Chapter 18
After breakfast, Philip and I helped my mother clean up the kitchen. I rinsed dishes; Philip dried and loaded the dishwasher. My mother kissed both of us on the cheeks and scooted us out of the kitchen, calling us her loving sons. “You two must have other fun things to do with your time.”
By ten minutes after nine Philip and I had showered and dressed and were heading to Peoria to pick up my father’s ashes.
On the way out the door, my mother informed us that we’d be picking up three different cremation urns; one each for Mom, Paula, and me.
“On your way home, do you mind picking up some salmon and spinach?” she asked.
“What are you up to?” I asked standing at the front door.
She wiped her hands on a dishcloth. “I’m making a big fancy dinner for everyone.”
“Everyone?” I lo
