A good turnout for the September Ride for Cheer!

   Some 25 BWAH Bikers gathered at Coastal Decorating on Sunday the 21st to visit our September child. Things looked fairly normal when I arrived. Vas was giving instructions for the ride. Our own Lt Fecteau was there with his blue lights on the ready. Mary was folding up shop to head out for Saco. I did not see any unusual hats or costumes, but I suspected they were probably there somewhere. Unfortunately Rudy and I got cut off by a cowboy in a VW Passat when we tried to follow the caravan. We lost the group behind about 12 cars at the next intersection, and decided to head directly for the meeting place in Saco.

Bryce; Definetely September’s Child

   Sometimes these mix-ups turn out for the best. We arrived before the bikers, and we had a wonderful opportunity to spend some time with Bryce and his family. Bryce was running and playing like any normal four year old. His mother filled me in on the unbelievable journey this little guy has made to arrive at this point in his short life. As recently as last Christmas he was unable to walk, and he has not been allowed to play with children until this year. His immune system could not protect him from infections that others might transmit, therefore he has had to be isolated from other contacts.

   The things Bryce has survived make him a miracle child. According to his mother his doctors still cannot believe that he is not only a survivor, but is hopefully on the way to health. Bryce is handsome, intelligent and full of life. He heard the police car and the motorcycles coming and waved to everyone as they entered the parking lot. He looked like a little munchkin in his BWAH shirt as he checked the bikes to decide which one he wanted for his ride. He smiled at the crazy hats that appeared on some of the bikers.

Gifts, Certificate of Honor and Parade Ride

   The balloons and the sun glasses were a big hit when Debbie Morin presented him with his Gift Bag. Before he had his picture taken with the group Lt. Fecteau stuck a Junior Deputy Badge on his BWAH shirt. David Barrett read the certificate which made this Bryce’s Day. Then Bryce who had chosen Dusty’s big black Honda for his ride took off behind Dusty on parade. Bryce continued to delight us with his parting words. He used the bullhorn to thank us and give us good advice. His comment was, “Don’t hit any cars!” I cannot begin to convey the impact this child seemed to have on the group. We felt reluctant to leave and remained with him for a while. His past has been much too traumatic for a four year old child. His future is uncertain, but he definitely found a place in our hearts on Sunday.

October Ride and Bash

   Once again October will bring the final ride of the season and the Bash. October 12th is the date; the place will be the announced on the BWAH web site. If the ride is postponed due to rain, the Bash will still be held on the 12th at 4:30PM. Volunteers for help and contributions of food will be gratefully accepted.

Special Thanks to Public Safety Officers:

   Once again Lt Gary Fecteau did a superb job of guiding us safely to our destination, with some expert help from the BWAH bikers who did road captain duties. We had an unexpected helper on the parade ride in the person of Officer Megan Brownell, from the Saco Police Department. She was patrolling the area and stopped to see what was going on. Remember the name because we may be seeing her, and her Suzuki 800, on a subsequent ride. Thanks Megan for your help, and we do hope to see you on our next ride.