I received a story through mail, a little while back, which I’d like to share with everyone on this ‘Women’s Day’. This is dedicated to all the home-makers with the hope that you appreciate it. Here it is….
JUST A MUM?!!? …….a short story
A woman, renewing her driver’s licence was as asked by the woman at Registry to state her occupation. She hesitated, uncertain how to classify herself.
‘What I mean is’, explained the woman at Registry, ‘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 recorder emphatically.
I forgot all about her story until one day I found myself In the same situation. The Clerk was obviously a career woman, poised, efficient, and possessed of a high sounding title like, ‘Official Interrogator’ or ‘City 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, (which 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.’ Please send this link to another Mum,Grandmother,Aunt, And other friends you know.
May your troubles be less, your blessing be more, And nothing but happiness come through your door! Be kinder than necessary. Everyone you meet is fighting some kind of battle.You never know when a moment and a few sincere words can have an impact on a life.
Drnilima's Blog 
Really a fantastic description, what a mother does to the family, just elaborating the nature of duties she manages in terms of corporate terminology.
good.
Job of research assistant is without pangs and attachment as mother has for her children. Besides, research assistant’s work is much more likely to be rewarded by gainful employment and money but Mother’s sacrifice and dedication is interpreted as her duty.
Dr Nilima, God is in “Simplicity”. Man likes to make things complex and consequently unintelligible. Complexity puffs the ego and takes man away from God. When we say “mom” or “iyee” or “Amma” we encompass in that expression all the Divine characteristics of Femininity, Shakti, Love, Compassion, Empathy and all the higher Vidyas. and all such characteristics sprout feelings of Divinity in our hearts, feelings which cause immediate bonding or connexion with Mom. Nature loves simplicity. Man loves complexity.. We feel there is “respect” in complexity, that is because the characteristic of “respect” is associated with the Human Ego. but remember there is Love Empathy, Compassion in Simplicity. Unfortunately, Humans have an inbuilt tendency to put down simplicity or things which are simple. You saw for yourself in the example that you gave.. The more complex society becomes the more away from God and Spirituality it goes and devolves on itself all the miseries that evolve from Ego based thinking and behavior. Our entire edifice of thinking and actions should always be under constant audit to bring us always in line with simplicity.. Vijay R Asrani.