A thousand blessings such moms. A mother is epitome of human values.

Exactly, this is what it means to be a parent. Mrs. Decker, you are a truly amazing, selfless and beautiful mother. Mr. Decker and your kids are extremely fortunate to have you. Don't ever forget what she did for you all!!!

"Just as a mother protects with her life....her child, her only child...."

Now I know why the Buddhists have this line in their daily prayer. Wonderfully inspirational! Many wishes for a long, healthy, happy life together!

In such a tragedy, I think it only helps to hear about stories like this. I feel sorry for the difficulties the mom will have, but given what could have happened, can only gush at how she and her kids are still around. And the kids not even hurt. Really amazing.

An outstanding mother to say the least. And then there's the Crazy Anthony types??

wow... brought a tear to the eyes to see this. Unbelievable story. Unfortunately it's a horrific tragedy at the same time of heroism.

This is an amazing woman, doing whatever she had to do in order to protect her children. I hope that this family gets the support from their community that they are going to need to get through this. Hopefully, through a combination of insurance and donations, this woman can get prosthetics that will help her to lead a somewhat normal life. The advances that have been made in prosthetics, driven largely by the huge number of soldiers returning home with missing limbs from IEDs explosions, have been truly remarkable. The only problem is that these advanced prosthetics can be very expensive and getting insurance to cover them can be difficult. Hopefully this family gets the support they need and this woman can get back to something resembling her life before her injuries. I won't call this a tragedy because it is truly a miracle that they all survived and that the kids came through without a scratch when many others lost their lives in these storms.

We need more mothers and fathers like you Mrs. Decker, putting your children's Lives above your own should be a requirement to being a parent.You are a true heroine in my book and i do not toss the word heroine around lightly.

And talk about instant Karma. She saved her kids lives and seconds later they saved hers. Amazing story - best wishes to all of them.

Hugs to all your family! Amazing how each person played a roll in the outcome. The call from Dad alerting them, Mom covering the children, the son for getting help, and the reassuring words from the daughter keeping mom determined. Best of luck to all of you!

It was so wonderful reading this story after so many horrible moms out there make the news for harming their kids! This beautiful woman put those kids lives before her own, exactly what a mother is supposed to do! Hats off to a true hero and a true MOM!!! God bless you all!!

:)

WOW you are such a great mother,your kids are so lucky to have you, hope you get better

real soon.. the best to you and your family, kids keep taking care of you mom she got a second

chance to be with you give her kisses every day... lots of love for you...

Ditto to all of the comments above. And don't forget that Mother's Day is coming up in just a couple of months. Remember this woman and her self-sacrifice when you think about your own mother on Mother's Day.

See also, Proverbs, "Who can find a virtuous woman..."

Hey folks, how about we all skip one Starbucks this week and send that money to help the people like this good woman, in all the states affected by this monster storm, with their totally unforeseen financial crises? Better yet, skip two Starbucks - that would be about $10 each...Yup, I'll lead the charge... Whadda you think?... After the storm there was snow to make things even more miserable and it is a tough situation all around. There are local groups with integrity to help make this sort of direct-action relief effort happen. What do you think?

Does anyone else see the potential with this story and the others associated with the storm for making an outstanding movie??? And then a significant portion of the profits (if not all of it) could go to the people and towns involved. We should be reminded daily with stories like this which should also be preserved forever. Making a movie would help greatly in both respects. Could you imagine these kids watching "their movie" with their children and their children's children, etc.....AWESOME. Plus it would be 100 times better than all the crap that Hollywood puts out these days...

I'm gonna go hug my mom.

She is truly an American hero! I wish her the best and a quick recovery.

Browenstein - Should've been you

j.r.browenstein u r a jackass karma is a bitch the poor women has been through hell

itsamadworld

i am in for that $10 someone does need to setup a sight for this family please let me know thanks

SERIOUSLY, BILL? REALLY? You've got to be kidding me! Maybe, just maybe, she showed the denouncing of HERSELF and her EGO by the very act of what she did. Think about it.

