"I think she had a deep ambivalence about me, knowing me, having a relationship with me from the very beginning." -- Susan Kiyo Ito

Read the transcript of this episode here: https://app.swellai.com/t/tp_01JJYRPQ0EJEGKW4GNXFMCA8CV

EPISODE SUMMARY:

In this episode of Unraveling Adoption, I had the pleasure of speaking with Susan Kiyo Ito, a writing professor and author of the memoir I Would Meet You Anywhere. Susan's book, a culmination of 30 years of work, explores her journey as a biracial adoptee—half Japanese and half white—who was adopted at three and a half months old by Japanese American parents.

We delved into Susan's origin story, her relationship with her adoptive parents, and her deep desire to connect with her birth mother, Yumi. Susan described Yumi as a charismatic yet ambivalent figure, reflecting on the complexities of their relationship and the cultural stigma surrounding adoption in Japanese society.

Throughout our conversation, we discussed the emotional weight of adoption, the challenges of identity, and the universal longing for connection that many adoptees experience. Susan shared how writing her memoir was a healing process, allowing her to articulate her experiences and put down the burdens she had carried for so long.

We also touched on the misconceptions surrounding adoption, particularly the notion of "luck," and how important it is for adoptive parents to support their children in their search for identity and connection without imposing their own feelings onto them.

As we wrapped up, Susan encouraged listeners to embrace their stories and consider the power of sharing their experiences. Her insights and reflections provide a valuable perspective on the complexities of adoption, making this episode a must-listen for anyone impacted by adoption or interested in understanding its nuances.

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RESOURCES:

Susan’s information:

• Explore Susan’s website and purchase her memoir: https://www.thesusanito.com/

• Find her on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/susan.ito

• Find her on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesusanito/

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Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson

Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao

Email questions or comments to [email protected]

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TIME STAMPS:

00:00:12 - Meet the Host and Guest 00:00:44 - Susan Kiyo Ito's Memoir Journey 00:01:27 - Personal Connections and Background 00:02:38 - Susan's Adoption Story 00:04:37 - Cultural Heritage and Upbringing 00:05:37 - Describing Yumi: The Birth Mother 00:06:48 - Cultural Stigma and Secrets 00:07:02 - The Significance of the Title 00:09:46 - Personal Growth and Boundaries 00:10:44 - Emotional Release After Publishing 00:11:28 - The Weight of Connection 00:12:45 - The Complexity of Relationships 00:14:25 - Validation from Other Adoptees 00:15:10 - Sensory Details in Writing 00:16:37 - The Role of Journaling 00:18:19 - Exploring Alternative Life Paths 00:20:54 - Reflections on Luck in Adoption 00:22:54 - Advice for Adoptive Parents 00:25:45 - Support and Understanding 00:26:29 - The Sound of Names 00:27:28 - Connecting with the Author 00:29:33 - Closing Thoughts and Future Works