Happy Mother’s Day! An interview with a Go West Mum.

Mother’s Day is upon us! That’s right, it’s a day to pamper and show your Mum the love and appreciation she deserves! To celebrate this special day at Go West, we got in touch with Barbara to find out what our Reservations Manager Jess was really like as a child.

Barbara was born in a small country town called Myrtleford, situated in Victoria’s Alpine area. Her mother of English background and Father, Italian. It wasn’t long until the family moved closer to Melbourne and built their family home in Mornington. Barbara spent her child hood in this beautiful area of the peninsula until moving out of home with her husband at 21. Since then, together they have built two houses using her father’s carpentry skills and had two children.

What is the most rewarding part about being a mother?
The most rewarding part of being a mother is seeing my children happy. A smile on their face lights up my world.

What is your biggest pet peeve about being a parent?
My biggest peeve, hmmmmm where do I start………more wine please!

What is guaranteed to make your child smile?
What puts a smile on Jess’ face is definitely our dogs Cody & Coco!

5 Words that describe your child?
Beautiful, Loving, Committed, Intelligent, Emotional

Tell us what Jess was like as a child? Any standout memories from her childhood?
Jess as a child, loved every minute we spent on holidays at Anglesea, especially the beach and surf. She was a creative child and a dedicated student, always committed to doing her very best. She loves music and chose to learn the piano, saxophone and guitar. There are too many standout moments to mention. Every milestone, every challenge that she has conquered, funny moments and academic achievements are all standouts to me.

How do you like to spend time together nowadays?
We now like to spend time together shopping and lunching, but our annual Anglesea family holiday is still my favourite way to share time together.

 Any special advice for Jess when the time comes for her to be a Mum?
The only advice I would like to give Jess if and when she becomes a mother is to enjoy every minute. Motherhood is a journey of learning and is a special gift.

On a scale of one to ten, how challenging was it to raise Jess compared with your other kids?
No rating, every child has its challenges.

And now for the other side of the story… Meet Jess, Go West Tours’ awesome Reservations Manager!

What are the unique qualities that make your Mum special?
My Mum has so many qualities that I aspire to. She is very compassionate, loving, caring and creative.She is one of my best friends and can talk about anything, which I believe is incredibly important. Mum has so much tolerance, and even when she doesn’t agree with something, she selflessly supports both myself and my brother.

A unique quality my mum has is her ‘crafting’ abilities. Mum has handmade many quilts over the years and are a true form of art. She loves all manner of sewing, cross-stitch and patchwork. She even participates in retreats every year with hundred’s of other ladies in various parts of Victoria!

Jess, how has your Mum influenced you in becoming the person you are today?
Mum has taught me to be patient, something which doesn’t come easily to me! Mum’s always been a hard worker & never complains when overwhelmed with responsibility. She’s shown me how to multitask, cope with stress & be a strong woman, although I could never be as strong as she! I don’t think I could ever be as selfless as my Mum, but I certainly try. She’s loved by everyone she meets & is a truly wonderful person!

How do you like to spend time together nowadays?
We love shopping together and going out for lunch. I would agree with Mum, the best time we spend together is one our annual family holiday to Anglesea! Were also happy to simply have a meal at home and spend time with our two dogs.

What makes your mum the best in the world?
Every mum is special, but I couldn’t have asked for a better role model. Mum cooks a meal for the family every night and we sit down together to eat, so many families don’t do this anymore! I certainly miss this now I have moved out of home. I went through a lot of stress in high school and Mum was there for me every step of the way. Providing advice (which I sometimes hated!) and unconditional support.

Even the most awkward of topics are not so for us and we laugh at everything together.