Thursday, July 2, 2009

JUST A MUM?

JUST A MUM?

A woman, renewing her driver's license at the Motor Registration office,
was asked by the counter clerk to state her occupation.

She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.


'What I mean is,' explained the counter clerk,
'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 clerk emphatically.


I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself in the same situation, this time at our own Medicare office.


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).
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.


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.'


(An email forward that I couldnt resist but post, for all those mothers out there!)


18 comments:

Anonymous said...

wow ROFL

brilliant one :D

Masood said...

Cool. My wife should read this!

Smitha said...

That was so cool! I am tempted to use it :)

Reflections said...

I've got it too...its a good read:-)).

Anonymous said...

LOL Loved it :)

Anonymous said...

@ Masood she'll love it!!! Do read it to her :)

akd said...

that's how u redefined the term 'housewife' brilliantly....

Baatein unkahi si said...

As a mom, I agree 200% with the post.

SD said...

As I read through, i was wondering, you have a kid, since when? This was a lovely read Tara!

Anonymous said...

Lovely !! I really liked it !!

Iya said...

awesome!!!

Crafty Shines said...

WOW!!!!!

its nothing short of FABULOUS!!!!

must to show my mom too!!!
she'll love this!!

thanks for sharing Tara!!!
hugs!!! :D

shraddha said...

this is brilliant...

Just call me'A said...

This is simply coooll. :D way to go

shubhra said...

:-) this says it all

Solilo said...

Ha..ha..ha..

Tara, That is brilliant. I guess every mother is one.

BK Chowla, said...

This one of the most interesting posts i have read in the recent past.I think every mum has and every hosewife too

Magical Homes said...

very, very cool.