Zahra's Wings

It was late as they all met for the long ride to Hickory. They knew the ride might even take them into a storm tired and weary. But none of this mattered. There are things much more important than one's comfort or the hope for a great ride. Sometimes something happens so profound that it has the power to change hearts and drive action.

There was a small girl that touched their hearts. She had never known a life without adversity, plagued by sickness and disablement. But no matter what the world threw at her she always managed a smile and through that smile was able to bring light to the darkest day. It is with great sadness that she was taken from this world far too soon. Her light would shine no more. This wonderful person that they would never get to meet, who's story drove them and others to ride clear across the great state of North Carolina in this darkest night, would be a new found spark to continue the flame burning in their hearts.

They rode for Zahra Baker and rode for the countless other children that go through similar trials of abuse every day. No amount of discomfort, rain, or fatigue would equal the suffering of the children across the world who would love nothing more than to be taken by the hand and raised up from the dark times and shown a better way to exist. Poor Zahra would never get this chance. This is was a constant thought as they rode to Hickory.

They arrived wet and road weary. There were no complaints. There were riding with their brotherhood and were all of the same mind that there was a statement to be made. They woke the next morning, only being a few hours since they had laid down to rest. It was time to meet up with the rest of their crew and move on to the ride. Clouds and rain filled the sky. As the morning drew on, more and more people heard the call and came to ride for Zahra. As countless others showed, the clouds thinned. When it was time to roll out the sun shown through the heavens and bathed all these wonderful people in its light. It truly cemented that what was being accomplished this day was something special, and something far beyond simple words. Indeed the ride seemed to be truly blessed. There is a hope that Zahra was looking down to the gathering of people all in her name with a smile. Even in her death, she could look down at them and still have hope for the world that seemed to fail her at each turn.

No one involved with the ride should be ashamed of tears that were shed. All were saddened that nothing could have been done to make the ride unnecessary. At least through all the tears there would be a ray of hope that there would be at least one more hopeful child still in this world. This is why We ride with B.A.C.A. No ride is worth more than a ride in the name of a child. We come together under the common goal to prevent abused children from having to carry the poison of what was done to them, to make them feel safe again. We bring these sweet lost children into our family to help them find themselves again. We talk to them and console them, always explaining that although what happened to them was so very wrong, they are not the ones who wronged. We fight by the sides of our little brothers and sisters as they continue their own battles through the courts. If needed, we stand ready to provide our children with a safe and protected environment, ready to do anything for their safety and a peaceful rest.

We went into Zahra's memorial ride with this firmly in mind, but what Zahra placed in our souls was an urgency. An urgency that enough could never be done. It is a knowledge that I as well as my brothers and sisters in B.A.C.A. know too well. Until we are no longer needed we need to be there for each and every child who needs us. To do what is necessary to be that safe family they so desperately need. We will not relent. We will not be pacified. We are who we are. We are there for all abused children, even if their abuse has taken its final conclusion as with little Zahra Baker who I believe has become an angel, looking after those who would be forced to travel a similar road.