Firsts

To Niece the middling on the occasion of her first period

Congratulations Honey.

Your mum asked me to write abut periods. I thought I would tell you the things that people told me and what I’ve learned about periods in the 25 years I’ve had a period.

1. Don’t talk about it in front of “mixed company.” This was my mum and she was wrong. Having a period is like eating or going to the bathroom. Normal, natural and not something to be ashamed of. Tell or don’t tell, it’s up to you.
2. There’s no such thing as PMS. This was my grade 6 teacher in health class. I have no idea why I believed a man with no uterus, but I did. As a result I suffered with terrible cramps for a long time. Be smarter than me. If you are worried, go to a qualified medical professional. Not your friend’s best friend’s sister’s neighbour who kinda had this problem. Not google. A doctor. A nurse.
3. You will hate getting your period. It’s a curse. My best friend Melanie. Some months it has been a relief – when I was really worried I might be pregnant (birthcontrol!). Some months I was sad because I wanted to be pregnant. It has been inconvenient. I get the odd month with cramps. Most months it just comes and goes. It’s not a big deal. Time and periods both pass and I kind of like the marker.

This is wonderful. Special. I’m glad you are at this time in your life. I love you at every time in your life.

Aunty Cheryl.