A childhood belief about periods

I had never been told about periods. So when i started I had no idea what it was, and I was scared.. I was putting
toilet paper in my underpants.. after a couple days it was from a darkish color to a redish. Once I realized it was
blood I thought I was bleeding to death. I was scared and
didnt want to tell my mom I was going to die! Well after a few days it was worse and I didnt FEEL sick... so I told
her there was blood in my pants.. she shoved me in the
bathroom with a sanitary pad and a sanitart belt (showing my age here) I had no idea what they were
or for.... but I figured it out.. and I didnt know all girls did this, it was never explained to me. I was only 12.. I guess in a few years I learned. It still makes me shake my head.