A   woman, 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 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, ( normal lie 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 humanity, (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   Mom.”

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.”

P.S. I received this story from a dear friend of mine that has three credits and works for her Masters with all her might!  I believe she also received it from another “RESEARCHER”… but I want to post it here because there might be out there a mom that needs a little bit of encouragement!

Have a blessed day dear FELLOW RESEARCHER!