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, 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, (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 Mom.”
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.
Eva Glazebrook is a long time member of the Native American Forum Team on Etsy. She hails from Dracut, MA and in her profile she states, “The rhythm of life and the energy it invokes have always been a celebratory part of all the art I create. I know that I take tremendous pleasure in creating art that moves and dances with the energy that surrounds it. This rhythm is continuous, neverending. It tells the tale of birth, growth and changing form. It’s the stuff of life.
And here is some of her “stuff”.
Medicine Plate
To see more of Eva’s wonderful work or to purchase these items, please visit her at:
https://www.etsy.com/shop/claydancerdesigns?ref=seller_info
Thanks Eva for sharing this article, for your continued support of our team and for being a cherished gusdi (cousin in Cherokee) !
December 31, 2015
naforum22
The Native American Forum 