not just following in footsteps

“I had to be true to my original promise: unlike some series in which the protagonist never ages, I set out to have each book show the main characters not only aging, but changing as well. Even dying. This series is all about “Family of Choice.” All the members of Burke’s family share this truth: The most righteous of parents don’t want their children to “follow in their footsteps,” they want their children to walk past those footsteps. Burke’s family have always walked the outlaw road, and can never walk another. But as the children reach adulthood, it is the family’s blood obligation to fork that road for them. And that time has now come.” – author Andrew Vachss

When I read this quote it made me think about something I heard one of my favorite mothers <wife of one of my best friends> say to her daughter during an argument/discussion (whatever a mother and a tween have).

Daughter: “but I am sure you & dad did it.”

Mom: “you will have to ask your dad about what he did … but let me tell you what I believe … I made my mistakes … and you will make your own … but know this … I want you to be better than I was and, ultimately, than I am.”

Personally I believe all children should hear that they won’t simply be as good as someone, even their own parents, but better. Or at least that is the goal. And ‘better’ can be anything or any aspect.

Anyway.

The whole concept of permitting children ‘to walk past those footsteps’ means we have an obligation to not only better them in some form or fashion but, possibly more importantly, protect the children.

Ok.

Let me be upfront.

I don’t have any children.

So it is difficult for me to explain why I am so passionate about protecting our youth (their minds and physically). Maybe because somewhere inside of me I think of an Edith Cavell quote:

“Someday, somehow, I am going to do something useful … something for the people.” Yeah. Comparing myself, and my thoughts, to Cavell seems egotistical if not pure fantastical. Trust me. I am not comparing myself to the person … only the sentiment. And, in this case, what I do know for sure is that I am an “uncle” to numerous friends’ children and I know I am extremely protective of them. And I am sure I would like everyone within the younger generation to ‘walk past my own footsteps.’

And, me being me, recognizing if I am protective the actual parent must be exponentially so versus me. All that said. I cannot envision many things more important than protecting our youth. And I don’t mean making them mamby pambys by over protecting them (because I actually believe the politically correctness and sensitivity has gone a little bit too far) but protecting them from the evil that resides within life …until they can actually defend themselves.

All that gobbledygook aside … here is what I am sure of …

(1) for whatever reason, and I won’t question it, I am an advocate of youth, and

(2) I want Andrew Vachss on my side.

If you have never heard of Andrew Vachss or read his books <in particular the Burke series> he is a lawyer/author who has helped build laws to protect children <assisting abused children and attacking predators of children>.

His Burke character, and plots, are often brutal, grinding, disturbing and hopeful.

His books: “A gripping tale of evil, cruelty, retribution and love.”

—Cleveland Plain-Dealer

The Burke book series is an awesome series <particularly the first 4 or 5> but a brutal look at the underbelly of society (and I don’t mean the poor or less educated but rather the evil that lurks right around the corner from you and I) and children.

Vachss took on child abuse and child porn before anyone else really believed it was an everyday issue.  And while he did it under the guise of a fictional character there was always a thread of what was really there … and happening (if we cared to look around for it).

The other thing Vachss does is show us that all parents, regardless of background and income, want the best for their children.

And will go to any lengths for them and go to extremes to have their children walk beyond their own footsteps.

A hope that they be better, do better and, ultimately, have better.

As I said before … the stories can be brutal … and disturbing … but always laced with a good dose “doing what is right” with regard to children and friends. The only real code, or moral compass, is “best interest of the child.” With an extra degree of ‘best interest’ … with no boundaries on how to attain “best interest” in Burke’s eyes.

If you liked Omar in The Wire I bet you will like Burke.

Burke, like Omar, does ‘wrong things’ but they are the ‘right things’ to do in that time and place.

I imagine most of you, particularly parents, like me … like the idea of someone like Burke looking after our children.

Someone who acts beyond the law … because maybe there is no law for those who abuse children.

Look.

I believe in the legal process … and the fact we have a system. But <yeah, this is a big but> when it comes to protecting our youth … I am not sure justice could ever be harsh enough.

Before you judge me too harshly on this … read the books.

If even a portion of the stories are true, what judgment would you put upon these types of predators of our youth? And wouldn’t you like someone like Burke looking out for our children’s interests?

Regardless. All that said.

I loved what Vachss said about his last Burke book <although I was not  huge fan of the book itself>.

And what he says about parents and children.

I would imagine the greatest mistake a parent can make is to believe your children will be just like you. The world is always changing and it always belongs to the next generation.

And we should all wish they could all walk beyond our own footsteps.

What a wonderful thought.

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Written by Bruce