One time, while flying with my daughter, she suddenly leaned over and whispered, “Dad, I think I just got my period.” I quickly handed her what I thought was an emergency pad from my bag, and she hurried to the restroom. A few minutes later, the flight attendant came over, looking a bit apologetic, and said, “Sir, your daughter asked if you have a real pad. She said you gave her a liner.” I was instantly embarrassed and turned bright red—I honestly didn’t even know there was a difference between the two!

Thankfully, a kind woman nearby overheard the conversation and offered my daughter her own pad, saving the day. When my daughter came back, she smiled and thanked both of us, then said with a smirk, “Next time, bring both.” That simple moment stuck with me—it was a crash course in understanding a part of life I’d never really thought about before.

Now, I always make sure to carry both a pad and a liner in my bag. It’s funny how little moments like these can teach you so much about being prepared—and about empathy in the most unexpected places.