Dear Kelly,

Christmas is on the horizon and I would love some ideas from you. I have to be on the road over the Christmas holidays as I have a dedicated run and these are the concessions I agreed to in order to get this run. My wife will be home alone and I want to do something special for her.

She’s been so supportive of me taking this job. Our son is grown and has a family of his own in another province, so this will be a lonely year for her. What can I do to make it special for her?

On the road for Christmas

Dear On the road for Christmas,

Two big things come to mind immediately if you can manage it. Take her on the road with you over the holidays or give her a plane ticket to visit your son and his family. Both these ideas are big and would take some planning, but they could make for a wonderful holiday for her if it is something she would enjoy.

Some other things I could suggest are:

* Leave little gifts, notes or trinkets hidden all over the house. During the time you are away, ask her to go and look in these places one at a time and she will find these treasures you left for her;

* Encourage her to make plans with friends. The holidays can be just as much about friends as family;

* Call her as often as you can if she wants;

* If you have a video camera, put on a Santa hat and make a short video for her to watch. Sing silly holiday songs and tell her you love her. I think it would be safe to say that she just may watch it all year round when you are on the road!

* Plan for a Christmas Day celebration when you get home. Invite friends and family and cook yourself a big dinner or spend it quietly with just the two of you.

Most of these things are completely dependent about how your wife feels, and what she would like to do at that time. Sit and ask her how she feels about being alone and ask her what you can do for her. Sometimes just hearing that you care is the greatest gift of all!

Kelly

*

Dear Kelly,

My boyfriend and I have been together for over three years and I have never been in the truck with him. He has asked me to go with him for a few days and to be honest; I have no interest in sitting in that truck, days on end while holding my bladder.

I have complete respect for what he does, and admire him greatly for doing this job, but I just can’t bring myself to look forward to this. Please don’t get me wrong, I am extremely excited about being with him and getting to spend some time away with him.

I am going to go with him, and I really, truly want to make the best of it. He’s so proud of what he does and I want him to know that I am proud of him too. I have started to pack but, please tell me what I can take with me that will make it easier!

Reluctant

Dear Reluctant,

Being confined in the cab of a truck for long periods isn’t for everyone, so don’t feel bad.

You are certainly not the only one who doesn’t relish the thought of being cooped up in the truck. I have spoken with so many women who have travelled with their husbands. Some completely love it, some don’t mind it and some don’t like it at all. Here are a few things that can make life in a confined space more livable.

The one thing that the women seem to all agree on, are baby wipes. Other personal care items may include: flip flops for the shower; towel and facecloth; toilet paper; shampoo; soap; deodorant; feminine supplies and other items that you use on a daily basis.

If you take medication, don’t forget that too! To keep yourself busy when you are bored, bring movies if there is a TV/VCR or DVD player in the truck, books, word search or crossword puzzle books, handheld video games, phone numbers for your friends if you have a cell phone. (Don’t forget the car charger.) To help remember the trip, bring a camera, video camera, maybe even a journal for the trip. Other items you may want to have are plastic bags for laundry, change for vending machines, sunglasses, snacks, gum, antacids, pain medication, hair ties or bands and comfortable clothing. Try to keep it simple and compact.

Oh yes, one more thing. Take along a pair of work gloves, you may find yourself getting into the “trucking” thing! Have fun!

Kelly

– I welcome your questions and comments. I will try to answer as many questions as I can here.Feel free to send me an email at column@atruckerswife.com or snail mail at: Dear Kelly, PO Box 183 Stn. F, Winnipeg, Man., R2L 1M0.