As I posted about a week ago, a young mother and her four children were found murdered in El Reno. This woman was a Redlands student, and as there were approximately 1,000 people expected for the joint funeral today, we agreed to host it on campus. I've spent much of the past week helping prepare for this service. Nothing, but nothing, could have prepared me for something I experienced today.
As we stood outside awaiting the arrival of the funeral procession, I could hear the roar of engines and feel the rumble of the ground. I immediately recognized the unmistakable sounds of motorcycles. I've seen photos of the Patriot Guard attending funerals before, but I've never seen it first hand. The roar I heard today was not the Patriot Guard, but rather, BACA (Bikers Against Child Abuse). This contingency of nearly 100 riders took the day off of work and spent their day escorting this funeral procession. They spent their time trying to offer a sense of comfort and solace to this grieving family. When the first riders pulled into the parking lot, I was overwhelmed by emotion. These individuals are so caring. So loving. So dedicated to their cause -- preventing child abuse and doing anything and everything within their power to comfort the victims of child abuse.
I've never seen anything like it; I'm in awe of these individuals and this organization. As I sit here typing this, I have tears in my eyes again. These bikers, many of whom have professional jobs - lawyers, accountants, doctors, prison guards, and more - make it their mission in life to prevent the abuse of children. What an amazing mission. What amazing people.
Here's a link to BACA's national Web site, if you want any additional information about this organization: http://www.bacausa.com/
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