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.”
Officer: “We don’t have ‘mother’ as an option for occupation. I will write it down as ‘Housewife’. That takes care of all questions.”
This had happened long ago, and was forgotten. Years later when I went to get my license, the Public Relations Officer was a somewhat pompous woman. “Your occupation?” she asked in a rather authoritative tone.
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 honours 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. I was welcomed by my 5 year old research assistant at the door. My new project (my 6 month old baby) 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?
P.S.: Thanks for this forward, UmaS ๐ I felt this was too fabulous to not share! Please, share this as much as you can, as widely as you can. No one will book you for plagiarism ๐
And to the “mother” who said all this: you are fabulous!
Yah priya..
This is too good..n soo true..
Thank u for sharing it….
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๐
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Very interesting way of looking at it, eh? ๐ Thanks for sharing…
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Totally! ๐
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Super proud of you priya…. Your replies were simply awesome and perfect…. Hats off lady… And trust me this is not a small victory… ๐
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I’d love to stay quiet and accept this applause, but Tan, I guess you didnt read the part in blue colour! ๐ This was an e-mail that came as a forward to me from Uma ๐
But i guess its a victory for all mothers, for the fabulous beings they are! ๐
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Opps I missed the P.S. part as always… ๐ Yes this is the victory of all the moms… ๐
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*Salute* ๐
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Brilliant stuff!!! ๐
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hahaha this is so cool ๐
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Brilliant! Thanks for sharing! I’ll go share it with my Mum to make her feel nice! ๐
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Have received this a while ago. I always thought it was a brilliant forward. Thanks for reminding me.
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Ah its nice and very true we never appreciate the effort from MOM until we become a MOM and then its too late..Good that you shared it with us..
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Mothers are awesome and yes its the best and the hardest job .. I beleive in it …
I read the blue part a good forward ๐ and it is true … thanks for sharing
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Thanks for sharing this ๐ I am inspired ๐
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Inspired? ๐ฎ To be one anytime soon? ๐
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Hadn’t read it before. thanks for sharing!
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Such things OUGHT to be shared. Its a sin not to do so ๐
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