name: Kristine K. Lowder
title of work: The Professional
date of completion: 10/5/02
email address: authorI@juno.com

statement: Kristine Lowder has published numerous articles, columns, and poems in a variety of publications including Focus on the Family's "Front Porch", Sierra, Dayspring, and Reader's Digest. She and her husband, Chris, are the proud--and usually exhausted--parents of four rascally, rambunctious boys who love exploring and adventure-ing around their home in the Pacific Northwest.


The Professional
"Mommy, will you hold this for me?" my son asks, sapphire eyes wide and sparkling as he hands me his omnipresent Box. I've learned to look before I accept.
Opening its sacred contents with two grimy, chubby hands, Josiah reveals today's treasures: four dead pill bugs, a jay feather, crumpled autumn leaves, two snail shells (empty, thank God), and three slightly scuffed pennies. The Fort Knox of a preschooler.
I smile and open my hands, humbled with the honor of guarding his private hoard. We continue on our walk, feeding ducks and watching clouds. Josiah chatters happily, convinced of my omniscience. I know the truth too well as I field and flub his questions:
How come the birds fly away from me? Do you see the dinosaur riding the sky? Why doesn't that cat talk? Why did God let grandpa die? How come He lets some people be rich and some be poor? What is she so fat? Why do Legos people not have a nose or ears? God did NOT make broccoli! He only made ice cream. "
And today's gem: "Mommy, do you know why Peter got out of the boat and sank on the "Bee of Galilee"? Because he forgot his floaties!"
Why didn't I think of that?
I used to say "No. I'm just a mom" when people asked, "Do you work?" But my son has proven me wrong. When the question comes now, as it inevitably does, I smile and say, "Of course. Every Professional Mother does."
Just ask their preschooler.