JUST A MUM? 



A woman, renewing her driver's license , 
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 Mum.' 

'We don't list 'Mum' 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, (first the Lord and then the whole family) 
and already have four credits (all daughters). &nbs:p>
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 Mum.'  
  Motherhood!  

What a glorious career!  
Especially when there's a title on the door. 



Does this make Grandmothers 
'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' 
And Great Grandmothers 
'Executive Senior Research Associates?'  
I think so!!!  
I also think it makes Aunts '
Associate Research Assistants.' 



Please send this to another Mum,
Grandmother,
Aunt, 
And other friends you know. 

May your troubles be less, 
Your blessing be more, 
And nothing but happiness come through your door!  

If we think "I am just a.................." that is demeaning your 'self' and what you do. Be proud of who you are and what you are. Being a Parent is the best 'job' in the world.:X xx