Dear Ruth,
Couldn't agree with you more.  Many a night I've had to struggle with going
out to meetings or staying with my daughter to help with homework...and often
she comes with me with her homework!  Maybe what we really need is a "Museum of
Mothers...the history of motherhood through the ages!"

Here, however, is a story which I really love that came over the internet -
thought you might enjoy it.

one day I found myself 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, (the whole darned 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".

To all the mothers and grandmothers out there, may the wind sing to you and
the sun rise in your heart.

All the best,
Maggie

=========================================================
Important Subscriber Information:

The Museum-L FAQ file is located at http://www.finalchapter.com/museum-l-faq/ . You may obtain detailed information about the listserv commands by sending a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "help" (without the quotes).

If you decide to leave Museum-L, please send a one line e-mail message to [log in to unmask] . The body of the message should read "Signoff Museum-L" (without the quotes).