@ J R Browenstein-

I hope you are being sarcastic if not, that is f&*%$n rude!!! It was their dream home and last I checked Indiana is not all that expensive and even if it were expensive it's their money!!! None of our business...ANYWAYS

What this mother did is what all mom's are suppose to do. I hope women reading this realize when they become mothers this is what you signed up for, nothing less. You are responsible for the life you bring into this world and it may mean laying down your life for that child. I wish more mom's followed this extraordinary example of unconditional love. Maybe then we could all stop reading about children being abused and killed by the hand of their parents.

Well, I just want to say that anyone that has anything but nice thoughts about what this woman did need to go talk to a therapist. You have issues. They found a story, and had a nice thought in the midst of heartache and sadness. Not a bad thing. This woman did what all parents HOPE to be able to do, and many die trying to do. She is in that bed telling the story someone asked her to tell. It is a breath of fresh air in this catastrophe, when one is badly needed. Remember the woman last year that shielded her kids with her body, and didnt make it? Well, we have a good ending for once.

Tell your story, lady!

Yes, I think Mr. Browenstein was being sarcastic. They're obviously not the "evil rich" the 99% is harping on and he was trying to make a point that we don't need to take anything from them. Good for her. I like to think we'd all do the same for our children. Fortunately, most of us haven't had to. I'll join the Starbucks brigade!

USA, JR was being sarcastic -- but that does not make the statement any more appropriate or any less offensive on a variety of fronts. His intention was undoubtedly to ridicule those he does not agree with and defend the ultra wealthy through the use of satire. Whatever your political belief system, such a comment has no place in this story.

Hip grammy, no one suggested taking anything away from this famiy -- quite the opposite. JR's comment was an attempt at broader social commentary that, again, has no place here.

A remarkable story. I wish them all the best. Theirs will not be an easy road, but they all still have each other and that is what really matters.

What a beautiful story! Thank you Mrs. Decker for showing us all the human spirit to survive and what it truly means to be a self less mother. You are an incredible woman!

This trully brought tears to my eyes and I don't cry easily. I pray that this wonderful mother will recover quickly. @ Bill, what if the tv station heard about the story and went to her? I am glad this story is out. Yes, it's sad she lost her legs, but her kids and her are alive. She was thinking of her kids and she is a hero.

"Perhaps its the sinic in me ..."

Naw. That's just pure dumbass shining through.

This is what it means to be a family. She saved her kids, and then they saved hers. There aren't enough families willing to sacrifice for each other anymore. This woman (and her kids) are heroes, and other families should strive for this kind of familial loyalty. Because it is painful for a parent seeing their child in danger or extremely upset, and conversely, it is painful for a child to see their parent in danger or upset. I know from experience it pains me when my mother is upset, especially when she thinks she has to hide it and can't let it out. I am not a parent yet (and I don't plan to be for a long time-I'm in college) but I would do anything for my family.

I agree with you 100%. She told her children they weren't going to die and she made good on her promise. She is Mom of the year in my eyes....

Nothing brings out the best in human nature like adversity - and nothing is as beautiful as a mother protecting and comforting her children. It's going to be very rough going for her (I can only imagine the challenges she's going to face in terms of coping and rehabilitation) - but I'll bet if you asked her, the outcome is totally acceptable to her because both of her children are alive.

I'll bet this woman's husband is so very proud of her. My wife amazes me - daily - for the sacrifices she makes for our sons. If something like this happened, I'd hold down three jobs and never bitch once knowing that I could never equal the sacrifice my wife made for our children.

Bless you, Stephanie. This very well may have been a sacrifice you had to make... but the way you bear your loss speaks volumes as to your character.

This is the kind of news I like to read (the stuff that makes you sad - but also so very proud of how people respond). Humanity can be so very ugly in how we respond to things (war, poverty, crime, indifference, etc)... but we can also be so very noble too.

Tired of Stupidity...you're post is awesome my friend. There truly needs to be more people like you and like Stephanie in this world.

Chris: Try a little compassion!

@Chris-629698...I really think you aren't factoring in the idea that those comments by her children were made over the course of the entire experience. Don't you think its possible that they said "I can't live without you" after the house fell on their mom and they realized that she was lying there bleeding and dying? Then they ran for help. Such brave kids. Such a brave mom. Chris you are being so cynical and cruel in your post.

