To all Mommies


Some days I have to admit that I get a bit frustrated with the fact that I repeat so many things over and over again. For instance, picking up clothes off the floor, emptying the trash cans, cooking and cleaning the kitchen and not to mention going after my three precious little ones trying to teach them all about cleaning up after themselves, after all I'm raising three individuals I hope one day will be productive, independent and self reliant. This can really get to me and there are days I wish I sat in a office and worked using a degree making a great income BUT then I realize that I can and will have that some day and that this is all temporary.
When I received this email today, I have to admit that I teared up and really wanted to share it with everyone. I've been there before feeling really disrespected and also disrespecting my own role. Weather you've stayed at home raising children, are a part time or full time mother we have all been faced with the role of a stay at home motherhood and have wanted it and could not financially afford it. It's a constant debate but much respected job in my eyes. Hope you like it and please pass it on when you can.

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the CountyClerk'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 the woman.
"I'm a Mom."

"We don't list 'Mom' 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, 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 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 d isagree?)
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 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's a title on the door.

Evie