My mother, Rita Carlson, died unexpectedly in Tahoe City on Sept. 22. She was too young to die, and I was too unprepared to navigate the difficult task of preparing her service.Largely in part to the kindness and compassion of Joseph Murray at the Truckee Tahoe Mortuary, Rev. Penny Macek at The Center for Spiritual Living, Chase International and the Tahoe Yacht Club, her service was a beautiful tribute to her life.Family and friends who were trying to help me with the preparations repeatedly told me how expensive it is to print an obituary. When Joseph told me the Sierra Sun printed them for free, I cried andamp;#8212; not out of relief of not having to pay, but because it was just another reminder of the compassionate community my mother and I shared.Thank you for easing this painful process.Sara DavidTruckee