It's done. My mother's funeral is done with. I can't even claim credit for that; my first cousin on my mother's side has been taking care of my mom for the past year-plus I've been away from the SF Bat Area.

I flew into town, bought clothes for the funeral, made arrangements for etiquette-dictated necessities, paid for the service and culturally-appropriate banquet, and am now headed back to the hotel.

Yes, this is the Reader's Digest version. I'll post the other details another day. Right now, I'm utterly bleary-eyed.

Before I go, I must thank you all for the outpouring of support during this very trying time. From those present at the service, I've learned to appreciate and honour friendships far more than I have been.

I want you to know, I appreciate every comment, every e-mail. I am truly blessed. Thank you all.