And your title is?
I just got this in my email and thought it was interesting and knew some of you would enjoy it. Obviously, we don't need for career women or bureaucratic officials to respect us, all that matters is that we are doing right in the sight of God. But, it is sad that so many times the most important job of "mother" is relegated to such a low spot in the eyes of the world.
A few months ago, when I was picking up the children at school, another mother I knew well rushed up to me. Emily was fuming with-indignation. "Do you know what you and I are?" she demanded. Before I could answer, and I didn't really have one handy, she blurted out the reason for her question.
It seemed she had just returned from renewing her driver's license at the County Clerk's office. Asked by the woman Emily had hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself. "What I mean is, "explained the recorder, "Do 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. "And what is you 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 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 pompous 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. I'm working for my Masters (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 in satisfaction rather than 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 (6 months) 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 that "just another mother." Especially when there's a title on the door.
-Author Unknown
posted by Crystal Paine at 10:20 PM
7 Comments:
I received that story in an email last week.It is one of the best descriptions of motherhood that I have read in awhile.The stories I like also decribe how much a mother is worth in pay.
Tammy: It was a good description, wasn't it. And to think, in the world's eyes, I'm JUST a mother. Whoever created that notion must have never been a mother themselves.
I remember when I was younger, I had to fill out things at school that listed my parents occupations. My mom said several times, "I'm not a house wife, I'm not married to my house, I'm a homemaker."
And now, being a mom and homemaker, I can see how much easier it would be to just leave and go to work everday and not deal with things like cleaning, or tantrums. That would be so much easier on me physically...but I wouldn't do it for the world!
Wonderful story!! Very, very true!! It's sad to see that most of the world's view of motherhood as a job occupation is looked down upon.
Sarah: I love your mom's quote. How true!
Serena, it's sad, but I guess how could we expect otherwise? The world does not esteem that which God esteems.
I absolutely loved it! So cool under pressure- now if I could just get those words memorized!
I am a Proud WAHM- mom of 4- site owner of a WAHM site- involved in several direct sales businesses-- but my number one position is being just Mom!
I have been doing a lot of thinking on this subject and just put my thoughts down in a very shorthanded way.
Anyways...what a great joy it is to stay at home: whether or not anyone else sees it!
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