Mocking motherhood

My neighbor recently attended her 4-year-old's "graduation" from nursery school. Unfortunately she had to go alone because her husband was traveling for business.

She sat down next to a couple, and they all said their polite hellos. The man, unbidden, proceeded to regale my neighbor with a list of his numerous career achievements, while she courteously listened. Finally finished with his verbal curriculum vitae, he opened up the program. There was a list of the names of all the little graduates, along with what they'd told their teachers they wanted to be when they grew up.

"Oh look. Suzy Jones [not her real name] wants to be a mommy when she grows up. How's that for aiming low?!" he remarked loudly. Well, little did he know that Suzy Jones is my neighbor's daughter.

Now my neighbor couldn't be more proud that "Suzy" wants to be a mommy when she grows up. She knows, as do many of us who've been there, that there are few jobs as rewarding, fulfilling, or important than being a mommy. Much more important than any job that hapless, pompous buffoon has ever had, I'm sure.

Making it even more poignant for my neighbor is that she and her husband adopted their daughter from China when she was about 1 year old. Up until then, she hadn't had a mommy. How wonderful that now she wants to be one.

To my neighbor's credit---I don't think I could have shown such self-restraint---she kept her mouth shut and tried to concentrate on the happiness of the event, and the secret, special joy her daughter's career choice evoked.

I can only hope for everyone's sake that the man who mocked motherhood isn't raising daughters.