I remember

When my brother was taken from me
when it hurt so much just to open my eyes
I remember
when my parents were my enemies
when I would do anything to feel
I remember
when scars became secrets
when friendship became a competition
I remember
when I would find attention from anyone
when I was so far gone, you couldn't get me off the bathroom floor
I remember
when demons crawled into my brothers room
the torture of others feelings ingrained in my soul
I remember
wishing I wouldn't wake up
when I tried to make that happen
I remember 
screaming into my pillow
writing help notes on my floor
I remember

I remember when I prayed for help
I remember when I asked for help
I remember when I drove with my father and brother to help
I remember the front desk as if it were yesterday
I remember being so excited that the pain might go away
I remember hugging my brother for the last time
I remember encouraging words
I remember support from older teens
I remember when I was told I was not alone

I remember my therapist
My partner in crime
I remember the food I ate
I remember the words I heard
I remember when I learned to love myself 
I remember when my world changed forever

I remember when my past defined me
I remember when it didn't