Since it is Father’s Day, I wanted to take a moment to share a story that’s close to my heart. Something that happened last weekend. It’s about a man who may not be a biological dad, but he shows up in all the ways that matter.
My fiancé, Michael Boschker (or as we lovingly call him, Big Mike) saw that my 9-year-old son, Micheal, was having a hard time making friends in our neighborhood. It’s tough as a parent to watch your child feel left out or lonely, and Big Mike felt it too. So he decided to do something about it.
He posted in our neighborhood Facebook page, inviting local kids to join us for something he called Creekside Cruisers, a bike night just for them. We weren’t sure if anyone would come, but we were hopeful. Some neighbors even pitched in to help. Big Mike went out and bought hot dogs, chips, and soda for the kids, and planned a special kids poker run to make things more fun. First prize would win $20, and second place, $10.
We set everything up and waited. I could see little Micheal getting nervous, worried that no one would show. Then, we heard it… the sound of wheels on pavement and excited chatter. Kids were making their way down the sidewalk on bikes, scooters, four-wheelers, and even trikes for the littlest ones.
I’ll never forget the look on Micheal’s face when he saw them coming. His eyes lit up. Big Mike made sure every child got to participate, even giving the younger kids rides on his bike so they could collect their poker cards. When all the kids had their five cards, we found our winners. Micheal won first place, and a younger boy named Oliver took second. But honestly, the real prize that day wasn’t money.
It was friendship.
Micheal met another boy his age who also struggled to make friends. They hit it off right away. The event ended in a wild water fight, complete with sprinklers and water guns, as laughter filled the air. It was everything you hope for as a parent: joy, connection, belonging.
Big Mike isn’t Micheal’s biological dad, but that day he did what real dads do. He saw a need and stepped up with his whole heart. He made a difference. And in our eyes, that’s what being a father is all about.
We may have just started a new tradition with The Creekside Cruisers, and one thing is for sure… the friendships and memories made that evening will stick with us long after the bikes are parked and the laughter fades into the night.
To all the dads out there, stepdads, bonus dads, father figures, and anyone who chooses to show up, we see you. And we thank you.
