I too agree that it is an odd gift and do not know what your Mom meant by giving it to you. Not being emotionally attached to the picture, i would have to look at it not as my Dad's almost death. I would see it as a miracle that he survived. Maybe your Mom sees it as a way of showing you that he was a hero.

Have you asked your Mom why she gave you this as a gift? She may or may not know, but it couldn't hurt to ask.

Just my $.02.