Thank You

a letter from Katie

To my beloved Coffee + Crumbs community,

It’s been nearly a decade since Ashlee emailed me with an idea. At the time I only had one child, and of the approximately nine people who read my little blog, I was related to half of them. To say I was flattered and humbled by the invitation is a gross understatement. It took me four seconds to email her back and say, “Yes! Of course! I’d love to write about motherhood!”

In a million years, I never would have guessed how Coffee + Crumbs would weave itself so fully into my life. Back in 2014 when we started this space, I submitted one essay every month to Ashlee, who would copy and paste it into the blog, add a picture, and share the link on Facebook. That was it. There was no fanfare, no social media strategy, no “platform” whatsoever. 

Can I tell you a funny story? Back in August of 2014, I wrote a little piece called “It’s Their Day, Too” and sent it to Ashlee. I wasn’t on social media at the time, and maybe 12 hours after the blog post went live, Ashlee texted: “Katie, a lot of people are sharing your essay!” 

I probably responded with something like, “Oh that’s cool, like how many?” And then Ashlee had to explain to me what “viral” meant.

I still look back at the early season of Coffee + Crumbs and smile at the purity of our intentions, the simplicity of our efforts. We just wanted to write about motherhood, about this foreign world we were all so new to. We were young, and we knew nothing, but so many of you read our stories anyway. I’m still not sure I know all that much about being a mom, but you’re still here, still reading our work. Still listening to the podcast. Still supporting all of the art we work so hard to make beautiful for the world. 

Today, my oldest daughter talks about the C+C team like they are aunties, and reads the essays like I used to read Teen Bop. She’s been pen pals with other writers’ daughters in the Exhale community. Coffee + Crumbs is part of my work and part of my life, in some capacity, almost every single day. And in the toughest season of my entire life, you all showed up like sisters. How does one go from sharing one essay a month on the Internet to having a great, big, generous family?

Only God, friends. Only God. 

I am still without words for the kindness and tangible support this community has offered me since hearing about my marriage ending. I may never have those words, actually. I’m still very much in the middle of the hurricane addiction leaves behind. But thanks to you, so many of the winds are settling. Together, you took a burden off my back that I will never, ever be able to thank you enough for carrying. The kids and I are going to weather these months because of your generosity, a truth I still cannot write without tears. The thread of this community was already so big and bold in the fabric of my life, but now it is one way God is holding that fabric together. 

And He is. 

From the bottom of my heart, friends, thank you for loving me and the kids so well. 

One day at a time.

All my love, 

Katie

P.S. I’ve been told there are some Peloton-ers in this community who want to ride together? Friends, I would love nothing more! After all, the Peloton has become my favorite place to both work out grief and pray and swear and yes, all those things are possible in one 30-minute ride. How does the first Saturday of every month sound? Add your information here and I’ll send the invite every month, and probably some random rides here and there as well. First ride is this Saturday, October 7, 6:00amPST/9:00amEST 🙂And if you know me, you know I love a little challenge every now and then so maybe we’ll do something fun in December, too?! 

To getting stronger together.