Feb 3, 2025
"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.
===============
📘Get our new book Adoption and Suicidality: amazon.com/Adoption-Suicidality-Healthcare-Professionals-Unraveling/dp/B0DCBCTSLL
📆 Community Calendar: UnravelingAdoption.com/Calendar
✨Healing the Adoption Constellation database: UnravelingAdoption.com/Healing
💌Sign up for our Unraveling Adoption email list: http://eepurl.com/hVIAVX
===============
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/
===============
Unraveling Adoption is produced and hosted by Beth Syverson
Music written and performed by Joseph Nakao
Email questions or comments to Beth@UnravelingAdoption.com
Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube
Support Unraveling Adoption on Patreon: http://Patreon.com/UnravelingAdoption
Check out our website: http://UnravelingAdoption.com
Create your own podcast through Libsyn: https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=ADOPTION
===============
Please rate (*****) and/or review Unraveling Adoption in Apple Podcasts and Spotify (even if you listen to it on another app). Your feedback will help more listeners find our episodes. Thank you!
===============
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