Saturday, December 12, 2009

I AM A MOTHER!

I am reading a book called I Am a Mother by Jane Clayson Johnson, she was the former co-host of The Early Show on CBS and she also served as a network correspondent for The CBS Evening News and 48 Hours. Since becoming a full-time mother and wife, she has written this book about her experiences. I guess I thought about this because when I was traveling I put on my ticket while at the air port, Lynn Woodard CEO. I got a few comments about it. When I was asked what company I was the CEO of Woodard's and Associates, they just smiled when they finally figured it out that I was a full-time mom.

I can't even begin to tell  you how many times in my life someone has asked me what I do for a living or what my job is. When I tell them that I am a full-time mom, they really don't even know how to respond or some have been rude enough to actually roll their eyes.

One chapter in the book that was discussing this very subject had a quote from Former New York Times reporter and Pulitzer Prize nominee Ann Crittenden: "ANY WOMAN WHO HAD DEVOTED HERSELF TO RAISING CHILDREN HAS EXPERIENCED THE HOLLOW PRAISE THAT ONLY THINLY CONCEALS SMUG DISMISSAL. IN A CULTURE THAT MEASURES WORTH AND ACHIEVEMENT ALMOST SOLELY IN TERMS OF MONEY, THE INTENSIVE WORK OF REARING RESPONSIBLE ADULTS COUNTS FOR LITTLE. ONE OF THE MOST INTRIGUING QUESTIONS IN ECONOMIC HISTORY IS HOW THIS CAME TO BE; HOW MOTHERS CAME TO BE EXCLUDED FROM THE RANKS OF PRODUCTIVE CITIZENS. HOW DID THE DEMANDING JOB OF REARING A MODERN CHILD COME TO BE TRIVIALIZED AS BABY-SITTING? WHEN DID CARING FOR CHILDREN BECOME A 'LABOR OF LOVE', SMOTHERED UNDER A BLANKET OF SENTIMENTALITY THAT HIDES ITS ECONOMIC IMPORTANCE?"

The book goes on to say that the truth is--- that Motherhood is a noble, even heroic, occupation.

I am grateful that I have been able to be a full-time mother and grandmother (Nana). It is hard work, some of the hardest ever, but I hope that I will be reminded of it's importance every day and never be ashamed of what I do. I hope that I will keep my head up (when I am asked what I do for a living) and proudly say..." I am a full-time Mother and Nana! We need to remember to take time out to thank our Mothers and Grandmothers, if you are lucky enough to still have them with you. Good night dear friends!

"EVERY LITTLE GIRL KNOWS THAT MOTHERS MATTER" ~Jane Clayson Johnson

"IF WE STOP TO THINK ABOUT WHAT WE DO, REALLY DO, WE ARE BUILDING FOR THE CENTURIES. WE ARE BUILDING CHARACTER, AND TRADITION, AND VALUES, WHICH MEANDER LIKE A RIVER INTO THE DISTANCE AND OUT OF OUR SIGHT, BUT ON AND ON AND ON."  ~ Ann Quindlen

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