My brother was among the unfortunate children that now were going to be instrumental in rescuing their parents, a surprising twist in the Cuban exodus saga.
8
For many months, my parents had been burdened by guilt at leaving their youngest child alone in a strange land. The news that they might be able to finally rejoin him brought immeasurable relief to their conscience, but as the days came and went and the ferry trips approached their end their relief was replaced by anxiety. Why were they not being contacted? There were rumors that people had been able to bribe their way into the ferries, despite having no right to do so. Were they stealing our place? My father went to the former U.S. embassy, now being staffed by Swiss embassy personnel, and tried to get an explanation. He was told politely that the process was ongoing and was sent away. My father was never a patient person and being brushed off that way made him angry and disconsolate but there was nothing for us to do but wait.
Finally, we received a telegram from the Swiss embassy addressed to my parents asking them to appear on Friday, May 17, 1963 at the U.S. embassy building for processing. We were concerned because I was not included among those summoned for the interview with the Swiss officials. What were we going to do?
My father was as decisive as I ever had seen him: “All three of us will show up and we’ll see what happens.”
9
The U.S. Embassy building sits on the waterfront in the wealthy section of Havana. The building itself is large but unimpressive: a concrete and glass box without great architectural appeal. For those of us who were desperate to leave Cuba, it was the symbol of a freedom that only a few months earlier had appeared unattainable and now seemed within reach. Entrance to the building was guarded by Cuban soldiers as well as Swiss diplomats. As always, there was an inevitable line of people with and without appointments trying to get in to confirm their good fortune or plead for help. It was a warm May morning, and a pleasant breeze blew in from the sea. As I stood in line, however, I was shivering.