Monday

Gearing up for Mothers Day....

I'm Just a Mother? --- Excuse Me!
A few years ago, when I was picking up the children at school, another mother I knew well rushed up to me.  Emily was fuming with indignation.
"Do you know what you and I are?" she demanded.
Before I could answer and I didn't really have one handy...she blurted out the reason for her question.  It seemed she had just returned from renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office.  Asked by the woman recorder to state her occupation, Emily had 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 Emily.  "I'm a mother."
"We don't list 'mother' 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 am 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 (the whole darned family) and already have three credits (two girls and a boy)!"
"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 and 7.  Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model (6 months) in the child-development
program, testing out a new vocal pattern.
I felt triumphant!  I had scored a beat on bureaucracy!  And I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and dispensable to mankind than 'just another mother.'
Motherhood ... what a glorious career.  Especially when there's a title on the door.
 Whether a stay at home Mom or a career Mom, we should all carry this title.
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.
And what do you do for a living?

I'm linking up to "Are You Gifted @ Mrs. Clause 



8 comments:

Patricia @ 9th and Denver said...

Hi- I am an associate of yours.

I am a Developmental Engineer. I make small motors for tricycles. And am now in the second phase of my studies- With Training Staff on all levels who are continuing their own research on the outcome of tricycle motors with new improved models. We have two new model rolling out this summer. One due in June and one in August.
That was fun!

Your story is great- chalk one up for Mothers everywhere.

Sandy said...

Oh "casual" I just love it!!!
Great position you have!
I too have two new models rolling out in June and August also!! Nephews!
thanks for stopping by....
Sandy

Jennifer said...

Lovely!The greatest job in the world!
Jennifer aka Gigi
a senior Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations!

Unknown said...

What a wonderful story! :) Thanks for sharing!

The Stylish House said...

Sandy,
This is eloquent, witty; hit the nail on the head perfect! You must submit this to Good Housekeeping, Reader’s Digest, Redbook & Woman’s World. Be sure to include author to your impressive résumé.
Cathy

The Stylish House said...

Sandy,
I'm adding your button to my sidebar and thank you for displaying mine.
Cathy

Cottage Dreamers said...

Love it! Love it! Love it!!!
☺ Celeste

Sandra Burns said...

Thanks for joining in the fun AND good luck!!

http://likeChristmaseverysingleday.blogspot.com

Winner announced June 1st.