Not Just A Mum

[martymas]

hi team i asked the lady who sent this story if she had any tips for dads

marty

'm not just a Mom......

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A woman named Emily renewing her driver's license at the DMV office was asked

by the clerk to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to

classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the clerk, "do you have a job, or are

you just a .....?

"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' as an occupation. 'Housewife' covers it," said the clerk

emphatically.

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same

situation, this time at our local police station. 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, 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 bloody family), and already have Three credits, (2 daughters and a son). 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 girl's voice as she completed

the form, stood up, and personally ushered me to the door.

When I got home, buoyed by my glamorous new career, I was greeted by my lab

assistants--ages 5, and 4. Upstairs, I could hear our new experimental

model, (a 22-month-old baby), in the child-development program, testing out a new

vocal pattern. I felt I had triumphed over 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."

[blim]

Love it!!! I now have a new title to throw around......if I can remember it

Thanks, Marty,

Liz

[echobay]

Hey marty ...Thanks for sharing that.

It's got this bittersweet thing going on... Thought provoking!

[Vile_DR]

Hey marty ...Thanks for sharing that.

It's got this bittersweet thing going on... Thought provoking!

Yup