Rita, whose nickname was Frippy, became friends with me in 1997. She was a resident of Ohio. We became very good friends and for the next three years, she proved herself as one of the most understanding and caring friends I have ever made. This poem is dedicated to her. The last I heard was in an email from her in 2000, wherein she mentioned about her cancer, and as usual as ever ---- ever cheerful and understanding, she would tell me to "love my afflictions". I have not heard from her after that most moving email.