Summary Of Stephanie Vaughn's 'Able, Baker, Dog'

When I was little I saw my parents as caring figures who’s whole being was devoted to me. As I grew older, I realized that they were their own person who had their own stories and tragedies. I still do not see them as completely human with faults and all, but I now see more of their individuality. From my younger perspective, I saw little of the conflict between my parents and was unable to see their bigger picture behind their divorce. I realized that they got along more than my friend’s divorced parents but I did not know the extent of their efforts. My mom told me recently how much she was conscientious about being understanding towards my dad and getting along with him so that I would not get caught up in their relationship. A child’s view
As most parents rear their kids, they put up a curtain which aims to block their children from worries and violence. While it may be the instinctional path, both Gemma and I want to understand our parents and take a glimpse at their personal struggles to help guide them as they guide us. In “Able, Baker, Charlie, Dog”, Stephanie Vaughn writes from a twelve-year-old’s perspective to emphasize the blurred view Gemma has of her parents. When Gemma talks with her mother about going through puberty Gemma observes that “[her mother] must have known immediately what the problem was, but she did not smile.” (41) Her mother conceals her own humor to try to be an ideal mom but it hinders the connection which Gemma seeks to grow with her mother. Her father also puts up a guiding facade for Gemma. Throughout the story, Gemma remarks on his voice as “deep and soothing” as well as “a huge cathedral…full of volume and complexity.” (42 & 38) A “huge cathedral” makes people feel small and ‘lesser than’ which mirrors the father’s intentions of distracting from his emotions and alcoholism in order to be a leader of the household. Gemma does not get to connect to her parents until she observes them when they do not think that she is