Dear younger me,

Did you think we’d end up here, again?

After all those years searching in the dark,

We’re right back where we started

Just with longer hair and straighter teeth.

Now we can hide our face

And smile through the pain.

Surrounded by white walls,

Disinfectant spray, and ominous strangers,

It can be overwhelming.

I know you feel as though you are all alone.

As if nobody cares and nobody knows

About the hell you go through

Just inside your head.

But you survived all those years ago.

What says you can’t do it once more?

With parents that have turned from foes to friends,

A sister that has chosen to embrace instead of turning away,

And family that gives love instead of ignoring,

You have more now than you ever did.

You’re back here because people care.

You’re here because you want to live.

Not like last time, when it was the other way around.

And you may not know this now, but I promise you’ll thank me later.

Love,

Me