tw:menstruation

 I was 9 when my period started and about to start 5th grade. It was a fabulous summer day when I started. I had a horrible stomach cramps for a few hours and my grandmother suggested that I go ride my bicycle to alleviate my cramps. After I rode around for a bit I noticed my cramps were gone so I thought everything was all fine and dandy. I went to pee and my underwear was covered in blood. Of course, being that it was the rad mid-90s, I had seen that awesome video starring Orphan Annie so I knew what was going on. I told my grandmother and I got to wear a huge pair of underwear she had just bought (that was more embarrassing to me then my period for sure). She gave me some water and said that I’ve taken my final steps into womanhood (I was already developed and hairy). When my mom came by to pick me up she flipped out. I remember her crying and saying I was a woman now in that depressed voice moms get but I certainly didn’t feel like a woman. Basically all I wanted to do was call my best friend and tell her then go out and play some more. I never thought my period was gross or weird and I carried around my period kit that my elementary school provided with pride. When people say it’s disgusting and nasty it reiterates that women are still seen as unclean which is obviously wrong. Be proud of your body and your period!

submitted by: fictionalindependence