(CNN) — On the morning of my mom’s funeral, I arrived at the church before everyone else. Soon, people would begin trickling in. But first, I needed a moment alone with my mom. I didn’t know if I had ...

(CNN) — On the morning of my mom’s funeral, I arrived at the church before everyone else. Soon, people would begin trickling in. But first, I needed a moment alone with my mom. I didn’t know if I had ...

Writer Lauren DePino (left) is seen with her late mother, Cathy DePino. (CNN) — On the morning of my mom’s funeral, I arrived at the church before everyone else. Soon, people would begin trickling in.