I was in the first year of high school, 13 years and 25 days old, and staying with my grandmother because my parents were on vacation. I remember the date so precisely because when my father returned from vacation, he made a big deal about my first period. "I had become a woman," he said. He took me to a jeweler, and together we chose a silver ring engraved with the date and "dad."

At the time, I thought it was all a bit over the top and embarrassing. I'd just gotten my period for the first time, which all girls do, don't make a big deal about it. Later, I did appreciate his actions much more, especially now that he's gone and I have a little "daddy" ring on my finger.

oohjeeh, what's going on down there?

But that morning... I'd just showered and was standing on a white mat in my grandmother's bathroom. Suddenly, I saw a few drops of blood on the mat. I remember thinking for a moment, but I quickly realized that was my period. Which also meant I needed a sanitary towel before going to school.

My grandma was still in bed, and her hearing aid was next to her on a cabinet. I woke her up and yelled, "GRANDMA, DO YOU HAVE A SANITARY PAD FOR ME?" Grandma said, "Yes, in the top drawer of the desk in the living room." Strange place, but I went looking. I couldn't find it and went back to Grandma to tell her I couldn't find it. Grandma came with me, opened the drawer, grabbed a ruler, and said, "Look, a ruler." 😳

After I explained to her that I'd gotten my period for the first time, she did have a sanitary towel for me. I think it was bigger than a diaper, but luckily I didn't have a gym class, and it did the trick.



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