Not Just a Mom

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Not "Just a Mom"
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A woman named Emily 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 Emily. "I'm a mother."

"We don't list 'mother' 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, ballpoint 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 darned 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 triumphant! 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 mother."

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".