On this episode of 50, Now What!? Alicia sits down with Kyomi O’Connor, Author of “A Sky of Infinite Blue: A Japanese Immigrant’s Search for Home and Self.”In today’s episode, Kyomi graciously shares the emotional challenges from her childhood and family in Japan, and her subsequent journey to the United States to find a way to start over for herself. While working as a researcher living out of a tiny apartment in Bethesda, Maryland, she met her future husband Patrick - a British cancer researcher who was instrumental in holding space for her to begin to heal her generational trauma and what it means to feel loved. Their journey together led to San Diego, California where the two adopted the practice of Buddhism and a commitment to helping others. Unfortunately Patrick had his own journey with brain cancer, and passed away after a three year battle in 2016. Kyomi was able to break through her grief through writing, which led to the incredible “A Sky of Infinite Blue”, which began to bring meaning back into her life. Kyomi’s story is authentic, raw, and shared in hopes to show that there is always a way to make it to the other side of grief and hard times if you keep digging.Be sure to pick up A Sky of Infinite Blue wherever books are sold! 1:27 Kyomi Introduction & Growing up in Japan4:40 The Physical Effects of Emotional Abuse7:00 Building up Armor at a young age13:00 Kyomi's failed attempt at taking her own life23:00 Life after her attempt, and Kyomi's first Marriage26:00 Divorce and Moving On from Japan to the USA33:00 Moving to Maryland and Meeting Patrick37:00 Beginning the Healing Process44:00 Dealing with the passing of her Father50:20 Patrick's Cancer Diagnosis and Passing54:00 Being at Patrick's side as he passed1:00:00 Making it to the Light1:01:30 Final words of wisdom Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.