Definitely having a good connection makes it easier, I feel so sorry for those who lose their parents while having bad blood between eachother.
My advice to help your mom would be to not let her get too bored. I mean be there for her, appreciate her, make sure she can see and meet her friends.
The sad thoughts only exist when a person is alone and/or bored.
Yeah I agree. It's hard as I can't be there all the time and she's very careful not to be a burden. I try as much as I can but the day is long for her.