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 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 (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 about 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 -- 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 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.”
The above is an email I received today from my friend, Peggy. I wish every mother, grandmother and aunt a Happy Mother’s Day and ask that God bless you for your career choice and all that it means. Charlotte and Ginger host Spiritual Sundays and we thank God for these two moms who not only nurture their own children but all of us who read their blog posts filled with inspiration and love for us.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28
"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, 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 (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 about 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 -- 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 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.”
The above is an email I received today from my friend, Peggy. I wish every mother, grandmother and aunt a Happy Mother’s Day and ask that God bless you for your career choice and all that it means. Charlotte and Ginger host Spiritual Sundays and we thank God for these two moms who not only nurture their own children but all of us who read their blog posts filled with inspiration and love for us.
Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Proverbs 31:28
I'm so glad I was able to come by and read this...touching!
ReplyDeleteThank you Piles of Smiles; my beautiful sister for sharing this with us and I pray a beautiful MOTHER'S DAY for you! You are very special to the LORD!
I also pray a blessed Mother's Day for your daughter.
I've not been on blogs much lately so making my rounds. I hope I've not missed something with you but know that I'm praying for you and your family. Love ya!
Oh, I love that sister Mary! Being a mom now, I think being this Research Associate :)is the hardest occupation of all. Happy Mother's Day sister and God bless you and your daughters, too!!!!Love to you.
ReplyDeleteI love this! Motherhood (and Grandmotherhood) is all those things and more, isn't it?LOL! But what grand rewards.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day Friend!
Mary, this is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHappy Mother's Day to you and also to Carrie.
I can't wait to see you next week.
Love and hugs,
Debbie
Mary, I have read this before, in fact I believe I put it in one of the church bulletins one year. It pretty much sums up all our jobs and then some. I think every mom out there would agree with what was written. Thank you for sharing and wishing you a wonderful Mothers Day weekend.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Sandi
GReat stuff. I used to say I was a "Home Executive"...much the same job description although I was never that eloquent with words.
ReplyDeleteHappy Mom's day to you sweet lady!
Oh Mary, what a great post. I love your title. I think it says it all. I hope you have a very Blessed and Happy Mother's Day. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeletethis is a great post...great thoughts. Motherhood...training the next generation...hardest job...no days off...no holidays....no 6 figure paycheques...but the rewards are some of the best...Happy Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteCute. Women who stay home and raise their kids (or grandkids) deserve all the respect they can get. Happy Mother's Day to a well-educated, highly experienced and talented individual. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for touching my heart. I love you. Have a beautiful Mother's Day.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! I hope you have a lovely Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness . . . I love this post!!! Today's moms have to do it all . . . but my heart goes out to those that place their family before career, material gain and status.
ReplyDeleteBless you Mary for sharing. Happy Mother's Day.
Your sister in Christ,
Bren
Oh I loved this story!! An inspiration to all that there is no such thing as, "just a mother."
ReplyDeleteKeep on giving out your professional status, you have earned it well.
Have a Happy Mothers Day and may God richly bless you always.
Mary:
ReplyDeleteI just love that! I wish I could think that fast in those situations. I would never come up with all of those words, and yet they are all so true!!
Here's to all of us... mothers, grandmothers and all the ones who nurture, love, help, teach, etc....I think we're quite a group!
Happy Mothers Day!
Sonja
This is beautiful, Mary!
ReplyDeleteMay you have a blessed and happy Mother's Day.
This is an awesome email I just love! Thank-you for sharing it today, I will have to share it with some loved ones.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Happy Mother's Day,
Ginger
Oh I LOVE this! It is great. I will be sharing this with others who are "just moms"....God bless and Happy Mother's Day!
ReplyDeleteThe richest of my life experiences, as well as the blessings & memories they wrought, are forever bound to my children and grandchildren. Is there anything better than mothering?
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to our Wednesday together with Debbie. We can all mother each other a bit!
Hugs,
Kathleen
Oh, how perfect ... Gotta love that gal's spunk!
ReplyDeleteWishing you and all your loved ones a heart-warming Mother's Day!
Love ya,
Myra
Very nice dear. Thank you for sharing. Blessings.
ReplyDeleteWonderful post! Happy Mother's Day!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is priceless. Thank you so much for sharing.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and Happy Mother's Day.
Charlotte
This is awesome that you wrote this...earlier I wrote something in regards to never placing these two words in the same sentence...'just' and 'mom'...awesome! You are beautiful..and happy mother's day!!!! I love your post...we have such a beautiful title and we get to be called, "Mom", "Mommy" and "Mother"!!!!
ReplyDeleteLove you so very much my smiling friend. Happy Mother's Day weekend to you and your family. My prayers continue to be said for all of you.
ReplyDeleteI really should be in bed. This is the latest I've stayed up in a long time...not good for the Fibromyalgia.
Big Hugs,
Alleluiabelle
It's really 2:44 A.M. our time.
ReplyDeleteGood night Mary!
Alleluiabelle
Hey Mary!!
ReplyDeleteI loved this post....WOW, didn't know I was a RACDHR working on my MA!! Honestly, I'm completely satisfied with MOM!!
Praying that you had a blessed Mothers Day!
I've been out of the bloggy loop for a while but things are somewhat settling down now and I hope to get back in the groove! Hopefully things will return to normal here....whatever that is?! Still hope to meet you for coffee sometime!!!
Praying for you and yours!
Luv, Hugs and Sweet Blessings!
Jackie
Thank you Piles of Smiles
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