because i haven't said it before, i'd like to express my sympathy, too.

the path your mother went down is similar to that i've seen my grandmother, and, recently, my great-aunts follow. i know it must hit far closer to home when it's your mother, but i'm also familiar with the very, very strange, ambivalent relief that leavens the grief when someone has been gone in mind for so long... anyway. my thoughts are with you. and i'm glad your mother is at peace.