Hi everyone!!

Writing this blog post feels more like a letter to me as it is something that has been on my mind over the last few days. I’m going to start this off by sharing my thoughts like people would expect a ‘fan’ to write and then delve into a more personal piece as this goes on.

Back in 1993, I was only eight years old so I didn’t really know what my musical tastes were but I did know that I liked the music by the Backstreet Boys and seeing their videos which were iconic!!

It wasn’t until later on in their career when I became a fully invested fan. I had been going through a hard time, I was hospitalised twice within a space of five weeks and I was just so sick! The sickest I’ve ever felt. It was during my recovery time when I came across their song ‘ Incomplete’ on the television. For some reason, it spoke to me as it portrayed exactly how I was feeling inside.

‘Voices tell me I should carry on

But I am swimming in an ocean all alone

Baby, my baby, it’s written on your face.’

I felt so alone, so lost and I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted within both myself and in my life. I had physically lost a lot of weight which isn’t good for me. Soon I found myself listening to the discography of the BSB which there is a lot! They have been around since 1993 which makes me a proud fan! They became like a safe space for me, where I can just lose myself in the beautiful harmonies, sweet melodies and heartfelt lyrics. I found myself loving AJ/Alex’s voice so much, it soothes me and helps me to relax my tensed muscles when I am in pain.

It wasn’t long before I found all the social media platforms for the band and each of the guys solo accounts and I started to see them more than just members of a band but as men, men who have fallen in love and having his own family which made me love the band even more. It meant you got to see a side that you wouldn’t in other circumstances.

This is where I first started to feel like I could resonate with Alex more than any of the others. I’m sure it probably makes me sound strange writing all of this however I believe in showing not only my support but also showing how much someone means to me personally. I want Alex to know and to understand how special he is.

I’m just one person/fan out of so many but I feel so honoured that I have met him twice (I’m so so lucky!) and both times, he made me feel special and worthy. He took his time to talk to me, to listen and he gives me the best hugs! The last time I met him, he greeted me by saying ‘hey beautiful…’ and for someone who struggles with her self-esteem and confidence, it meant the world to me. It didn’t matter that he was a member of the worlds biggest boyband or not, he was a human being who is kind and caring.

He has shown himself to be a true decent human, one who cares, loves his wife like a husband should and adores his little daughters with every fibre of his being. It’s because of him that I came across his wife, Rochelle who is simply beautiful, compassionate, kind, loving and supportive. She is someone who I would love to have as a friend, and like Alex, I’ve had wonderful interactions with her too. It really does make a huge impact when someone is kind, complimentary and takes the time out of their busy schedules to interact with someone who struggles with her confidence and self-esteem, it is wonderful and valued so much.

I admire Alex for his honesty, truth and humbleness. He’s always striving to better himself and to learn from his mistakes… I can’t imagine a better role model than him and especially for his sweet girls. I’m happy to hear that he is finding peace and strength in his journey to improve his life and himself, it encourages me to be the best person I can, not just for me or my family but especially for my four year old niece. I’m continuing to feel proud and always excited to show my support for whatever Alex is doing.

I just wanted to say how adorable Ava and Lyric are!

I have a lot to be thankful to Alex and to Rochelle. I can’t wait to keep seeing Alex progressing through his journey on DWTS and his future projects whether they’re solo or BSB projects. Although we may all be flawed, as long as we are our true authentic selves and striving for bettering ourselves then we really can’t ask for more. Thank you for being you, Alex, for inspiring me, for making me proud, and for entertaining me like you do with your extraordinary talents. Our battles are not there to bring us down when life gets tough whether it’s your addictions or me with my chronic disability but to encourage us to focus on the future, making us stronger and powerful within ourselves. Thank you to them for being brave in sharing their stories, whether good or bad, gives people hope, courage and strength to work and improve on their battles, experiences etc.

The top photo is from my first time meeting Alex and the Boys in 2014 on the IAWLT Tour, in Manchester, UK. The second and third photos are from the DNA Tour in 2019, in Manchester, UK.

Katie (DinkyKt)

🖤