Chaos. That’s what it was—utter chaos. Helen’s preschoolers tore around the backyard, whooping and laughing, with Aunt Sally’s daughter Katie chasing them, acting like a monster.
The boys were passing around a soccer ball. The girls, including Sonia—Alan’s girlfriend—were taking turns on the tire swing, laughing and talking about whatever it was girls talked about when they got together.
Helen, Mom, and my aunts set up the food line in the kitchen, while Tom, Uncle Carl, and I stood around the grills, acting like we were helping Dad as he rearranged and flipped the burgers, chicken, and hot dogs.
Apparently, the entire family was a walking stereotype.
“Who has the meat platters?” Dad asked. “This stuff’s done.”
“Great.” My stomach rumbled as I grabbed them off the picnic table. I held
