Mom's friend passed away last Saturday.
She had fought with cancer for almost the last decade,
And her condition had stabilised over the past number of years.
Her positiveness and encouragement was Mom's inspiration.

Unfortunately,
the friend's condition suddenly deteriorated.
She fought hard over the last couple of weeks,
But was unable to defeat cancer.

When Mom told me about the news on Saturday,
I could tell she was worried and perhaps even scared.
She hesitated about going for the funeral.
I guess it is kind of freaky to do that,
Despite all the respect and concern she had for her friend.
And being the kind of kid that doesn't express emotions well,
I didn't really know how to respond,
Other than telling her,
She should do what she is most comfortable with.

Mom's radiotherapy at the hospital ends this week.
I had planned to take her out to dinner,
But work this week is going to be crazy,
That is obvious when it is Monday night,
And one arrive home close to 11pm,
And Friday in the diary is marked,
With a tender and a competition submission.

As I passed through Mom's bedroom to the shower,
Her figure struck me as frail and fragile,
And I felt terrible as a kid,
Who is unable to provide enough,
For her to have a comfortable retirement.