A Motherhood Dream That Almost Felt Out of Reach
Years later, she revealed that motherhood had not felt guaranteed to her. During a June 2018“Today” interview with Hoda Kotb, she admitted that when she was around 41, 42, or 43, she had wondered whether becoming a mother might not happen.
Then Hurricane Katrina happened in New Orleans, and something changed for her. Getting emotional, she told Hoda that something told her her child was there, describing it as both a gut feeling and a God feeling because, to her, there was no difference.
Louis Bardo as a little boy being carried by someone at his mom’s Hand and Footprint Ceremony in Hollywood, California on September 25, 2013.
The adoption process was long and demanding. She remembered filling out forms, being judged, and facing the awkwardness of going through such a personal process while also being a famous person in the spotlight.
But after three or four years, Louis arrived. She said that when she looked at him, she simply thought, “Oh, there you are,” adding that it felt as though he had always been there, fit perfectly in the crook of her arm, and looked at her with wisdom.
Louis Helped Lead the Way to Laila
A few years later, her family grew again. In December 2015, People revealed that the acclaimed actress, then 51, had adopted a 3½-year-old girl named Laila (pronounced Lila) from Louisiana foster care.
Louis Bardo sitting in his mom’s lap at the 70th Venice International Film Festival in Italy on August 27, 2013.
At that point, Louis was 5, and he played a special role in the family’s next chapter. The actress said, “Louis spearheaded this whole journey,” making it clear that her son helped lead the way toward bringing Laila home.
She also said there was no doubt in her mind that Laila was supposed to be with them. “I can tell you absolutely, the exact right children came to me at the exact right time,” she shared.
Netizen comment about the actress’ kids, posted on April 6, 2024.
