JUST A MOM?

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, ballpoint 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).”

Anonymous