Happy Birthday, Mommy Mary!

Helen Syski puts on her thinking cap: What presents would the Blessed Mother like best? 

“What do you want for your birthday, Mommy?” My son looked up expectantly. What would Mommy choose? Paw Patrol action figure? Remote-control car? Lights for her bike wheels? 

I closed my eyes. Birthday? I could hear bickering starting in the other room and my toddler’s chirping closing in on the fray. My gut tensed as I waited for the collision of the two.  

“I’d like all of you to be nice to each other all day long.” 

The Gift of Getting Along 

As a mom, my favorite moments are when I see my kids thoroughly ensconced in activities together. Whether it’s my teenager responding with a radiant smile and goofy play to our toddler’s “Come, come,” all five laughing on the trampoline, or two off in a corner with their heads bowed over a shared project, it’s hard to think of something that makes my heart more joyful. 

On this special feast of Our Lady, pause and ask her what relationships need watering. Perhaps there is a friend you have not reached out to in a while. Is there someone you need to forgive … or someone waiting for your apology? Is one of your children at odds with you, or perhaps just in need of your listening heart? What about that handsome man of the house you married? 

The Gift of Being Together: The Family Rosary 

The other desire of a mommy’s heart is for everyone to be together. Our family Rosary isn’t about checking a box — it’s about being together and allowing Mommy Mary to knit our hearts into one with her Son. It is so healing at the end of the day to cozy up together on the couch and allow the rhythm and flow of the centuries old words to wash us clean.

It is soul-filling to be together but not talking logistics, or problems, or complaints. Nothing is required of anyone except rest and reconnection through presence. And, perhaps, a rescue mission of the toddler from the bookcase.   

The Gift of Praising her Son 

As a mother, your name quickly morph’s into “__________’s mom.” It’s possible I respond faster to that than my own name at this point! When it is followed by someone sharing something commendable about my child, it is an extra-graced moment of confirmation that I am fulfilling God’s will in this messy, meaningful family life. All the pain was not in vain. 

Mary feels the same way.  She is always “Jesus’ mom” and when we praise Him, we praise her. Warm Mary’s heart today by telling her an anecdote about Jesus! Challenge: can you think of one that only you can tell her? 

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Copyright 2025 Helen Syski
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