@ Chris- Wow, what a horrible thing to say. Maybe you didn't have a very good mommy growing up? This is an ugly world, and a beautiful story, and people like you should be ashamed. My kids tell me all the time that they couldn't live without me. How the hell would you know what those children would say to their mother? Just simply heartless, that's what you are. Sad :(

@Chris-629698, How would you know what those two children were saying during that moment? Were you there? Did you ask them? I am pretty sure that at the age of 5 & 8 they are pretty well versed in their feelings and what/who they can and cannot live with out. I think your comment is pretty heartless and cold. Instead of worrying about the small details of what these kids may or may not have said, why not give this mom her dues for protecting her children with her own life. As we have seen in the news lately, not many moms are protecting their young anymore. This mom is someone that every mother should strive to be like. You are a sad individual and I feel very sorry for you and your lack of sympathy.

@ Tired of Stupidity, your post was amazing and I think it covers how most of are feeling towards this mom! Mothers are a very special kind of people and for the onesof us that do truly protect their children, there is nothing that we wouldn't give up to make sure our children are safe healthy. I hope she has a speedy road to recovery. :)

Chris, you're a moron.

God Bless this mom!

Wow! So flowgirl you are saying that because we have had some news of bad moms that "not many moms are protecting their young anymore"? Must not been what you meant.........Millions of moms around the globe would do the same! What a stupid thing to say..........

Anyway, this mom, as MOST ARE, is a true hero!

My kids have told me that Chris. Thank God we have never had to experience anything like this family. She is definitely a hero.

Chris, the woman lost her legs to save her kids and you "think" she is fabricating? You were not there to know what was said. Keep your ignorant comments to yourself! An 8 and a 5 year old are old enough to think of these words in a time of crisis. I can only imagine the words you would say when a tornado hits you.

The human race is not noble. Individuals can be noble...people, in general, are absolutely lousy to each other. Nobility stands out because its the exception to the rule in social behavior.

Women like this one are the reason there is the urban legend of "a mother's love"...most mothers are just lousy to their kids. We like to think mothers are all like this woman at heart, but the reality is that this woman is a one of a kind mom...most mothers can't be bothered any more to pay more than 5 minutes attention to their kids at a time.

If the world were filled with mothers like this one....the world would be a much different place.

@ Chris: didn't your mommy ever tell you if you didn't have anything nice to say about someone, maybe you should just keep your mouth shut? This is one of those times.

Really, JR? I just defended you and you say something like that. Yes, there are bad mothers but in my 60 years on this earth I haven't known a single one who abused her kids or wouldn't die for them. I agree that the human race as a whole is not noble but an awful lot of individuals are. A mother's love is NOT an urban legend. It's the one true thing that most kids can count on. I feel sorry for the rest. some people just shouldn't breed. I know you were giving social commentary but the world is full of mothers like this.

Ok people. There has been enough of this Bullying Chris today. He's entitled to his opinion althogh it's warped, sexist, brutal and what other metaphore can be thought up. Most likely he was dropped on his head as a baby by his mother. Or maybe he didn't have a mommy.

@JR,

Women like this one are the reason there is the urban legend of "a mother's love"...

Urban legend? Wow. I gather that you never knew the TRUE love of a Mother. I feel for you. I don't pity you....but it gives me insight into exactly HOW you can come up with such non-sensical BS after reading such a warm and uplifting story of survival and A MOTHERS LOVE.

Amen.

She got my vote

Way to cover and protect your children.

Some of the parents you read about on here would have used their kids as human Shields.

Great Job!

Having been on crutches for an extended period of time (severe breaks and surgery), it is VERY tough not being to stand on your own two feet. She will cry and probably curse, and get frustrated and depressed. HOWEVER, she has only to look at her children, alive and well, to feel better and be inspired. Few amputees have such solace.

Based on her specific injuries, I suspect her outlook for prosthetics is good. She has at least one knee, and both hips. The short-term healing sounds rough, but she got to keep her kids! They seem like sweet boys. I bet they will pull together and get through this just fine. It's the ones who lost their children that have a lot of heartbreak ahead.

