My mother died when I was 3 months old, Lynn. Before she died and before I was conceived, my younger brother died. I was the baby to replace him. I grew up with death. I grew up knowing that I lived because others died. A harsh reality but it was never sugar-coated. I don't have problems with the word "died" but because others do, I tend to say passed away or passed on.

I am sorry for your loss. Although I can only guess what it's like to have a mother to be close to, I can certainly imagine how painful it would be to lose her and to lose such a close relationship.