It’s not what you may be thinking. This isn’t about sleep interrupted due to clocks changing or my dogs whining – those could be and would be true often. However, this is about sleeping with one eye open. Not wanting to miss the text, call or alarm.
This happens sometimes when we have an early morning flight and you want to be sure you don’t miss the 3 am alarm, so you go to sleep early, but you barely sleep because you are so aware that you might miss the alarm. So you “sleep” with one eye open.
Last night, we were waiting for our son to return from his trip to Disney. The bus was slated to return to the High School at 1 am. Already not a great return time. But the weather had other plans with heavy rain and high winds and of course, the flight was delayed and didn’t land until 1:30 am. And of course, by then, the airport staff was limited and they waited another 2 hours to deplane and finally get their bags. Then another hour back to the High School. Between 9:00 PM (original departing time) and 3:30 am there was a steady stream of pings coming in via text. Updates.
My husband and I both had our phones next to the bed, full volume up. And so, with each text, a new ping or ring, and, of course, sleep, interrupted. He’s home safe now. Picked up at 4:30 am at the High School by my husband, who is now sleeping (at 10 am) – sleep, uninterrupted.
schoolinspirations 
Erin Cosenza said,
March 10, 2024 at 2:15 pm
This sounds awful!! But important, too. I’m happy your son is home safely and I hope he, like your husband, is still sleeping uninterrupted.
shfruit said,
March 10, 2024 at 6:56 pm
What a night! I am sure even worse due to time change. I hope tonight is a better night of sleep for you.
carolannclark said,
March 10, 2024 at 9:13 pm
Yes! The sleeping with one eye open that you describe is all too familiar. I hope you sleep well tonight.
Melanie White said,
March 10, 2024 at 11:30 pm
Oh my goodness, this is so familiar and I noticed the way you recreated the tension through description. That middle paragraph has transitions that keep the reader going, waiting for the next complication, and then, you end with some humour and a reference back to the title – a lovely slice of writing!