In this week’s Trauma Candy Salad, we’re joined by stories that travel across borders and back into childhood bedrooms. Omari shares the bittersweet push and pull of leaving Guinea for freedom in Europe, only to find himself battling loneliness, language barriers, and the ache of being “different.” Halo opens up about the lasting imprint of growing up in a chaotic home, where silence feels like danger instead of peace. And Maya brings us the heartbreak of building a life in the U.S. while separated from her son, working endless hours to give him the future she dreams of—even as she misses the moments that can’t be replaced.

These stories remind us how trauma follows us across oceans, generations, and even into the quietest moments of our lives. As always, if today’s episode stirred something in you, we’ve included resources in the show notes. And if you feel ready to share your own story, visit TraumaCandySalad.com—because no matter where you’re from or what you’ve been through, your story belongs here. 

NOTE: The TCS team is taking a small break for Labor Day next week and will be back the following Monday. We hope you enjoy your holiday and it gives our new listeners time to catch up on old episodes!