Thanks, Stanley. And by the way, I am Protestant (Calvinist Christian Reformed). Lucy may indeed be much like Mary in being so close to Aslan. Mary was biologically close to Christ as well as spiritually, something which was downplayed a little too much in my church's denomination. However, we have always acknowledged and appreciated the fact that Mary was Jesus' mother while believing in her humanity.
I have always found your messages illuminating and thoughtful as well in the several years we both have visited these forums. It's been a pleasure reading your insights on Lewis and Narnia, and I hope you'll be contributing here for a long time.
Larry W.