Kyomi O'Connor

Kyomi's childhood was difficult, marked by emotional pain and neglect. Her father was unfaithful, her mother was overly dependent, and her extended family was dismissive. In an effort to escape her dark reality, Kyomi moved to the United States in 1990 to start a new life as a researcher at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. Soon after, she met Patrick, a warm and charismatic British cancer researcher. His unconditional love and support helped Kyomi begin to heal the traumas of her past. They eventually moved to San Diego, California, where they dedicated themselves to a Buddhist practice that transformed their lives. Their spiritual journey helped them grow and realize their desire to help others. However, Patrick was diagnosed with stage IV metastatic melanoma in the brain. After a three-year battle with cancer, he passed away on July 4, 2016. Kyomi was devastated and spent a year lost in grief. But one day, she began to write, and found that the process helped her uncover truths about herself, her life, and her relationship with Patrick. Writing helped Kyomi surface old, unhealed wounds, but it also became her daily spiritual practice. Through writing, she found the love and light that had always existed within her. After many years of struggle and searching, Kyomi finally found peace and healing.