Monday, May 18, 2009

Finally a Name!!!

(this was an email sent to me today)

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 m 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 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, 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.'

Is anyone out there so busy that your head feels like it is going to fall off?


Me too!

15 coments:

Kristina P. said...

What a great email and lesson!

samiam said...

I love the name!! AWESOME and totally true!

Melissa said...

That was awesome! There really isnt anything like a mom. You cannot compare it to any other job out there. It is the best JOB in the world. I just really loved that story...thank you! I feel so lucky to be able to be a mother!!

Tara D. said...

What a great title! And so true...

Melissa P said...

I love your title. I haven't even looked at a blog for about a week. That is a great attitude. I think we all need to look at it that way.

Trish said...

That is simply awesome. Love it!!!

Jamie said...

There are days I am not sure my head is even attached!! I love this new title we have how perfectly fitting. Great poast!!!

hoLLy said...

you are awesome. period.

Shelle-BlokThoughts said...

I got that one also... I LOVE it!!! Thanks for the reminder!

shauna said...

My career is about to get A LOT busier. School gets out this week. I have high hopes of being a great summer mother. I wonder if I will get a raise?

Jan said...

No doubt Devri. I think that is a great name. I love the lesson too. Mothers rock the castle.

Aquaspce said...

LOVE IT!

Suzanne said...

Loved this post! I agree wholeheartedly.

Cynthia said...

That's certainly true. I always find myself hesitating at that question because I used to have the socially impressive answer to it but gave it up to be 'just another Mom'.

islandgirl said...

You're brilliant, and that you had the guts to pull that off, even more amazing!