I find it comforting to know that Mary is always there as a mother for us to turn to:
And in moments of weariness, raise your eyes to Mary, the Virgin who, forgetting herself, set out ‘with haste’ for the hills to reach her elderly cousin Elizabeth who was in need of help and assistance. Let her be the inspiration of your daily dedication to duty; let her suggest to you the right words and opportune gestures at the bedside of the sick; let her comfort you in misunderstandings and failures, helping you always keep a smile on your face and a hope in your heart. (John Paul II, Rome 1979)
Which reminds me of another wonderful quote, this time from Bernard:
O you, whoever you are, who feel that in the tidal wave of this world you are nearer to being tossed about among the squalls and gales than treading on dry land, if you do not want to founder in the tempest, do not avert your eyes from the brightness of this star. When the wind of temptation blows up within you, when you strike upon the rock of temptation, gaze up at this star, call out to Mary. Whether you are being tossed about by the waves of pride or ambition or slander or jealousy, gaze up at this star, call out to Mary. When rage or greed or fleshly desires are battering the skiff of your soul, gaze up at Mary. When the immensity of your sins weighs you down and you are bewildered by the loathsomeness of your conscience, when the terrifying thought of judgment appalls you and you begin to founder in the gulf of sadness and despair, think of Mary. In dangers, in hardships, in every doubt, think of Mary, call out to Mary. Keep her in your mouth, keep her in your heart. Follow the example of her life and you will obtain the favor of her prayer. Following her, you will never go astray. Asking her help, you will never despair. Keeping her in your thoughts, you will never wander away. With your hand in hers, you will never stumble. With her protecting you, you will not be afraid. With her leading you, you will never tire. Her kindness will see you through to the end.
Witnesses to Hope 
Being a mother of five, now grown, children I know a mother’s love. I know the joys, the happiness, the pride, the failures, the sorrow, the pain. Now that they are all grown they often call for advice or for prayer for little and big things. They call to complain about life, and share about jobs and friends and their joys and struggles. I am honored by their sharing with me as adults. It is a profound realization to me that since my earthly mother, Mary Catherine, in heaven and my spiritual mother, Mary, mother of God, feel the same way about me as I feel about my children, I am enormously blessed. Alleluia! Kathleen