When I Started My Period

I started my period sometime after Christmas on a Sunday morning when I was in seventh grade, (I only know it was after Christmas because I ruined the skirt we had bought me for my Christmas outfit from Limited Too, I was SO MAD). I remember being in the middle of my Sunday school class and thinking that I must have peed myself on accident, getting up after the class was over going to the bathroom and freaking out about blood being every where. I put a pad on that my mom encouraged me to carry in my purse “Just in case for emergencies” found her told her what had happened, burst into tears, and then just the two of us went home, leaving the rest of my family at church. I felt very grown up when I first got my period. I was glad that it was
Periods were never something mentioned in my church growing up. I do remember discussing my period and getting my period for the first time with the wife of my youth pastor, but she never gave me advice or started a conversation about menstruation with me. It was always something I had to instigate outside of my immediate family. My mother taught me how to use feminine hygiene products, where to purchase them and how to hide them when need be. She also helped me discover what medicines and other remedies help alleviate period cramps, bloating, and moodiness. The messages taught to me about my sexuality from my family and mentors have always been positive. I knew that if I had any questions about sexuality and sexual expression I had a safe person and safe place to talk to someone. Not that the conversation would be particularly fun or without embarrassment on my part, but I knew that I had safe people whom I could question if need be. The church is completely different, I had mentors in the church I could discuss topics with, but the church as a whole was not a safe place to explore my sexuality. I was even reprimanded in high school for holding my boyfriend’s hand in