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’m scared, Phil. Please get us out of here.”


Philip’s hands started shaking; he looked down at his watch—a subterfuge for sure—hoping she wouldn’t notice his attempt to stop the tremors. “That’s what we’ve been doing. Going in circles for the better part of an hour. I don’t know how the hell to get back. We don’t even know where we are.”


“But it’s still smart to keep moving, isn’t it?” She looked out at the grim scene. “Why did you stop?”


Philip rested his head on the steering wheel and turned away from her.


“A fine time for a meltdown,” she said. “Did you take your meds after dinner?”


Chapter 7