OK Catholics a direct answer please?

Why do you not pray TO God alone? No confusion at praying FOR someone, but TO someone.. You pray TO Mary for example to intercede on your behalf. I am not bashing you nor ranting, I am asking why you pray TO others other than God? And please do not lie or twist the truth, I am a former Catholic and know full well the prayers, the special masses, the lighting of candles, etc., these are prayers TO someone like Mary not to God, thus my assertion on making her in equal standing with the Almighty. Hey, I admit I was just as guilty in this sin as you are currently doing and now I repent of it and am ashamed of it.