is beautifully moving and a wonderful way to remind us how much we have to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Yoel says, “I am in the place of liberty,” before gratefully kissing the base of the statue.
@yoelandmariTo an immigrant this moment means more thn a native knows. Immigrants have made this country great.♬ Experience (Piano e Violin) – Pietro Scichilone