For many kids, going to school can be a nightmare thanks to bullies. Even Lin Manuel-Miranda had to deal with bullying in high school, and while most people overcome the nonsense, not every story has a happy ending, especially if those out there being bullied don't have help.
In Dekalb County, Indiana, an 11-year-old named Phil Mick was at his wit's end. His mother, Tammy Mick, said Phil didn't want to go back to Dekalb Middle School because he was the target of bullies at school, with Tammy saying that her son "came home with bumps and bruises. He said he wanted to end his life and I stepped up as parent and tried to get things taken care of."
That's a terrible thing to have to deal with as a child, and one family friend, Brent Warfield, decided to do something about it. "I met Phil and I met Tammy and she had told be about him getting bullied. I said, 'Well next year get a hold of me and we can give him an escorted ride to school.'"
So when the time came, Warfield kept up his promise... but did so with a squad of 50 bikers, who reportedly brought him new clothes and school supplies to boot.
50 bikers escort bullied 11-year-old to 1st day of school. "It gave him confidence. Middle school is a fresh start" https://t.co/DJkMVNcVCu pic.twitter.com/CPdAxA0FBE
It sounds like the bikers not only sent a message to the bullies out there (and to any teens dealing with suicidal thoughts), but truly made Phil's day.
“I wanted to cry, it was so heartwarming... Every day, he talks about that ride," Tammy Mick said. "He said it was amazing. [To] Brent and all the riders who came, from the bottom of my heart, I want to thank them. They made my son very happy."
If you or anyone you know is having suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.
