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

“Philip, help him for God’s sake,” she said.


He leaned over the seat and slammed the door shut.


“Just wanted to show you I can get out,” the kid said. “I don’t think your doors have handles.”


Mother and Philip checked it out. He was right. No handles.


“You folks are sitting where the bad guys go.” The boy stood up on the seat and leaned over and stared at them. Philip could see how really small this kid was. No taller than four feet at most


“I can leave anytime I want. But Officer Ruiz said he’d be right back, so I’m waiting.”


Philip said it was a comforting thought. “We’ll surely count on his return.”


“I know I will,” the kid said. “My name’s Ambrose. I’m almost twelve. Mama says I’m diminutive for my age. If you don’t know what that word means, you can look it up.”


Chapter 11