Chapter 41 Summary

Izzy left a note in his medicine cabinet at home with instructions about his death. He wants to be cremated. There is to be no funeral, no fuss, and no speeches.

The note is dated about 3 weeks before he was admitted into the hospital. Shirley keeps remembering his asking Dr. North when he could go home. She wonders whether he wanted to get better or just to die at home. Rachel tells her mother Izzy knew he was dying.

Her brother, Phil, from Spokane is there, showing her father a special birdcall. Her niece, MB, who is only a few months younger than Rachel, is there, too. MB hugs Shirley, and Rachel is jealous because MB still has her grandparents.

For years, Rachel and Izzy weren't close. He never looked at her with the total acceptance that's in Shirley's face when she looks...