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 correctly .   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 programme  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 programme ,  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.'    Please send this to another Mum,  Grandmother,  Aunt,  And other friends you know.   May your troubles be less,  Your blessings be more,  And nothing but happiness come through your door!

I'm now a 'Senior Research associates in the field of Child Development and Human Relations' What's our job title?