In this concluding episode, Kathy interviews her husband, Joe Hoolahan, about their 11,000-kilometre, 6-month long journey across Australia to reconnect with the most pivotal figures from her past.

Kathy and Joe talk about the highs and lows of their individual experiences, as well as their shared recognition that, sometimes, issues simply cannot be “fixed.” In such a scenario, it’s often best to simply be emotionally present for another person, particularly during the most difficult and crucial parts of their life.

The couple also discuss the most challenging aspects of this entire process, including Kathy’s struggle to emotionally prepare for each encounter since reactions and responses were quite unpredictable.

In this episode, Kathy expresses gratitude to those in her "invisible village," most especially to her husband, Joe, for the space he gave her despite her turbulent emotions during this trip.

Quotes

“Intrinsically, a male's position is to want to fix it, want to take it away. But the reality is that, often, you can't fix it, and you can't take it away, because what's happened has happened.” - Kathy Hoolahan

“So many times, it may sound like the invisible village will always save you or someone's always gonna be there for you. But it started with you, every time there was a down part in your journey. The real key part of you ever getting back out was it started with you.” - Joe Hoolahan

“Dysfunctionality does not have to be permanent. We don't have to stay in this cycle of trauma, breeding more trauma. We are never alone. When you really look, there is always one character who is present to hold you in life.” - Kathy Hoolahan

WHERE TO FIND KATHY HOOLAHAN

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OurInvisibleVillage
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourinvisiblevillage/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/invis_village

In this poignant episode, Kathy takes us on a journey through the vast landscapes of Western Australia, reflecting on her life as she travels over 11,000 kilometres from the East Coast to the West Coast. The setting is Esperance, a rainy and cold day that offers a quiet backdrop for Kathy to share the next chapter of her life.

She delves into the surreal experience of travelling on the same road she took as an 11-year-old, sitting beside her father. Memories flicker, connecting her to a pivotal moment almost three decades later when her world would change forever.

As Kathy recounts her arrival in Perth, we are intrigued by the uncertainty and excitement of a 16-year-old venturing into a big, unknown city, driven by the belief that when you have nothing to lose, the idea of risk becomes inconsequential. Kathy walks us through her journey of finding shelter with unexpected allies, navigating the challenges of a new school, and the complexities of young love.

We then take an emotional turn as Kathy shares an unexpected news, her opportunity to leave Perth given her mother’s surprising yet warm reaction to the news and the journey back to Alice Springs that was filled with uncertainty and anxiety.

In this episode, Kathy's storytelling skillfully captures her mix of emotions — gratitude for her invisible village, the sadness of goodbyes, and finally experiencing the unconditional love she has been yearning for. Listen in to witness Kathy's willpower to find love, stability, and belonging shine through.

Quotes

“When you have nothing to lose and think you have everything to gain, the idea of risk does not even compare.” - Kathy Hoolahan

“My reflection as an adult looking back at this particular phase of my life is nothing short of unbelievable gratitude for what Nan and Uncle did for me. They did not have to bring me into their home for a safe place to stay, in fact they went up and beyond to show me how to become independent, develop survival skills of life, accessing social services and ultimately setting me up with my own unit.”

Kathy begins this episode by telling us about a truly pivotal moment in her life when she took it upon herself to face her traumas — sexual assaults she experienced as a young teen. What makes this experience remarkable is the comforting and unwavering presence of the most important person in her invisible village — her husband, Joe.

Moreover, Kathy reflects on her life in Alice Springs, from moving out of Matthews Cottage and into a new foster home to risky teenage pursuits with friends to extreme loneliness around the holidays to landing a job at Woolworths and living independently at 16 to making the decision to move to Perth.

Kathy was determined to find the love, stability, and sense of belonging she desperately sought. She travels across the country, anxious yet thrilled about this chance to start fresh.

This episode will give us a chance to think about our own experiences and traumas and how these have affected the way we live our lives today. Kathy reminds us that dysfunction doesn’t have to be permanent and recognition is the first step toward healing.

Quotes

“It is truly remarkable how the body and mind work to protect us, particularly when something is so traumatic, locking it down until we are ready to let it out, connect and heal.” - Kathy Hoolahan

“This means either you or someone you know has experienced abuse. We need to be talking about it and being comfortable with uncomfortable.” - Kathy Hoolahan

“Dysfunctionality does not have to be permanent. The strength that we can gather from our invisible village comes to us in so many different ways, like soothing hands reaching out to lift us back up, enabling us to get to the next phase of whatever path our lives are on.” - Kathy Hoolahan