For Mothers Everywhere!

Job: Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations
Pay: None
Start Date: Immediate

This is a little something for all amazing mothers who do what needs to be done everyday :)
Enjoy!

Susan

The Story:
A mother renewing her driver's licence was asked by the woman at the registry to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is," explained the staff member, "Do you have a job or are you just a …?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped the mother. "I'm a Mum." The woman then replied, "Well, we don't list 'Mum' as an occupation but 'housewife' covers it."

I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in a similar situation.

The clerk was obviously a career woman - poised, efficient and possessing a high sounding title like 'Official Interrogator' or 'City Registrar'. She quickly and very sternly asked, "What is your occupation?" What made me reply the way I did? I have no idea but it was great! The words simply popped out and I replied by saying, "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. For her benefit, 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?" Calmly, 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 I 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). The job is more challenging than most run-of-the-mill careers, the rewards are more of 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 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 (my six-month-old baby) in the child development program. She was testing out a new vocal pattern. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! I had gone on the official records as someone more distinguished and indispensable to mankind than 'just another Mum'.

Motherhood! What a glorious career! Especially when there's a title on the door. I wouldn’t change jobs ... ever!