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

In the second part of Kathy's fireside loungeroom chat with Sheila and Wayne, we hear a more relaxed and heartwarming conversation that transports us to a realm where time seems to stand still and where the raw emotions of a close-knit invisible village come to life.

The beauty of this conversation lies in its authenticity. As Kathy, Shiela, and Wayne recall what has happened in Matthews Cottage, you will hear genuine laughter, and concern and may get a bit teary-eyed about what they had experienced and gone through as critical characters in Kathy's invisible village.

The invisible village at Matthews Cottage symbolizes a safe haven, a place of acceptance and belonging. The emotions shared here remind us of the power of love and care, which can mould a childhood into something truly magical.

This episode is an invitation to reflect on our own invisible villages and the cherished moments that define our own personal journeys.

Quotes

"It's so hard to compare something else because it just wasn't what we had at Matthews Cottage which was a family and we did so many amazing things together." -Kathy Hoolahan

"There were so many incredible happy highlights. And there are some really sad moments and why I'm telling my stories is I hope that it will vibrate for many other people and give them inspiration or reflection on the power of their invisible village and the role they play." -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

It was around 1986 when Kathy first arrived at Matthews Cottage. Though her memory is somewhat hazy, she recalls being in a car and feeling uncertain about what would happen.

In this episode of Raised By An Invisible Village, Kathy introduces two critical characters not only in her story but also for so many other children who grew up in Matthews Cottage and are now adults.

The conversation takes place in a fireplace loungeroom, perhaps the perfect setting for expressing warmth in what had happened during Kathy's stay in Matthew's Cottage.

Their discussion provides insights into the early experiences of Kathy, Sheila, and Wayne at Matthews Cottage and highlights the challenges and dynamics involved in working with at-risk children and the significance of providing them with support and care.

Quotes

"We all came with our bag of traumas." -Kathy Hoolahan

"If it had been anywhere else, I don't think anyone would have had the same empathy for my situation." -Kathy Hoolahan

"We're responsible as adults to who we bring into our children's invisible village because they've got no choice." -Kathy Hoolahan

"We couldn't remember dates and things. But the hardest thing we ever did was to leave that place." -Sheila

Having been disassociated from her Jehovah's Witness family, Kathy spent six transformative months living with her aunt and uncle in Victoria. She describes the stark contrast between the two worlds she traversed, one filled with acceptance and warmth and the other with restriction and isolation. And now her "homecoming" begins as she returns to her birthplace, Alice Springs.

Kathy's narrative is a story of contrasts, of light and darkness. It's about the powerful bonds she formed with her foster family, Sheila and Wayne, who enveloped her in warmth and love, making Matthew Cottage a true homecoming. The support and acceptance she received from her foster family and foster sisters nurtured a sense of belonging that Kathy had yearned for.

Her resilience, combined with the love and support of her foster family, crafted a heartwarming narrative of a young girl who found her place in her invisible village. "Homecoming" is a tale of courage, transformation, and the enduring human spirit, reminding us all that, even in the darkest of times, there is a glimmer of hope and the promise of a better tomorrow.

Quotes

"As I reflect back as an adult, my mother and father in their own way were victims of a ridiculous Jehovah's Witness environment. Their ability to control their spirited 13-year-old was clearly broken." -Kathy Hoolahan

"I am almost certain that this job kept me well and truly busy and out of trouble, but it also provided me with the insight and reflection that my life was really not that bad." -Kathy Hoolahan

Resources:

Raised By an Invisible Village Episode 01: A Child of a Jehovah's Witness Family

Raised By an Invisible Village Episode 02: Like A Tornado

Raised By an Invisible Village Episode 03: The Sound of a Kookaburra

Raised By an Invisible Village Episode 04: The Aftermath Consequences

Raised By an Invisible Village Episode 05: Fireside Dining Room Chat with Aunty Norma and Uncle Dan

WHERE TO FIND KATHY HOOLAHAN

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

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

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