The Officer
at the Driving License counter asked the lady, "What is your
occupation?"
The woman
seeking renewal of her license seemed to be puzzled. So the Officer said,
"Ma'am, are you employed, have your own business or.....
The woman
replied, "Oh, yes!! I have a full time occupation. I am a Mother"
The Officer
said, "We don't have 'Mother' as an option for occupation. I will write it
down as 'Housewife'. That takes care of all questions."
The above
happened a long time ago, and was forgotten. Years later when I went to get my
Driving License, the Public Relations Officer, a somewhat pompous woman asked
in a rather authoritative tone, "Your occupation?"
I just had
an inspiration and replied "I am a Researcher in the field of Child
Development, Nutrition and Inter-personal Relationships".
The lady
officer stared at me in amazement. I calmly repeated my statement and she wrote
it down verbatim. Then, unable to conceal her curiosity, she politely asked
"What exactly do you do in your profession, Ma'am?"
I was
feeling good about having described my occupation so calmly and confidently. So
I replied "My research projects have been going on for a number of years
(Mothers never retire!!). My research is conducted in the laboratory as well as
in the field. I have two bosses. (One is God and the other is my entire
family). I have received two honors in this field. (A son and a daughter) My
topic is considered to be the most difficult part of Sociology. (All Moms will
agree!!). I have to work more than 14 hours every day. Sometimes even 24 hours are
not enough and the challenges are tougher than many other professions. My
compensation is in terms of mental satisfaction rather than money".
I could see
that the officer was thoroughly impressed. After completing the licensing
formalities, she came to the door to see me off.
This new
viewpoint about my occupation made me feel much better on my way back home,
where I was welcomed by my 5 year old Research Assistant at the door and my New
Project (my 6 month old Baby) who was energetically practicing her 'Music'.
I had earned
a small victory over the Governmental red tape today. I was no longer 'merely a
Mother', instead I was now a highly placed functionary in a service vital for
mankind - Motherhood!!
'Mother' –
Isn't it a great title, fit to be added to the nameplate on the door!! By this
standard, Grandmothers deserve to be called 'Senior Research Officers', and
Great Grandmothers qualify as 'Research Directors'. Aunts and other Ladies of
that age group can be called 'Research Facilitators'.
Please share
this with all Mothers & Would-be-Mothers, Grandmothers, Great Grandmothers,
all Ladies currently holding posts Like Didi-Tai-Chachi-Mami-Mausi-Bua......
They will all shower you with blessings and life will be happier.
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