When I was in grade six at Burton Ettinger Elementary School in Halifax, I was very good at high jump. My steps and run up were strong and I could contort myself to leap over the bar. That was also the time that my 12-year-old body went through “the change.” Yes, the devastating effects of puberty hit and not only was my back sore, I dealt with overwhelming cramps and bloating.
I remember asking my mom why a merciful God would subject women to this. The worst part was not only being young, it was also feeling ashamed about a situation that is normal and natural. I was too embarrassed to tell my gym teacher, Mrs. Tokaryk, that I was feeling uncomfortable and I was so anxious about leaking through my neon spandex shorts. I had previously beaten the qualifying standard to get to the city finals but on this …