Flounder724;
Don't let all the negativity ruin your vacation
I think the taking your first international trip in First class is something special.
The First Class UA lounge is better than the regular lounge; better food, better drinks, less crowded and much calmer.
Global First on UA is better than business and incomparable to coach; Lie-flat seats with turndown service (you get a pad on top of the seat) extra pillows and a nice comforter/duvet; it is wide and conducive to a very nice sleep in the sky. Get a glass of sparkling before departure to celebrate the trip with your mother. The food is usually tasty and I find the service is usually very good with better flight attendant to passenger ratio when compared to business class. You can grab the two middle seats
On arrival there is a welcome lounge.
On departure check-in has a separate line and there is a separate line for immigration. There is a shared lounge with other Star Alliance airlines but there is a separate section for first class passengers which is quieter and less crowded. You can find the usual coffee/tea/drinks and some breakfast food.

Suggestion:
Bring a box of chocolates and give them to the flight attendant and let them know that this is a "special" trip for your mother; trust me on this one, they will treat her very nice. Do this both ways. I usually get See's on the way there and some nice French/Belgian chocolate on the way back.

Enjoy your vacation. take lots of pictures