The 'friend' that replies with the one word response, is the friend I would not tell how am I truly doing again. Those are the people you answer with 'fine' and carry on. A true friend will ask you what they can do to help, if even a quick trip to the grocery store for you or a short stay with mom so you can go get a massage, a hair cut, go for a walk, read a book in peace. And when that friend offers you something like that, please take them up on it because not only do you need that break however big or small it is, that friend will feel good about having helped you too. A real friend will have more than a one word response. I can fully relate to how you feel with the responsibilities you have on your plate right now. You are truly an angel for taking care of your mom and I want you to know that. So many have no-one in their late stages of life and death. What you are doing takes an incredibly strong person to do. You are compassionate, caring and someone who has true grit, that's you. If you have a trusted friend or family member, please do reach out and ask them for help in any way, big or small that you could use it right now. If you are like me, you do it all yourself and don't ask for help. I've learned to start saying yes to people who offer help, if even once in awhile. Take any break you can get. Hang in there and know you are not alone in this. The truth be told, nobody really 'gets it' until they are in the shoes you are in, but someone with true compassion and understanding will have more than a one word response.