Cause of Our Joy

I like to think that Mary has a good sense of humor. She was a mother, after all, and I’ve learned laughter is an essential part of raising children. Sometimes a good joke or a silly act can go a long way in keeping peace, getting your kids to cooperate or diffusing potential tantrums. Like when I look for monkeys in Madeline’s mouth while we brush her teeth or when I purposely bump into a wall to distract her when she’s on the verge of a meltdown (she’s a big fan of slapstick comedy).

Sometimes I’m the one who can’t stop laughing. Take this morning. Our Holy Queen was definitely a “Cause of Our Joy.” I was busy tidying up my bedroom while Madeline raided my underwear drawer. I glanced over to see my child clad in undergarments. When I started to laugh at her get-up, she said, “Mommy, look! Dress up like Mary!” In her toddler mind, a pair of teal Victoria’s Secret underwear made the perfect veil, so she piously placed her hands in the prayer position and smiled at me. I couldn’t stop laughing and quickly took a few snapshots of our little “Mary.” Sure, it wasn’t the most reverent costume, but I suspected Mary was probably smiling down on us and was happy that my 2-and-a-half-year-old is already starting to get to know her.

Hail, Holy Queen!