She sold everything so she could graduate her children — twenty years later, they arrived dressed in pilot uniforms and took her to a place she never imagined.

—Yes. I want to fly big planes… like the ones that leave from Mexico City Airport.

Teresa smiled, although inside she felt fear.

—Then you’re going to fly, son. I’m going to help you.

But I knew that studying aviation was expensive. Very expensive.

When they both finished high school and were accepted into an aviation school, Teresa made the most difficult decision of her life.

He sold the house.

He sold the land.

She sold the last material memento she had left of her husband.

—And where are we going to live, Mom? —Paolo asked.

She took a deep breath.

—Anywhere, as long as you study.

They moved into a small rented room near the market. They shared a bathroom with other families. The roof leaked when it rained.

Teresa washed other people’s clothes, cleaned houses in wealthier neighborhoods, continued selling tamales, and sometimes sewed school uniforms on commission.

Her hands became cracked. Her back began to ache every night.

But she never allowed her children to drop out of school.

YEARS OF STRUGGLE AND SEPARATION

Marco finished his aviation degree first. Paolo followed shortly after.

But the path to becoming a commercial pilot in Mexico was long. They needed flight hours, certifications, and experience.

The opportunity came… but it was far away.

Both got jobs abroad to accumulate flight hours.

Before departing from Mexico City airport, they hugged their mother.

—Mom, we’re going back —Marco said.

« When we achieve our dream, you’ll be the first one to board our plane, » Paolo promised.

Teresa hugged them tightly.