Just A Mom?

[katcarasella]

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 situ ation, this time at our own Town Hall.
The Cler k 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 mid air 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 labora tory 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 o ld 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! Especially when there's a title on the door.


Does this make grandmothers
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations'

And

great grandmothers
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'
I think so!!!

I also think it makes Aunts '

Associate Research Assistants.'

Please send this to another Mom,
Grandmother,
Aunt,

And other friends you know.

May your troubles be less,

Your blessing be more,

And nothing but happiness come through your door!

AMEN!!

[DianaB]

Yes, finally I have a title!!!!! It's .......ummm.........whatever she said!!!!!!! Yay!!!

[Janet]

That was really cute Kat!! I liked that alot.

[AngieDoogles]

Cute.

[Janet]

I'm just posting again so it doesn't keep coming up when I hit new posts...LOL

[AngieDoogles]

Hey Janet, guess what? It's on top again.

[Janet]

Thank you Angie...LOL. It's okay today..I just kept hitting 'new posts' last night and a couple just kept coming up so thought I'd let them come up for someone else...LOL

[HALEY]

I loved that, first time i read this, wonderful, i have two titles now. i have to e-mail that one to my girlfriends and sister, good one...

[Emmsmom]

Only a mom can truly appreciate this poem! I am going to have to print this one out and stick it on my fridge!