JUST A MOM?
A woman, renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk 's office, was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.
She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
'What I mean is, ' explained the recorder,
'do you have a job or are you just a ...?'
'Of course I have a job,' snapped the woman.
'I'm a Mom.'
'We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation,
'housewife' covers it,' Said the recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised,
efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like,
'Official Interrogator' or 'Town Registrar.'
'What is your occupation?' she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.
'I'm a Research Associate in the field of
Child Development and Human Relations.'
The clerk paused, ball-point pen frozen in midair and
looked up as though she had not heard right.
I repeated the title slowly emphasizing the most significant words.
Then I stared with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.
'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest,
'just what you do in your field?'
Coolly, without any trace of fluster in my voice,
I heard myself reply,
'I have a continuing program of research,
(what mother doesn't)
In the laboratory and in the field,
(normally I would have said indoors and out).
I'm working for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (all daughters).
Of course, the job is one of the most demanding in the humanities, (any mother care to disagree?)
and I often work 14 hours a day, (24 is more like it).
But the job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers and the rewards are more of a satisfaction rather than just money.'
There was an increasing note of respect in the clerk's voice as she completed the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.
As I drove into our driveway, buoyed up by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3.
Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,
(a 6 month old baby) in the child development program, testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!
And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mom.'
Motherhood!
What a glorious career!
Saturday, May 10, 2008
Happy Mother's Day
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4 comments:
My Aunt sent this to me and I thought it was a perfect sentiment for all of us! Regardless of the other work we do, I think we can all agree that our most important (and most difficult) job is that of raising good, kind, productive members of society. So far, this is working out pretty well! I know I couldn't do it without all of you! You are all Extraordinary MOTHERS! Happy Mother's Day!
Love,
Adria
I really like that but I had better run because I hear my experimental model getting into trouble. (if you call trouble, going outside naked without supervision)
I have been studying the patterns of sleeping and not sleeping through the night, and with and without nurishment (bottle) I call this the Sleep Lab!
You guys are hilarious! Adria thank you for posting that! I love it and can't wait for Jarrod to get home so I can read this to him! My deaf experimental models give me gray hair as they talk so LOUD. But I find it exhilarating that they CAN talk.Adria can probably hear them from her kitchen! But I must press on and observe and make notes -uh, except the bad words that come out- those will be classified!
Mare
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