Philip feels in control of his life -- at least until his best friend, Jonathan, contracts AIDS, passes away, and leaves him feeling disconnected and uncertain about the future. Then the one steady influence in his life, his mother, becomes seriously ill. The doctor who makes the diagnosis of ovarian cancer is not hopeful. Once his mother commits to the treatment plan, there is nothing Philip can do but follow the blueprint they both hope will lead to her recovery.<br><br>In late April 1992, Philip accompanies his mother to Los Angeles for her monthly treatment. When he accidentally takes a wrong turn off the freeway, all hell breaks lose. Suddenly they find themselves in the center of the Rodney King riots. Gunshots ring out. Helicopters hover overhead. People loot and vandalize stores while others burn and overturn vehicles. Fires spring up all over the city.<br><br>In unfamiliar territory, Philip must guide his mother through this labyrinth of chaos to safety. With wit and insight coupled with a maternal concern for what's best for her son, Philip’s mother proves the old saying: a gay man’s best friend is truly his mother.

Your Mother Should Know

“I don’t know. I want to be in good shape for tomorrow.”


Philip handed her the paper and told her to read the blurbs from the critics. “Siskel & Ebert give it four stars. If we leave now, we can make the early show, be back by ten and in our trundles.”


“I think I should stay in and rest,” she said. “Beverly Hills 90210is on tonight, and you love that show.”


“Come on, Mom. You’ll be resting all day tomorrow.”


“I want to look half-ways decent for my procedure.”


“It’s chemotherapy,” he said. “Not a makeover at Elizabeth Arden. Strictly come as you are.”


She thought a moment then picked up her purse. “Oh, hell. All right.”


Philip helped her into her sweater and grabbed his jacket from a hanger in the closet.


“Whoopi’s comedy only,” she said. “Promise if we’re late or can’t get in, for any reason, we’ll come right back.”


Chapter 6