A Mum.

I recently came across this little story and I so much enjoyed it that I want to share it with everybody who has ever been a mother.  A woman was asked some question in order to complete one or another official form and the following is her story.


The lady with the pen in her hand was very poised..... obviously a career woman.

‘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).
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, 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.

Now I wonder if that makes me, as a grandmother, a ‘Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations’ and would a great grandmother be an ‘Executive Senior Research Associates?’


I think so!!!..... and I also think it would make aunts 'Associate Research Assistants.’