Yesss, I love the first ST film! Aside from IV with the whales, the first film has one of my fave ST moments ever: the moment Spock first enters the bridge in that gorgeous black robe. Yummy. And Kirk's face! I really enjoyed the novelisation of it, too.

Sad to hear about your mother. I can fully understand you missing her after this time. I hope you have plenty of good memories that can give you strength while missing her.