Just A Mom?

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 myselfin 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 (1 Girl & 3 Boys). 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 shecompleted 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 14, 11, and 8. Upstairs I could hear our new experimental model,(My 4 Year Old) 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.'

Have A Wonderful Life With Your New Title Because Your Not Just A Mom Anymore!