Chapter 1 - Section 3

Dear Diary,

This afternoon, I took my book down to the grotto, where the little waterfall flows beside Mary’s statue. The water always makes a soft gurgling sound I love—the kind that feels like it’s whispering prayers all by itself. Mini trotted ahead, her little paws clicking on the stone path, and Shaggycoat, our clever beaver, was busy down by the stream, dragging a small branch with great importance.

I sat on the rock just in front of the grotto and opened my Glories of Mary to Chapter 1, Section 3: How Great is the Love of Our Mother for Us.

Reading it made me feel so close to Mary. It said even wild animals never forget their babies. And if they can love like that, imagine how Mary, our heavenly Mother, must love us! Not because she had to—but because she wanted to. She chose to be our mother.

When Jesus died, Mary stood right there, offering everything for our sake. That’s the kind of love that reaches all the way to where we are, even if we’ve strayed a little or forgotten how to pray.

Mini curled up against my side as I read, and Shaggycoat climbed up and settled on the edge of the water. The three of us stayed there a while, listening to the gurgling water and thinking about how good it is to be loved like that.

Love,

Kathy

Chapter 1 - Section 2

Dear Diary,

Today I read something that made my heart feel like it was wrapped in a warm blanket. It was about how Mary is not just Jesus’s mother, but ours too.

I was sitting on the big rock near the grotto, and Mini curled up beside me, her little ears twitching every time a bird chirped. The sun was peeking through the trees, and everything felt peaceful.

The book said that Mary became our spiritual mother twice. First, when she said “yes” to the angel and agreed to be Jesus’s mother. That “yes” wasn’t just for Him—it was for all of us. She loved us so much even then.

The second time was at the foot of the cross. Even though it broke her heart, she offered Jesus to God for our sake. She watched her own Son suffer and die so that we could have life. That’s a kind of love that makes me quiet inside just thinking about it.

It made me realize—if Mary loves us that much, then she’s always there for us. Like when I mess up or feel scared, I can talk to her, and she’ll listen. Just like a mom would.

Mini looked up at me while I was thinking all this, and her little eyes were so soft and kind. I think she understands more than people think.

Anyway, knowing Mary is my mother too just makes my heart feel even fuller—like I’ve got one more person looking out for me, along with Sister Mary Claire, Robert, and all the kind people from church.

Love,

Kathy

Chapter 1 - Section 1

Dear Diary,

Today I read the part called “Of the Great Confidence We Should Have in Mary, Because She is the Queen of Mercy,” and it made my heart feel warm all the way through.

Mini curled up right beside me while I read, and I told her, “You better listen too, Mini—this part is all about our Queen.” She wagged her little bottom like she always does when I talk to her, and then she laid her head right on my foot.

The book said that since Jesus is the King of Kings, then Mary, being His mother, is our Queen. But not just a Queen with crowns and thrones and fancy robes—she’s the Queen of Mercy. That means she’s always on our side, even when we’ve messed up really bad. It said God gave Mary the job of being the one who helps us and pleads for us, so we never have to be afraid to go to her.

There was one story about a woman named Mary (not Our Lady—just a lady named Mary) who lived a really sinful life and died alone in a cave. Nobody even buried her properly. But at the very end, she called on the Blessed Virgin, and Mary helped her! She helped her repent and even got her into Heaven. That made me want to cry and hug Mini tight. It means it’s never too late to go to Mary.

I read that even if someone has no one left to pray for them, Mary still will. Even if we feel too ashamed or afraid to look up, Mary is like Queen Esther in the Bible—she stands up for us, even when we don’t know how to ask for help ourselves. If we’re in the dens of lions and leopards—like that passage said—she’ll come into the dark and pull us out.

So tonight, when I say my prayers, I’ll ask Mary to always be my Queen, and I’ll promise to love her forever. Even if I ever get old and forget lots of things, I hope I never forget to say her name.

Love,

Kathy