Laurie, I'm so very sorry that you lost your mom. As John said: It's not until you loose your parents that you realize you're grown up and on your own.

I'm glad that you have family to share this sad time with - and you know you have many friends here too.

From what you told us about your mom, she'll be having a party right now, celebrating her arrival up there.

I too love this quote:

"Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, champagne in one hand and strawberries in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and screaming WOO HOO - What a Ride!"
-unknown

{{{{{Hugs}}}}}