I wanted to get my period so bad. Like all girls, I wondered when it would make it’s appearance. I was crazy enough to get into my moms stash of tampons (super plus ones ouch!) and practicing putting them in before my period ever began. I read the American Girl book, The Care and Keeping of YOU, over about a hundred times. I was so ready.
It was January 1, 2002 and I was turning 13 in a month. I was home alone, not at school because it was winter break. I was in my room organizing stuff when I felt an unusual wetness. I reached my hand down my pants to investigate. My fingers came back reddish brown color. My heart raced. I was so excited my period had come and greatly relieved it happened while I was home. I ran to the bathroom to wipe to make sure what I saw on my fingers really was what I thought it was.
That night I told my mom I saw some blood today and she took me to the bathroom and showed me how to put a pad in. That was it. Nothing super embarrassing happened to me.
I still love how my period came to me. A very simple and easy experience. Even after a decade of menstruating, I enjoy and love my period. It reminds me I am healthy, fertile, and that everything is working correctly. Sure, there has been a period or two that has been awful and started at all the wrong times. I have been very fortunate that nothing more medically serious has ever occurred.
For those women who curse their menstrual cycles/body, stop it. Having negative, hating feelings toward your body, and your body might just reject you and manifest some serious gynecological problems. Stop the self pity. Count your blessings. You are beautiful, special, and you matter. Being a female is a privilege.
By Danielle
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