DeepSummary
The podcast episode revolves around cartoonist Kathy Guisewite, the creator of the famous comic strip 'Cathy'. At the age of 35, Kathy had declared to her parents that she would never get married or have children, as she was happy and fulfilled with her career. However, her perspective changed years later when she overheard a woman proudly stating that she would adopt a child on her own if she didn't get married.
In 1992, at the age of 41, Kathy decided to adopt a baby girl as a single mother. She describes the emotional journey of the adoption process, the bond she formed with her daughter's birth mother, and the challenges she faced as a working single parent. Kathy also shares how her decision diverged from the path of her comic strip character, who remained focused on dating and career.
The episode delves into Kathy's experiences as a mother, including her struggles to balance work and parenthood, her remarriage, and the bittersweet moments of her daughter leaving for college. Throughout her journey, Kathy's mother remained a constant source of support, inspiring her to include the mother-daughter dynamic in her comics.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Kathy Guisewite, the creator of the iconic comic strip 'Cathy,' initially declared she would never have children but later decided to become a single mother through adoption at the age of 41.
- Kathy's decision to adopt a daughter diverged from the portrayal of her comic strip character, who was focused on dating and career.
- Kathy formed a deep bond with her daughter's birth mother during the adoption process and was profoundly grateful for her selfless decision.
- As a working single parent, Kathy struggled to balance her career and motherhood, often relying on her own mother's support and a 'village' of stuffed animals.
- Kathy's experiences as a mother, including her daughter leaving for college, inspired her to write about the emotional journey of parenting.
- The mother-daughter relationship and its complexities were a central theme in Kathy's comics, reflecting her own bond with her mother and daughter.
- Kathy's decision to become a mother profoundly impacted her life, becoming her most cherished achievement despite initial reservations.
- Kathy's memoir '50 Things That Aren't My Fault' delves into her experiences as a mother, her changing perspective on life, and the daily struggles and joys of parenthood.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I wanted Kathy to be like Garfield was, but for women, you know, to be a little touchstone, you know, on a working woman's desk, you know, to make her feel like somebody else is in there trying and surviving.“ by Kathy Guisewite
- “I fell in love with her long before she was born. I had been pregnant for 41 years with the dream of her.“ by Kathy Guisewite
- “I will never be able to comprehend the selflessness of her love that made it possible for her to seek a life for her child she knew she couldn't provide. I can still hardly breathe when I think of the faith she put in me to be the mom she couldn't be.“ by Kathy Guisewite
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Episode Information
The Longest Shortest Time
Hillary Frank and Stitcher
8/28/19