Amie Rohan talks grief, joy, and everything in between on Mother’s Day
Seven years on from her first Mother’s Day — which was overshadowed by tragedy — Amie Rohan takes a different meaning from the celebration of motherhood.
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For Amie Rohan, Mother’s Day is underpinned by the “ebb and flow that is grief and joy”.
Her first Mother’s Day was a “sombre” occasion overshadowed by the death of her baby Willow with ex-husband and former Geelong footballer Gary Rohan.
Not even the joy from the safe arrival of Willow’s twin sister Bella could shake the “bittersweet” feeling that lingered in the air for months.
However, time has helped her to heal.
On Sunday, Ms Rohan will celebrate with partner Jaison Todd and children Bella, Sadie, and Archie.
She said the meaning of Mother’s Day had changed over the years.
“It was a hard day but it has definitely evolved and I see a lot more beauty in it the more years that pass and more kids I have,” she said.
“It’s becoming more of a reflective day rather than feeling sad and sorry she isn’t here.”
That’s not to say that she doesn’t still get emotional.
“I was an absolute wreck last year reading the cards … I was bawling my eyes out,” Ms Rohan said.
“You’re kids are obviously grateful for everything you do for them everyday but it’s still special.”
Ms Rohan said Mother’s Day had also changed her perspective on her own mother’s achievements.
“I feel like as you get older … you become a lot more aware,” she said.
“When I was younger I was like ‘Mother’s Day is about celebrating mum’, but as I’ve grown up … I’ve started to reflect more.
“My mum’s mum passed away when she was quite young … so I think Mother’s Day took on a different meaning the older I got and the more I realised she’s done everything without having a mother to guide her through all the things you need mums for.”
The shift in perspective gives reason to be more grateful, Ms Rohan said.
“I can’t imagine becoming a mum without having my mum and she did all that on her own,” she said.
After three birthdays in three weeks in her household, Ms Rohan just wants to “have a day off” on Sunday.
“The mum role is constant; I feel like I’ve been drowning in life at the moment and the constant demand it has on you,” she said.
“Just for one day (I’d like to) not race out of bed before everyone else to get my early morning coffee and peace and quiet … the little stuff.”
Originally published as Amie Rohan talks grief, joy, and everything in between on Mother’s Day
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