I remember having odd reddish-brownish discharge about a week prior to finally getting my period. It was spring of 5th grade, my Godmother was in town from Texas. I remember running into the bathroom because I felt wet between my legs, almost sticky. I pull down my panties and sure enough I was leaking full on, and I freaked out. I let out a little scream and my mother came running in and saw, but to the opposite of my horror she smiled and told me she’d teach me everything I needed to know. After I cleaned up she took me to see my Godmother where she announced the big news, lots of hugging and “Welcoming” me into ‘Womynhood’ (although I realized later on how biased she was raised and taught me that only womyn have periods etc. but that’s another story) We picked up an unnecessary amount of Pads, Tampons and the like, I rejected the tampons because they hurt and I really was uncomfortable putting them in. Now It’s my favorite weapon of choice.
I think what I remember most that day has very little to do with my period, but in memory of my Godmother. That was the last time I saw her,after that week of visitation she went back to Texas, and I didn’t see her for about 8 years. My mother and her were estranged but at the time I didn’t understand why, I often expressed my unhappiness of the situation. She called a few months ago, for the first time in 8 years to tell us what happened.
Her then husband abused her. He cut her off from all her friends, family, co workers. She was forced to stay at home and do “proper housewife” chores while he pretended that she didn't exist. He beat her, abuse physical, verbal and emotional were there prior to her disconnect with us and continued on until she finally escaped him with their son one night, planning out for months where they would go, saving money, packing ( he thought she was spring cleaning and didn’t think much of it) she ran away to a women's shelter, contacted the police and stayed at the shelter for 3 months until she felt safe enough to move into an undisclosed location with her son. Currently she is going through legal battles and trying to maintain custody of their son, only time will tell how this plays out.
Although a bit unrelated to my period, it is a strong memory I attach to that day, because it was the day where one of the most important womyn in my life was taken from me, from us and forced to endure this abuse by her spouse. She taught me a lot and I will always appreciate that.
submitted by: bigassfemme