They assumed she was in a car on the highway near where the plane went down. But, when they checked the register of the passengers on board, her name was listed. They learned later that Cecilia survived because, as the plane was falling, her mother, Paula, unbuckled her own seat belt, got down on her knees in front of her daughter, wrapped her arms and body around her and simply would not let go. That was an extraordinary act of sacrifice on the part of this particular mother. Hopefully none of the mothers here today, or fathers for that matter, will find themselves in such a tragic situation.
Mothers do make many sacrifices.
I remember my grandmother telling me that when my grandfather retired she looked forward to having him all for herself. She was a pastor's wife and for over 50 years she spent many evenings at home, alone and had few opportunities to travel because of all my grandfather's commitments. He demonstrated love by healing, comforting, and forgiving. It is predominantly the women in society who are our nurturers. Their comfort and care for us just comes naturally.