9:41 PM EDT, September 26,
2010
It was the kind of outpouring of support
that motorcyclists are known for when they latch on to a cause, and their
numbers — estimated at close to 3,000 — went way beyond the organizers'
expectations Sunday for the first Petit Family Foundation's "Ride for
Justice."
For Dr. William Petit Jr. and his extended family, the timing
was good. The ride, which ended with a barbecue at Bozzuto's restaurant in
"It's really a wonderful
outpouring of support," Petit said of the motorcycle event, pausing as he shook
the hands of bikers, "and I think it shows that, in time, good will overcome
evil."
Petit's father-in-law, the Rev. Richard Hawke, was also shaking
hands, and paused to say, "People ask: How can you get through this? It's
because of things like this and people supporting us like this that helps us get
through it."
Marybelle Hawke, Petit's mother-in-law, concurred: "I've
never seen the likes of this. We feel the world has been crying — from one end
of the world to the other, people have been crying over this happening. … We're
hoping to make a change that makes our lives more safe,
more able to be lived in peace."
Sunday was also significant because it
would have been Jennifer Hawke-Petit's 52nd birthday. Petit said he went home
exhausted Friday from Superior Court in New Haven –- where Steven Hayes was on
trial for the murder of Petit's family — and was in bed by 8 p.m. He said that
he and his relatives decided to mark his wife's birthday on Saturday with a Mass
at Our Lady of Mercy Church in
"We brought some new
flowers," he said, "and the Rev. Richard Hawke said some prayers."
Petit
went to bed again at 8 p.m. Saturday night and said that he felt rested on
Sunday as he stood in the sun shaking hands with bikers, who were clearly moved,
some near tears.
"God bless you," many said. "Want some love and
support?" one asked, and gave Petit a hug and a kiss.
Patty Spyros of
The money raised — estimated at $65,000 — goes to the
Petit Family Foundation, which honors the memory of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and
Hayley and Michaela Petit, by supporting the education of young people,
especially women in the sciences; improving the lives of those affected by
chronic illness; and supporting efforts to protect and help those affected by
violence.
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