Thank You.

Hi Guys,
I just wanted to write to you and thank you all for reading my story Why I became a neuroscientist - Alzheimer's disease. The response I have had has been truly heart-melting. I know some very special and supportive people who have always pushed me to do what I want with my life and follow my dreams; you know who you are.
I'm sure there were some, when I started this blog, who were thinking 'what the hell is this all about?' and to be honest, I didn't know either. All I knew, is that I had a rushing in my ears every time I wrote a story or voiced an opinion, and that it pained me that not enough people our age were being real with each other or standing up for what they believe in. We weren't being honest about all the other stuff. I know life can be fabulous, I actually love mine every day, but I haven't always, and sometimes it can be a bloody hard slog.
We look at facebook and we see the holidays and the bikini bods and the airbrushed smiles and we presume that everyone else is winning. And on those days when life has kicked you hard in the crotch, this can be overwhelming. We don't see the heartache, uncertainty, fear or loneliness. They say, we ourselves need to be the change we want to see in the world. Now don't get me wrong, I am the first one to post a nice picture of myself and revel in the kind comments. I'm an attention-seeking, approval-wanting human, just like the rest of the world. But I also know that I am still a worthwhile person when I am sitting in my pj's with no make-up on, or having a real emotion about something, or sharing a time when I was not ok, or admitting to really missing a person that is no longer in my life. 
To those of you who have told me to never stop writing, I promise I never will. There is nothing that makes me more happy in the world. I don't want you to think your comments or emails (mostly on facebook for my overseas readers) go unnoticed. Every time the voice in my head tells me I'm not good enough to write (and we all have a mean-ass voice of our own) I think of all the comments and emails telling me to keep doing what I do. And because of you Sweet Apple is growing and viewed all around the world. 
I want to share with you some of the kindness people have shown me. No names of course. Thanks guys, you truly are friends, new and old. It feels like this is the beginning of something awesome, and already, all these people have my back. Counting my numerous blessings today....
"I really loved your blog about your Gma Peggy gave me goosebumps, it was really truth told and wonderfully written, you're a nice girl x x .....please take up Journalism, i would pay to read your blogs and pieces. Hope you're well and happy."
"it was just refreshing, that would be more the correct term. and thats great because your flair with words are exceptional, i am a sucker for people that know how to tell a story and can write with some type of power behind their stories"
"So I've been procrastinating from my studies and i just found myself on your blog for the last hour or so.. The way you write is amazing i can't stop!! The story about why you became a neuroscientist was beautiful. Anyway just thought i'd let you know you're doing a fine job "
"Cheers for the article, and well done for following your dreams. You're a really inspiring chick xo"   
"KT - woah what a talented wee being. Truelý inspirational."
"this is fantastic!! You have the gift with the pen! Made me cry as my grandmother had a long and painfully slow battle with Alzheimer's also."
"You should definitely keep writing you're very good at capturing your reader x "
"Loved your last SweetApple post. Loved it Hun. Thanks for posting about it. You're a great writer! Love reading your blog Hope all is well chick x"
"wow Katie truly inspiring,the sadness you have had to deal with but the ability to turn it into something so amazingly worthwhile is just amazing......(the capsule that carried their soul.)..that just jumped out at me such a great way to put it."
"My Amazingly talented BFF Katie Appleyard, and my very own story teller! Telling it how it is and not afraid to lay it all on the table to help others :) xxxx love you my beautiful friend - Peggy lives on xxx"  (my number one fan and BFF - love you)
"this is just lovely what a treasure to read."
"Wow you're such an inspiration!"
"...just reading your blog. It's very beautiful." 
"Beautiful Katie. Brought tears to my eyes. My Granny Betty also suffered from this disease. like Peggy she too was a lady of classic style, strength and sass. Thanks for sharing. X"
"so captivating - the best story teller I know!!"   
If I get to the end of my days and people are calling me nothing else but an inspiration. I will die a Happy lady. What an honor. 
Much love to you all, Katie x