The Connection of Motherhood

Through the bond between Janie Zimmerman, Denise Crawford and Melissa Moran, the author proves that motherhood blurs the lines between women and connects them to something bigger than themselves.

Janie Zimerman and Denise Crawford are radically different. Janie is white, while Denise is African-American. Janie is a single-mother, whereas Denise is married. The experiences, race and class of both women divide them, and, yet, the maternal connection that both women share makes them incredibly alike.

After losing her son, Denise has found it incredibly difficult to connect with other people. When she calls her husband, silence makes up most of the conversation. Even her own son feels like he is miles away from her, as her grief and medication wedges a gap between them. However, Denise can make a connection with Janie because, as a mother herself, Janie is the only other person...