I would have left home at 16 and not been guilted into returning.
I would have said "yes" to something in 1990 and a firm "no" to something in 1992.
I would have stopped punishing myself for the actions and harm caused by others a lot earlier than I have.
I would have told my good friend not to pick up her mail at the embassy 8/7/98.
I would never have returned stateside in 2002.
Most of all I would go back in time and tell that little blonde ponytailed girl that "you are smart, you are kind, you are important" and sometimes parents do not have your best interest at heart. Sometimes they are too damaged to parent well and take things out on an innocent child. But one day you will have enough strength to not only have closure but to realize the door between you needs to be closed, for good.
Most of all I would tell her to trust your journey. You got this.
Katniss~~(Dorothy and Toto can keep home. I'll stay a stray.

)