(((Karen and Family)))
Thankyou for sharing your thoughts with us. I am touched by your honesty and openess. I am so sorry that your Mother has passed, My heart goes out to you and your family.
I know how it hurts to lose a parent, and especially when a parent or loved one passes with these sort of special circumstances. I hope from my heart that you will feel no guilt for not attending the ceremony. That was not your wish. Funerals and Life good-byes are never by choice. You did a selfless act in not attending to appease others, and I admire your willingness to do what your Mother wanted.
I continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers, and wish for you and yours comfort and hope in this time of loss. Please Pm me if I can help in any way at all.
(((Big Hugs)))