How true! God bless her and her family!

Didn't god bless her. I could do without that blessing thank you very much.

Good luck to the family and to her and I hope her insurance company has some compassion too.

That "God Bless" wasn't for you idiot. I agree completely with Jersey Mom

in care of who, and to where?

They had a 8000 sq ft home. I would guess they have insurance on it and Dad was at work, so they probobly have health insurance through his employment. Do you think they need our money?

She is a "SUPER MOM"

Even with health insurance the medical bills will still be outrageous...

Coreybeth,

Glad to see that you checked into their "Maximum out of pocket expense for health insurance." I just assumed that they would have a typical or average medical policy since the husband is working. Please let us all know what that out of pocket expense is and we can start a donation drive to help pay off the outrageous bills.

They probably do not need money from us and I doubt they would except it in any case. They seem to be a self efficient family that can take care of themselves. With housing prices the way they are the insurance on the house was probably far more than what it will cost them to rebuild.

I don't care how much insurance you have. They will need money by the time all those insurance companies show their evil teeth and try to weasel out of paying for everything.

We can Google their local TV stations/newspapers. I'm sure something has been set up for them.

JC, yes they will need money for the medical bills. Even if they have insurance. My wife had the best insurance policy. She found out she had leukemia and after all her treatment was done she had 750,000 in medical debt and had to file bankruptcy. Now if she didnt have insurance it would have been over 2 million.

www . whas11 . com

There is a telethon today, plus lot of info on how to help.

Obviously, outside the veiwing area, the TV telethon wil be no help, but please feel free to check out all the other ways to help! Thanks

I already did...tax dollars to FEMA. They lived in a HUGE home. They shouldn't need my money. That's what insurance is for.

There are more people that need help besides this family. Entire towns were destroyed. There are funeral expenses that must be paid, and last time I checked, FEMA didn't cover that.

iford insurance does not cover everything and they will try to cover as little as possible. I was a insurance investigator for a year and they would look for any way to get out of paying for claims. It was the best paying job I ever had but I felt guilty for the way they treated people.

Chad,

"they would look for any way to get out of paying for claims."

Ain't that the truth! Insurance companies, like any business, are in business to make money; not to pay it out, and the less they have to pay out, the more they can keep as profits. That's why I have always hated insurance companies. I think all insurance companies should be not-for-profit organizations.

1st sentence 3rd paragraph.....no need to assume...

You know what they say about assuming...

You can lose your legs above the knee. It's that everything from the amputation point above the knee down is gone, and same with above the ankle down is also gone. I guess it's like looking at a glass, is it half full or half empty?

WHy?

Why, Fred?

Fred

I'm assuming she lost her legs below the knee and ankle, not above the knee and ankle.

She lost her leg from just above her knee down and her other one from just above her ankle down.

She did not lose her leg from just above the knee and up or just above the ankle and up.

You do get the point that she was severely injured,right?

Once again the "editor" needs to get a job. Great story about a great women!!! But for once can we read a story that is edited properly???

"Stephanie Decker, 36, lost one leg above the knee and the other above the ankle"

Don't say it's written correctly either. Come on people, don't try to justify it. People who want to write news or tell "stories" need to do it correctly!

Seriously and I've read this on 6-7 sites already and NO EDITOR has caught it. It's ridiculous and was the first thing I even noticed when I read this story originally. DERPY DERP

How is this "losing both legs"? Sounds like she lost a foot (cut off at ankle) and half a leg (cut off at knee). As usual, MSNBC takes a heroic story and exaggerates the facts with a misleading headline. Great job Mom! Awful job MSNBC!!

Bill & uklawgirl - You're both wrong. It's referring to the point of amputation. "Above the knee" and "above the ankle", as opposed to "below the knee" and "below the ankle". To have written, "below the knee" or "below the ankle" would imply that the knee and ankle weren't amputated. She only has one knee and zero ankles left, so how would you two Pulitzer winners prefer it written?

Halliwax - You're the worst. What a stupid thing to allow to detract from the story. How much of a leg needs to be lost before it counts to you? They're not going to make the headline, "Mom loses 1.25 legs to save kids" just to appease some goober.