ONE FROM EACH COLUMN: My 46-Year Trek From Abusive Childhood To Elusive Motherhood

Jodi wasn’t the first to be abused, or have a kid at forty-six, or muscle through  the myriad and messy ordeals in-between. With the help of her inner superhero, Fightin’ Little Jodi, she survived a tough upbringing in Pittsburgh and graduated high school by the paper-thin skin of her pearly-whites. After dropping out of college a month before graduation, Jodi decided to pursue an acting career in LA and NYC in the decadent ‘80s.   

Scattered amongst many sexual encounters, hallucinogens, barbiturates, amphetamines and lots of weed, were colossally bad decisions, some life-threatening, and three marriages in eight years – before the age of forty – with a hefty helping of wicked fun on the side.

Experiencing an often-challenging life through the lens of a nearly broken psyche and impeccable comedic timing - Jodi finally arrived at her ultimate goal - to repair herself and create a happy family with multiple children, long after fertility faded. She learned that with sufficient rage and much humor, healing can happen; the abused need not become the abuser; and building a flourishing family through multiple alternative methods is possible.

While the road was long and often treacherous, Jodi made the most important discovery of all… regardless of the route our children take to find their way home and into our hearts, the bond of love between a parent and child is the same. Exactly the same. 

How can she be so sure? She had ONE FROM EACH COLUMN.