My most embarrassing moment

One of my life lessons has been to allow myself to show vulnerability. Whether it’s being okay with submitting a less than perfect paper or revealing how much I care, and I’m still evolving.

So, I decided to jump right in and share a vulnerable moment with you. Actually, it’s my most embarrassing moment.

In elementary school, we had these Track & Field days, where we competed in numerous running and silly events like the three-legged race.

I ran several events, and on this particular fine day, I happened to have my period. As a young girl, my mom offered me an array of accoutrements to wear – from bulky sanitary napkin to even bulkier. (Thank goodness for menstrual cups these days!)

I was all set for my 100-yd dash, with my green track shorts on and knee-high socks. I knew I had this.

And I did have it. I got out to a quick lead and never let it slide. It gave me enough time to finish the race, have my pad fall out of the secure location of my underwear, shorts lining, and shorts onto the soft, green Virginia grass.

I don’t remember if the landing was on my left or right side, but whichever hand it was, it was quick. I scooped up the evidence and stuffed it in my long sock.

I looked behind me to see if anyone saw the maneuver. If they did, no one said anything. Thank you for that.

While this was even more embarrassing for me than when MP saw I had diarrhea and blackmailed me to ask CR if he liked her (also in elementary school), the moment is reinforced by my mom periodically bringing it up.

In a Trinidadian accent, “Remember when you were running, and your pamper fell out?” And if you know my laugh, you know it’s loud and full. I get it from my mom. Then, a big, loud, full, accented laugh. I’ve gone through this at least once a year since legal adulthood.

I love to hear my mom laugh, so that takes a little bit off the cringe. Ahhhh…I feel better now. At least, I think.