I would tell younger Katie: It’s going to be okay. You are strong, stronger than you even realize, and acting on that strength means brighter days are ahead.

I’d also tell her:

You’re allowed to leave.

Because the Katie of my 20s believed she had to stay, enduring years of abuse, because she made a decision to marry a man who could never carry out of the true meaning of love.

Turns out, finally leaving was the best decision I’ve ever made, and life is so much sweeter on the other side.

I am so glad you asked! Mr. Bill; Sir William, formally; Fluff Muffin, affectionately, is my cat who ‘happened upon me’ in 2018.

He moved in with me full-time when I left my first marriage and, whether he signed up for it or not, is my emotional support cat. He’s also accustom to Taylor Swift dance parties and my obnoxious singing.

Words were my first love, my first escape, my first talent.

At 4, I cried in the backseat of the car because I couldn’t read the billboards passing by.

At 9, you couldn’t get my nose out of a book. I found joy and sought asylum through stories.

At 10, my 4th grade teacher recognized and brought attention to my talent.

The love never waned and I now hold a BA in English Literature and have turned writing from my interest and outlet into something even more.

Slow mornings, hot cups of coffee.

My sweet husband, laughing at his jokes.

Snuggling with Mr. Bill, he’s the very best.

Warm chocolate chip cookies and freshly sharpened pencils.

Red lipstick and my signature perfume.