Just a Mom? by Anonymous

Just a Mom? by Anonymous

A woman, renewing her driver’s license at the County Clerk ‘s office,
Was asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation.

The woman 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,”
responded 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
she 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, (or more precisely, my Master–G-d above!)
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 come more from satisfaction than financial compensation.”

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 victory over 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!

4 comments

  1. really sweet 🙂
    now let’s just hope for the day when we don’t have to call mothers by any other name but can be proud to say we are full-time mothers, knowing that society respects and honors us…well we can hope 😉

  2. rachel pavlov

    just fantastic you had me almost on the floor very cool indeed

  3. o how i loved it!!! i would add to my definition” reseach associate”in nutritional program since i spend half of my time in the kitchen or searching for menus that fit everyone!!
    thank you

  4. Love this!!

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