Just a Mom?
A women, renewing her driver's licence, was asked by the women at Registry to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
'What I mean is,' explained the woman at the registry, '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. The clerk was obviously a career women, poised, efficient,and possessed of a high sounding title like, 'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar.'
'What is your occupation?' she probed.
What made me say it? I do not know. They 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 started with wonder as my pronouncement was written, in bold black in on official questionnaire.
'Might I ask,' said the clerk with new interest, 'just what do 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 the field, (normally I would have said indoors and out)I'm working for for my Masters, (first the Lord and then the whole family) and already have four credits (four 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 the 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-- age 13,7,and 3. Upstairs I could here 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!
Especially when there's a title on the door.
