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TAGGED : ask mary jo

Trying to make sense of hate

Q. Will you please use my question in your column? I want to know why some people are so hateful about Pride. Let me explain. This is personal to me. My big brother is gay. He’s not only my big brother, he’s my best friend. See, I had leukemia when I was 7. Technically, I still have it, but ...

Memorial Day more than picnics

Q. Good morning and Happy Memorial Day. Why did my gramps get mad at me? I woke up this morning and went to his place like I do just about every day off from school, and I said good morning like always and then I said I was upset because my mom has to work so we’re not having a picnic for ...

Weigh pros, cons before taking gap year

Q. I think I want to take a gap year. I worked hard in high school, especially since 10th grade. My grades are great, and I got into my first-choice college. My family is happy, my teachers are proud, you know the drill. But I’m exhausted. Before you ask, no it’s not that I want to forego ...

Adults share memories of puberty

Last week’s column about periods inspired comments. Here are a few: Comment 1: I so appreciated your column about periods. I’m nearly 69 and I still remember my confusion and embarrassment when I started my period at school in 6th grade. I wanted the earth to open up and swallow me. I ...

Periods are part of growing up

Q. Why don’t I have a period yet? I live with my gram, and she’s old so I can’t ask her. My friend goes to a different school than me and they had a class in school about periods, but my school doesn’t. I have so many questions? Why do people have periods anyway? My friend says they ...

Mom anxious about young teen taking hormones

Q. I have a problem. Since my periods started two years ago, they’ve gotten worse and worse. My cramps are often unbearable. I’m in a lot of pain at least 3-4 days each cycle. I told my pediatrician at my yearly exam and she suggested to my mom that she take me to a gynecologist. My mom got ...