When I was in the fourth grade a grant funded group came to my school to speak to the girls about menstruation. What grabbed my attention and quite possibly the moment I'll never forget was when each girl was given her very own period kit. It was bright purple with teal trim and covered with inspirational words in bold white type. Even though it was bigger than a lunchbox, just small enough to fit into my backpack, I was transfixed. My very own period kit! It all felt so exclusive. When I got home that day, I breathlessly explained my experience with the lovely “period ladies” and proudly showed my mom my brand-new sacred period kit. Throughout the week she talked to me about menstrual cycles and assured me that all would be fine. She added encouraging notes, sparkly glitter body spray, peppermints, and a few panty liners to my kit. The next year at the end of fifth grade, I got my period. Although my tummy ached a little, I was so excited to finally use my period kit. Sunshinymoon began because I decided it was time to make something special to provide first timers a positive, welcoming introduction to their period, just like those ladies and my mom did for me.
