Lani Walker and Wanda Ortiz's Godmother-Goddaughter Bond

Wanda Ortiz and Lani Walker’s godmother–goddaughter bond grew from Wanda’s role in Lani’s survival and adoption into a continuing relationship expressed through care. The novel establishes it as a form of chosen family: Wanda’s early protection of Lani is later echoed in her presence and help when Lani becomes a mother herself.

Formation of the Bond

At a gathering honoring Gigh Tahpani, Lani explains that Wanda Ortiz saved her life when she was a baby. After Lani was adopted, Wanda and Gigh Tahpani became her godparents. The bond therefore begins before Lani can remember it, grounded in Wanda’s protection and carried forward through a recognized family relationship.

The account also places that adoption in a difficult context. Lani’s blood relatives had regarded the infant as a dangerous object and refused to take her in; Wanda and Gabe Ortiz helped arrange the adoption. Wanda’s role was thus more than a ceremonial one: she helped make a place for Lani within a family when her birth relatives would not.

Care Across the Years

The bond is shown again during Lani’s labor at the feast house. Wanda is present with clean towels she had brought in case they were needed. After Lani gives birth, Wanda wipes the baby boy while Lani ties and cuts the umbilical cord; Wanda then gives the baby back to her. The scene presents godmotherhood as practical, immediate support at a consequential family moment.

That assistance also forms a quiet parallel with Wanda’s earlier care for Lani as an infant. The circumstances have changed: Lani is now the mother, and Wanda helps her care for the next generation. The novel does not describe the two women’s private feelings, but their actions establish a durable connection expressed through presence and help.

Narrative Significance

At the memorial gathering, Lani’s public account places Wanda within the story of her beginnings and identifies her as family. Later, Wanda’s assistance at the birth makes that history visible in action. Across these scenes, the relationship links rescue, adoption, and caregiving without treating kinship as limited to blood ties: Wanda’s place in Lani’s life is made through protection and sustained by continuing care.