JUST A MOM?

A woman, renewing her driver’s license at the RTO
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 clerk,
‘do you have a job or are you just a ...?’

‘Of course I have a job,’ snapped the woman.
‘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 own RTO Office.

The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, ‘Official Interrogator’ or ‘Registrar.’

‘What is your occupation?’ she probed.

What made me say it ? I do not know.
The words simply popped out.

‘I am 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 pronouncement was written, in bold, black ink on the official questionnaire.

‘Might I ask,’ said the clerk with new interest,
‘just what do 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, (first the God
and then 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 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 outside, 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 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 Mom.’
Motherhood! What a glorious career!
Especially when there is a title on the door.

Think about our Moms and their career at Home !!
‘We need to SALUTE these new specialists in
Child Development & Human Relations’