Denise would probably be one of the best people to answer this for you mama. And she will probably recommend a Bike Friday which - from what I've seen - seems to be one of the best touring bikes around!

Welcome to the board by the way. If you get a chance there's a thread under open titled "getting to know you". Gives you a couple of hours to laugh while you're getting to know us, and - if you're so inclined - tell us something about you!