My Job Title

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!  

What no one ever told me

I was forwarded a link to this site and what the person wrote is amazing. I suppose I am extremely touched by it as we also adopted what they deemed a 'special needs' girl. The insight into what special need is and isn't is articulated wonderfully and I especially love that her little girl is a firecracker as well because that could definately be used to describe Maya--- Our precious bundle of endless energy and inquisitive spirit!!!
Here is the link to the website: www.rainbowkids.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=693

The cast is off

The cast is off and Maya is doing well. Her leg continues to gain strength and she loves the new found freedom of no cast and each day states, "Look, no cast!!!" Looking back on the journey of the 13 weeks in the cast I can see that it was harder on her than I saw during the time. She seemed to just adjust and carry on. And she did do that and pressed on, definately not letting the cast slow her down in anyway. But looking back I see anger and frustration that has diminished since the cast has come off that I didn't see while the cast was on.
I am reading an amazing book that was recommended to me from a fellow adoptive mom. It is Parenting your Internationally Adopted Child from the first few hours through the teen years. It has been so insightful into the whole process of adopting and emotions, behaviors, challenges and some insight on how to deal with all this. I have been extremely encouraged and been able to understand what all our precious daughter has gone through in her life thus far. It stopped me dead in my tracks as I realized we received her when she was 2 years, 3 mos. old and we were the 6th people she was handed over too. Wow, what has that done with her trust, her sense of belonging, etc. Does she get that this family is for real, we wont be turning her over to someone else in a few short months? My prayer is that as her parents we are able to create security, love, trust, and so much more. With God all things are possible and I can do all things through him who gives me the strength. Day by day is how we will press on and continue to love on this precious gift, our daughter, that God has given us and grow in our own faith in the process as well. I even see our other two daughters being stretched and growing. Today as Maya was having a long tantrum and my patience with the screaming was growing thin, Mackenzie quoted scripture - Blessed are the peacemakers, and the verse I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. It was exactly what I needed to hear at the right time. What a huge blessing to me, as her mom, that in a time of need the 'seeds' that are being planted in our daughters are taking root and showing. It's all God and I continue to pray that Rich and I will plant seeds and they will be deeply rooted and all 3 of our daughters will be lights shining always.