I never cried easily—not after decades as a school janitor. But the day dozens of Harleys rolled into the cemetery for my son’s funeral, I broke down.
Mikey was 14 when he took his own life in our garage. In his note, he wrote, “I can’t do this anymore, Dad. They tell me to kill myself every day.” He named four classmates. I felt I had failed him—twice.
Then Sam showed up at our door. A local biker, leather-clad and gruff, he offered quiet support. “If you want us there,” he said, handing me a number, “we’ll come. Just for presence.”
That night, I found Mikey’s hidden journal—filled with proof of relentless bullying. I called Sam.
The next morning, they came. Dozens of bikers lined the chapel, forming a wall of protection. When the boys Mikey named arrived, their confidence crumbled.
One of their fathers complained, saying the bikers made his son uncomfortable.
“So he should be,” I replied.
Sam later told me they were planning to speak at Mikey’s school. The principal hesitated—until I threatened to release Mikey’s journal to the press.
The assembly was powerful. Bikers shared stories of loss. Students cried. Some admitted knowing about Mikey’s suffering but staying silent. It became a turning point.
The boys tried to leave. Sam stopped them: “We’ll be watching.”
News spread. Anti-bullying programs launched. The principal resigned. Real change began.
I quit my job and started a scholarship in Mikey’s name. Sometimes I ride with the Steel Angels now—supporting families like mine.
When thunder rolls, I think of Mikey. Of all the kids like him. We can’t save the ones we lost, but we can make noise for the next.
And that’s worth riding for.
