I was one week away from my 12th birthday. I could not believe the pain. Mom told Dad and I tried to hide the shame I felt. I was a little angry too as I had a big softball game coming up in just three days ! It was the beginning of some very difficult/painful/irregular periods for me. At the age of 32, and a 3rd miscarriage, a hysterectomy was medically necessary for a pre-cancer condition. I was glad to get rid of the "mess" but really struggled with my identity as a woman.