Dear Rose # 16 - Aunty Emma

Rose is an amalgam of us - women in their 40s, 50s, 60s and beyond who are looking for somewhere they are seen, heard and listened to.

Dear Rose,

There were moments last night when it felt like Barney was nestled up against my leg just like the old days. Then an arm would get flung in my face and I’d realise it was my almost 4-year-old nephew having his first sleepover. And his sister and her other brother—two in the bed with me and one on a mattress on the floor.

My Apple Watch says I got three hours' sleep. My body reckons it must’ve been about three minutes. Oh, remember those days when you could have three hours' sleep and head off for work the next day? I’m just glad it’s a long weekend and I’ve got an extra day for recovery.

In the depths of the night, I realised I’d skipped all my nightly routines to get everyone into bed—my meditation, washing my face, journalling. And I kind of did an internal eye roll when I thought about expecting anyone with primary school-aged kids to get some “rest.” (My sincere and utter apologies if that’s been you.)

But all of it—the missed routines and the 2 am kick in the ribs—is worth it to hear my niece say it’s been the “best day ever” (even though she fell off the trampoline) and to unlock these memories with some of the most precious people in the world to me.

Love, Em xx