Think Think and Think atleast once before you talk!

Whats the worst thing that one can say to someone who has lost his/her mother recently

me: " Happy new year" ..
some one:Hey Happy new year ..Were you travelling to the east ?
me:"No I was in Chicago"
some one: oh ! did you enjoy your trip?
me:yes I did, did you have a good new year celebration, did you meet your mother and the rest of the family.......???

tchhhh ouch ..... wrong question dumbo! why could nt I just say " ok c u"