Everyone has a mother but how many of us have an “othermother”—a non-biological mother who guides us through life? I became an othermother to Sarah, a stranger, who outwardly differs from me in every way. She is black. I am white. She spent summers playing kickball in the street while I played tennis and swam at a private club.
I initially volunteered as Sarah’s weekly tutor, and like people from different worlds, we eyed each other suspiciously. Soon we became allies and friends. After crisis upon crisis sprung up in her life—from medical emergencies to juvenile jail—and as her mother and the foster care system repeatedly failed her, I increasingly became willing to do anything, even break the law and jeopardize my own family relationships, to keep her safe and cared for. That’s when I realized we had become family.
The Othermother follows our relationship as we address our hidden racism and force our family members to do the same as we struggle to create our unconventional family as well as independent and fulfilling lives. It shows two people who come to terms with life’s unexpected moments and discover the surprising places where you find love.
As Americans march for Black Lives Matter and our president inflames racial divisions, The Othermother’s message is timely. It will touch the heart of anyone who has loved a child, inspire some to reach across boundaries, and make people rethink motherhood, family, race, and class.
Read Chapter 1.