Do you ever have those days when your not sure your doing your job effetively?
I got this note in the mail about a mom.
Subject: Research Associate in the field of Child Development and Human Relations
A woman named Ann 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 ou just a ....? " Of course I have a job,"
snapped Ann. " 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 possesed of a high sounding title like " Office Interrogator" or " Town Registar." " What is your occupation? She proped. 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 mid air, 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 offical questionnaire. " Might I ask," said the clerk with new interest, " Just what you do in your field? " Cooly, 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 labortory and in the field, ( normally I would have said indoors and out). I am working for my Master's ( the whole darn 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, bouyed up by my glamourous new career, I was greeted by my lab assistants -- ages 13, 7, and 3. I felt I had scored a beat on bureaucracy! And I had gone on the offical 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.
Does this make grandmothers " Senior Research Associates" and Great- Grandmothers
"Executive Senior Research Associates?
I also think it makes Aunts Associate Research Assisitants!!
I recieved this in the mail for mothers day from a very dear freind.
she hosted my confimation party at her house last year.
Today I was feeling like I was loosing touch with one of the lab assistants.
I"m at another stage of letting go of an " Adult/ Child"
Some say it gets easier with each one. But the other adage is " they are all so different"
which means each time is different and sometimes not that easy.
and theres also the one about how much differnt a parent you are
with the last.. So thats where I am at.
Greiving childhood and lettin go.
I now this one will be back when they turn 21.
I got the first two back..
I just have to think " see ya later"
over and out for now.
tune in same bat time same bat channel
kateri
