Over-the-road fathers face unique challenges when it comes to keeping in touch with family, and the time away from home can hurt a little extra during the holiday season. This is traditionally a time to get together with family, share traditions and make memories. Unfortunately, as drivers, it is often not possible to be home for the holidays. Good Dads spoke with Prime driver Charles Smith, who provided some valuable insights into the life of a father and grandfather who works on the road.
Charles Smith, a Family Man
Charles is a father of six (in Charles’ family, there is no such thing as “stepkid”) and a grandfather of nine. He’s also seen as an uncle to all of his friends’ kids. Much of Charles’ life is full of children, and he says it is one of the biggest joys of his life. In fact, he and his wife Elisabeth are beginning their foster care journey in 2024.
“Family is so important to me,” Charles said. “When I married my wife, it was important that I found a partner who my kids could look up to, and she is just that.”
“Never turn down an opportunity to see your family.”
With so many family and friends, many of whom are spread across the country in California, Arizona, and Missouri, Charles does what he can to stay in touch with loved ones.
“It’s about doing what you can to stay in touch,” he said. “Carve out the time and make sure you’re there for the important moments—the graduations, the plays, etc. Never turn down an opportunity to see your family.”
When Charles is on the road, he makes the most of every opportunity when his route intersects with a family or friend’s home. His children and grandchildren also know that they can call him at any time. His grandson Richie calls him so often, that when there was a lull between his calls, Charles began to worry. When Charles called Richie’s parents to check in on him, it turned out little Richie had gotten himself in trouble and his phone taken away!
Richie could be heard in the background of the phone call, hollering, “Hey Grandpa!” Charles laughed as he told the story and it was clear how much he loves his grandchildren. Without frequent phone calls like Richie’s, Charles would have missed out on some of these memorable moments.
“If you wait for them to call, they won’t.”
The biggest piece of advice Charles has for Prime drivers is to be the one to make the call.
“Take the initiative to connect,” he said. “If you wait for them to call, they won’t. So make the phone call, the FaceTime, whatever you have to do to stay in touch. Be there when you can and make the best of your time while you’re there.”
Time with Family during the Holidays
Throughout the entire year, it’s important to follow Charles’ guidance to maintain a strong connection with your family. However, this becomes even more crucial during the holiday season.
Spending the holidays with family is a big deal for Charles, but that doesn’t necessarily mean he has to be home for Christmas. Charles says that it’s all about making the best of your time when you’re with family, no matter the date of the year.
“Holidays are a big deal with my family,” Charles said. “But if I can’t be around for Christmas, then we celebrate on Three Kings Day to make up for anything that was missed. I do the same with my friends because, to me, my wife and I’s friends are family too. Whenever we have the opportunity to get together, we celebrate.”
“Whenever we have the opportunity to get together, we celebrate.”
Charles provided an excellent tactic to make the holidays special with your family: Celebrate on a different day! Whether it is December 25th or January 6th, you can still enjoy the same family traditions. Holidays are special, but it’s not the day of the year that matters; it’s the company you spend time with.
“It’s all about making the most of your time while you’re at home,” Charles said.
To recap, here are some tactics that Charles provided that will help you stay in touch with your family over the holidays:
- Be the one to make the call.
- Always be accessible via phone call or FaceTime.
- Never turn down an opportunity to see family.
- Make the most of your time when you are together.
- Celebrate the holidays when you can, no matter the date of the year.
Charles wants to wish Prime Good Dads readers happy “haul-idays” and encourages them to connect with their family by taking the initiative to make the phone call. This season can be a busy one, but family should always be a priority.
