We did what we needed to be done for the children

The writer’s mother, Bonnie Marquette of Trenton, Neb.

Courtesy photo

Mom killed a rattlesnake with a curtain rod, my sister used a metal fence post to slaughter a rabid coon, and I smashed a spider with my bare hands. We became killers, we did what we needed to do to save the children - we are mothers.

Although she couldn't swim, my mother plunged into the deep end of a swimming pool to save my baby brother, my sister became a human shield – placing herself between a mad cow and her daughter. I overcame the fierce grip of a riptide as it tore at my toddler threatening to drag her alone into depths of the ocean. We've huddled in the cellar with children as tornadoes raged above us. We've done what we needed to do for the children - we are mothers.

My mother survived the simultaneous assault of measles on her four children and herself. My sister dismissed herself from the hospital to care for her three children. I have slept in vomit with a dirty diapered bottom in my face. We've done what we needed to do for the children - we are mothers.

Children first – food, clothing, shelter, health care - this was Mom's way. Debilitating pain was no deterrent to my sister's commitment to her children. I've worked three jobs to assure that my daughter's experiences would be better than my own. We've done what needed to be done for the children - we are mothers.

My mother grieved the death of her first born. My sister and I have grieved for our injured offspring. We've done what needed to be done for the children – we are mothers.

My mother cherishes her adult daughters and son – now living honorable, meaningful lives with loving spouses.

My sister and brother have watched their offspring become adults, take hold and grow into themselves.

My daughter is evolving in her own way and on her own terms. Grandchildren now top the list of those to be care for.

We've killed, defended, mended, supported, grieved and celebrated– we've done what needed to be done for the children, and we will do the same tomorrow because we are mothers.

— Nancy Marquette Hashman is the daughter os Bonnie Marquette of Trenton, Neb.