How Fly-In-Fly-Out workers can make Mother’s Day special for their Mum or partners from afar.
Kirsty shares her tips on how your Mum or partner can still feel spoilt, valued and special even if you are away for Mothers Day.
When she was interviewing people to share their stories in her book, she came across a particularly thoughtful FIFO worker –
“My closest friend Gail works with a lady whose partner works two weeks away and one week home. During one of his swings away, her daughter became ill and was hospitalised for a few days.
One morning after a very stressful week, she was talking to her partner on Skype and he asked if there was anything he could do, anything at all. She jokingly said, “you can cook dinner tonight.” They both laughed.
That night after she got home from work, there was a knock at the door at 6 p.m. She walked to the door wondering who would be there at that time of the evening. She opened the door, and to her surprise, there stood the Domino’s pizza delivery boy with dinner—organised by her partner.
We can all think outside of the box, listen to our partner’s needs and not be limited by FIFO.”
Excerpt From: “SEPARATED BY WORK.”
Take a moment to think about what your partner or Mum really likes. What is happening when you notice that they are feeling the most loved and appreciated? Is it flowers, is it things done for them, is it thoughtful gifts, is it giving freely of your time and attention, or is it just taking time to affirm how grateful you are for all they do? Is it a couple or all of these?
When you identify those, you have discovered the most meaningful way to say ‘I love and appreciate you’ to your parenter or Mum.
Kirsty’s top tips on giving from afar –
– Make it meaningful to your partner.
– Remember that this is all about them.
– Be original and thoughtful.
– Be prepared – don’t leave it till the last minute.
Mix it up. For example: call or Skype in the morning whilst you are holding a plate of eggs on toast and a flower as if you were serving her breakfast, have a gift arriving pre-organised with a friend, and get dinner delivered, or have a special container pre-frozen in the freezer that you cooked that wasn’t to be touched until Mother’s day evening.
Happy Mothers Day to all you amazing Mums. “Love is not limited by distance or miles – Love is enhanced by connection and smiles.” – Kirsty O’Callaghan