Thoughts on Motherhood as a Profession

A woman named Emily, renewing her driver's license at the Department of Transport office, was asked by the clerk to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
"What I mean is," explained the clerk, "do you have a job, or are you just a......?"
"Of course I have a job," snapped Emily. "I'm a mother."
"We don't list 'mother' 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 Council office. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, "Official nterrogator" 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, (the whole darned 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 triumphant! 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 mother."
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."

MOTHERHOOD

While deciding on what to blog about today it crossed my mind that there are many reasons why we celebrate Mother's day. Mothers have existed since the beginning of the world and we have transformed history.
Here are some thoughts on our stressful, underpaid job:
Only a mother:
…can smile, cry and laugh at the same time during a child’s graduation ceremony.
… can handle vomits, urine or diarrhea without complaint.
… will get up at five in the morning to finish a Thanksgiving costume.
…will fight long hours at the department store to get the best toy ever (according to your child).
…will do anything to love and to protect that little piece of miracle.
All mothers are different. We come in many sizes, shapes, races and beliefs. Yet we all have the same goal: to protect and cherish our little children. To give them the assurance that our hearts and minds will always be there for them. To let them know that whenever life turns out to be a challenge, a mother’s shoulder is there to provide comfort.
Someone told me today that giving birth is like having an intestinal obstruction for nine months. Almost everyone can deal with that. Yet being a mother is much more that just giving birth. It is the responsibility of being there when no one else will. It is the joy of helping your child work out life’s ups and downs. A mother is someone that watch over you and yet give you the necessary space to become your own individual person.
I spent Mother’s Day with a great friend: my mother. I was saddened by the thought that I cannot be with my other Best Friend, my sister who is now a million miles away from me.
I ended the day with a smile on my face because there was no greater gift than spending time with my daughter and with my mom. My mom is a great woman and I hope that someday my daughter will feel the same way about me. Motherhood is a lifetime career with lots of sacrifice… but the benefits are priceless.

FACTS OF LIFE

To my friends who always stood beside me…. I can't thank you enough for every meaningful moment we’re sharing... Since my sister left for the States, I didn't have anyone to share my worries with. It's not that I can't talk to my mom, It just feels different when I share it with my sister….

Now, It's (quite) clear to me, I don't just have to be strong for my family, I also have to be strong myself… If I love them, I need to…

Thank you for helping me realize that... you know who you are..

It's funny how I can understand even the most difficult instruction but I can't understand the simple facts of life…

I know I am the only one who can help myself..and I will help myself..

Thank you for the friendship.

HOW SHE INSPIRES ME

For as long as I can remember, my Sister has
been an inspiration to me. Ever since my childhood, I’ve
relied on her infinite wisdom to help carry me through.
Wisdom, in this case, refers to more than her intelligence. A
warm heart and kind soul offered support during times of
distress. Her ability to see reason would help to keep us
on the correct path. Most importantly of all, she
never abated; in her mind, giving up or giving in were never
options.

In the end, I think my Sister would be very proud
of me. After all, she did teach me that knowledge, kindness,
and perseverance are incredibly important, and I think I
learned well.