By Author Unknown
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".
Now while I think that story is fun I do think it is sad that many people misunderstand what being just a mom is and need fancy names for it to respect the job moms do. As I was looking for the story posted above I ran across a post with a similar idea that was sparking debate in the Facebook community where people are posting the following quote.
"You're just a mom??
Some moms were very offended that we would need to claim all these titles and argued that we don't qualify for these titles because we do not do them proffessionally or get paid for them. For others the idea of looking at all those things we do on a daily basis helps them remember what a complex job they do and I think that is great.
I believe that being just a mom is awesome! I also believe that it should not be that hard to be appreciated for being a mom. After all every person on earth is here today for just one reason they had a mom that carried therm in her womb and delivered them. Perhaps you had the best mom ever or perhaps you feel you had the worst. Maybe you never knew your mom or there are just somethings you wish you could change about her, but you are here. I have to say that I have always loved my Mom but my appreciation for her snowballs for every day I that I am a mom. I don't think I will ever appreciate her properly until I am a grandmother myself.
I want to say a thank you to every mom out there. Your job is the most important one out there. If someone does not understand that is o.k. Anyone who is a mom, has stepped in to fill that roll, supports a mom, or appreciates their mom knows at least some of what you do. Lets stand together and build each other up not tear each other down. I want to share my journey of being a mom with you. I want to share the big and the small moments that have helped me. I hope they will help you too.
Best wishes on wherever your journey takes you.
Harmony
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