25th April, 2001
I wish everyone would stop staring. I want to run and shout and kick and scream. I didn’t mean for this to happen. I was just trying to be good. I’m trapped, terrified and everyone’s looking at me. Everyone thinks I’m stupid. Nobody understands. I hate them all. No, I don’t hate them, I hate myself.
They’ve been trying to tell me for months, but this is the first time I believe it. Why this doctor out of all of them, I don’t know, perhaps because he frightens me more than the others. He says I’m dying. I am dying. I’m surrounded by great yawning blackness and nothing. Nothing. That’s what I want.
That’s not what I want!
Suddenly it’s crystal clear. I only have two options, and I have to choose now. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die. I don’t want to die.
I decide to get better.
I decide to write a book.
Lighter Than My Shadow 
Katie,
This is fabulous! So impressive to watch you pursue your vision and share it with others.
Elizabeth
This gave me goosebumps Katie! I am so so so overjoyed you made that decision! I love you Cousin and am so so proud of you! Your book looks Amazing! I read the excerpt and it touched my heart so deeply! Big hugs! Leilani
We are all so glad you made that decision! This made the hairs stand up on my arms. Cannot wait to read the book! xox.
And we are all so glad you made that decision. This made the hairs stand up on my arms. Cannot WAIT to read the book.