A friend told me recently that our first vocation, the fundamental one, is to become ourselves. “The vocation of our own skin.” Today on what would have been Mary’s 27th birthday, I’m struck by how she seemed to learn that vocation. And to learn to live it. Not by following the mantras of “you do you,” or “just be yourself,” but by receiving love. Especially Jack’s love. And then the love of her beautiful babies. Receiving a deep and honest love—and giving that deep and honest love—seemed like it allowed her to receive herself. To receive and to live the vocation of being Mary.