EDIT: Thank you everyone who responded with thoughts and suggestions. I think what I'm going to do is take a small, colorful plant (possibly an orchid or kalanchoe) as a gift to the family, and also make a donation to the American Cancer society on her behalf.

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I'm going to a memorial or celebration of life in a few days, and not sure whether to take a card or gift at all. The reason being, the woman (an old high school friend's mother) passed away nearly a year ago. A sympathy card feels wrong to me, somehow, like picking at a scab? And flowers might be awkward as well. I'm hoping some of you might have some insight to help me decide what to do.

Any thoughts, bros?