My friend's mom was one of those women I had when my own mother was not able to be there for me. I remember her saying many times that she didn't like the idea of sending flowers to a family who just had someone die. A generic card is not fitting for the loss of this person and I didn't want to clutter anyone's home with gifts they would have to find room for (or watch die like a flower). Planting a tree is by far the most appropriate gift I could possibly give to my second' mom's family. I hope that they are able to stay around until I die because I am going to request a whole grove instead of flowers or cards.