Chapter 15 (Index 16) Summary – Kenna’s Desperate Plea

Spoiler Warning: This chapter summary contains detailed plot points and character revelations from Chapter 15 (Chapter Index 16) of Reminders of Him. If you haven’t read the chapter, proceed with caution.

Summary

Kenna reflects on her deeply imperfect mother, arguing that even an inadequate mother who fights for her child is better than one who doesn’t care. She recounts her two foster placements as a child: the first at age seven when her mother left her alone for a week to go to Hawaii; the second at age ten with a quiet, stable woman named Mona. While with Mona, Kenna realized she only needed her mother to be “adequate” enough to keep the state out of their lives. When her mother regained custody the second time, eleven-year-old Kenna knew she would have to fend for herself. Their relationship deteriorated into constant fighting and estrangement. After high school, Kenna stopped speaking to her mother entirely.

From prison, seven months pregnant and facing termination of her parental rights to her daughter, Kenna contacted her mother in desperation. She hoped her mother would seek grandparent visitation rights so she could bring the baby to see her in prison. Their meeting was cold: her mother appeared smug, referenced having Googled Kenna’s case, and complained about the five-hour drive. She twisted the past, demanding gratitude for the two times she had fought to regain custody. Kenna realized her mother was still selfish and narcissistic, and she walked out. She felt utterly alone, resigned to the possibility that even the baby inside her was not truly hers to keep.

Key Events

Kenna’s childhood: Her mother left her alone for a week at age seven, leading to foster care. At ten, she was placed with Mona for nearly a year – a woman who was present and adequate, though unspectacular.
After her mother regained custody a second time, Kenna, now eleven, returned without hope. The relationship became toxic; by fourteen they were enemies. Kenna cut contact after high school.
From prison, Kenna reaches out to her estranged mother, asking her to petition for grandparent visitation so she can see her baby.
Their prison meeting: Kenna’s mother is smug and accusatory, refuses to help, and belittles Kenna for not thanking her.
Kenna leaves the meeting, crushed and convinced she has no one to rely on.

Character Development

Kenna: Shows deep vulnerability and desperation. This chapter reveals her childhood wounds and why she is so determined to be present for her daughter. Her willingness to humble herself before a mother who abandoned her demonstrates her love for her child.
Kenna’s mother: Remains selfish, emotionally absent, and vindictive. She twists Kenna’s need into an opportunity to air grievances and never offers empathy or support.
Mona (briefly): Although not present in the present timeline, her portrayal as a quiet, consistent foster mother contrasts sharply with Kenna’s biological mother.

Themes, Symbols, or Motifs

The definition of a “good enough” mother: Kenna argues that even an imperfect mother who fights for her child is better than one who doesn’t care. Her own mother fails this basic standard.
Cycle of abandonment: Kenna’s mother abandoned her emotionally and physically; now Kenna fears the state will take her own child, repeating the pattern of separation.
Desperation and dignity: Kenna swallows her pride to ask for help, only to be rejected again. The scene symbolizes her complete lack of support system.

Why This Chapter Matters

This chapter provides essential backstory for Kenna’s character and explains the roots of her fierce desire to mother her daughter. It underscores her isolation: no family allies, no one to advocate for her. Her mother’s refusal to help forces Kenna to face the fact that she must fight for her child entirely on her own, setting up the central conflict of the novel.

Study Questions and Answers

Why did Kenna contact her mother from prison, despite years of estrangement?
Answer: Kenna hoped her mother would petition for grandparent visitation rights. If granted, her mother could legally bring Kenna’s baby to visit her in prison, allowing Kenna to see her daughter and possibly preventing the complete termination of parental rights.
How does Kenna’s foster care experience with Mona shape her view of motherhood?
Answer: Mona was quiet and unspectacular, but she was present – she made meals, did laundry, and watched movies. This experience taught Kenna that a child does not need a perfect parent, only one who is “adequate” and actually shows up. This shapes Kenna’s belief that she can be a good mother even if she is imperfect.
What does Kenna’s mother’s response reveal about her character?
Answer: Her mother is self-absorbed and incapable of empathy. Instead of seeing her daughter’s desperation, she focuses on her own grievances (the drive, lack of gratitude). She uses the meeting to blame Kenna, showing she has not changed and remains emotionally neglectful.

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