My Mom

My Mom spent a majority of her life as a farm wife. By today's standards of employment evaluation, she would have reached the exceed standards at this job. She was an excellent cook, housekeeper, parts runner and emotional support person to my Dad, my brother and myself.

Even though she embraced her role as farm wife, she would often talked about wanting more in terms of a job or career.

When my mom graduated from high school, she worked as a telephone operator. She then moved to California for a short period of time and work on an army base. She returned to North Dakota, met and married my dad and they moved to Fargo, ND in order for my dad to attend Dakota Business College. This is when my mom obtained and work at the job she most treasured - a salesclerk for Gaffney's Office Supply in downtown Fargo.

If you knew my mom, you probably heard her speak about her time at Gaffney's. She loved providing customer service and interacting with other staff. She loved selling specific pens and other office supplies but mostly she loved the feeling of finding confidence from employment.

During my early years, I got the clear message from my mom that working outside of the home was of utmost importance. She strongly encouraged me to find a career path and take full advantage of employment opportunities. When I received my master's degree in social work, she was proud and displayed the picture of me obtaining this degree until her last days.

It is fair to say that my mom had somewhat of a romantic view of employment. She never had to try and juggle daycare, home duties and employment deadlines and politics.

I feel so blessed to have my mom's encouragement and faith in me to find a career. Not every moment of my career has been my mom's romantic version of work but work has definetly provided me a sense of confidence and accomplishment.

1 Wednesday.