Where does Gumshoe start? Just possibly, how did Gumshoe start is the better question, gentle readers.
Just a pregnant pause perhaps to ponder . . .
Birth order for sure played a large part when through serendipity, Gumshoe was the firstborn and the “Big Brother” to seven younger siblings (Mike, Deloris, Dennis, Paul, Nick, Rita, and Mary).
Gumshoe once read a study that indicated that “firstborn males” gravitate toward law enforcement.
Thrust into the role of being “Big Brother” came with the parent-reenforced responsibility of setting a good example as well as the solemn duty to watch out and protect them against all enemies foreign and domestic.
Well, maybe that was a wee bit too hyperbolic but that was how serious neophyte Gumshoe understood his quest.
Gumshoe had further cinematic support in “Vulnerari Praesidio” (a Latin term that means to protect the vulnerable) by watching and loving his personal favorite Westerns such as:
“Shane, High Noon, Stage Coach, The Magnificent Seven, How the West was Won”.
Gumshoe learned through these movies that they all shared a similar narrative—good guys had to protect the folks.
Being a “Big Brother” became Gumshoe’s personal badge of honor.
The rest of the story led Gumshoe into the U.S. Marine Corps and later into a law enforcement career.
Gumshoe never lost a blood brother or sister on his watch due to the grace of God.
Well, that’s Gumshoe’s personal reflection about being a “Big Brother” folks.
Please look around . . . there are plenty of “Big Brothers” as well as “Big Sisters” who still answer the call . . . “Shane come back!”
Always remember to love the ones who love you and try to love the ones who don’t.
Coram Deo!
Great Article and well worth the read
Why thanks Nightingale!
Thanks Tom for your comment. Our memories keep our personal history alive as well as define who were and who we are. More importantly, we are able to leave our legacy for our progeny.
Well Gumshoe again you hit it out of the park. My Dad was first born, big brother. Marine Corps, WWII Iwo Jima, then Law Enforcement 25 years retiring as a Detective Sgt. Married four children with yours truly being first born on both sides of the family. Try being a Big Brother in a Italian Family. Something goes wrong and who gets looked at first. Who is supposed to set the example? Big Brother follows in Dad’s foot steps. USMC, Vietnam and then Law Enforcement 25 years. So again I will say thanks you for bringing up the memory of being a “Big Brother”, a Badge of Honor I still wear proudly.
Semper Fi