my first time

i was 11 when i got my first period. prior to this, my mom had bought me a couple of books that explained the birds and the bees, etc. i had been cleaning that afternoon and it was hot, i was sweaty, so i didn't really notice anything going on down there for awhile. then i went to the bathroom, was taken by surprise, and nearly passed out at the sight of the blood! a bit silly, i know. much to my embarrassment, my mom was out of town, and i didn't have any pads. so i had to tell my dad that i had started my period and that we needed to go to the store to pick up some pads. my dad didn't realize that this was my first time and was upset at me for having bled all over the place and having to rush to the store. i remember standing in the feminine products aisle, looking at the vast array of options, and thinking "omg...what am i supposed to get?" finally, i just grabbed a pack and we went to the check out line. we knew the (female) cashier, and she saw the tears in my eyes and how embarrassed i felt, and smiled really kindly at me. after my mom got back into town, i told her all about it, and she told me that she had pads for me in one of the bathrooms. she could've told me that sooner! haha. despite all of the troubles i've had over the years, i enjoy my period now. i see it as a blessing. should i ever have a daughter, i hope she will feel the same way!