She Needed Me

And I was there.

Meagan called today. Collect. After I'd accepted the charges, I heard Meagan's voice on the other end. Something was wrong.

"Hi Daddy," she began. "I'm calling you from camp. I have a bit of a problem."

My heart skipped a beat.

"What's the matter, Scout? Is everything alright?"

"Yeah, but I have a little problem. I tried calling Mum but her phone won't accept collect calls."

I felt so relieved that I was home to answer the phone when she called.

"Tell me what's wrong, Meagan. I'll help you."

But she was more than a little reticent. The longer she hesitated, the more concerned I became. I waited impatiently, listening to my breath in the phone.

"Well," she began slowly, "I kinda started my period a little while ago. Remember when I first got it, Dad? And I had to come home from school and I was bleeding so much even Mummy was scared? Remember that?"

"Yes, honey. I remember."

She was feeling more comfortable as she talked openly with me and her speech resumed its normal tempo and trill.

"Well, then everything seemed OK for a couple of months and then I didn't get my period for, like four months."

There was a moment of awkward silence as I took in what she'd said. I sat here gravely nodding my head and waiting for the rest of the story.

"And now, Meagan?"

"Now it's back, Dad. After four months, it's back. With a vengence. And I don't have anything with me. Can you call Mum and ask her to bring me some tampons. I need the super ones, Dad. The super duper ones."

I thought of my friend, Jennefer.
Jenn lives in Orangeville, less than ten minutes from Teen Ranch.

"I'll call Jenn, Meagan. She lives the closest. It would take Mum an hour to get there. Me too. Jenn can buy you what you need and be there in fifteen minutes. How's that?"

She was fine with that and so I hung up the phone and dialed Jenn's number.

"Please be home, Jenn. Please Lord, let her be home. Either her or Jane."

My friends were both at home. They went out immediately and purchased Meagan's feminine products. Then they drove to Teen Ranch, found my girl in bunkhouse #3, and gave her the package.

Fifteen minutes later, my phone rang again. It was Jenn.

"Mission accomplished," she said.

I'm pleased that Meagan called me (and not Scott) when she needed help. And I'm thrilled that I was there for her. Thank you Jenn and Jane! How lucky we are that you live so close to that camp!

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