Comments from a family member of Ms. Boland

In the days that followed Mikey's death news reports flew through the Internet at a lighting speed as they do today. The AP, UPI and other wire services posted the headlines every were. Some of those sites allowed comments on the stories they run. I don't know what it is but when people are in an anonymous virtual world. They often loose what our mothers taught us that if you don't have anything nice to say don't say it at all.

I read much of what people posted, a lot of good and sadly also a lot of hate. Well in the sea of comments two stood out too me. They were written by a relative of Ms Boland and until recently I have held off publishing them as I could not verify they were legitimate. I now know the comments to be authentic and will let them speak for them self.

The first comes from the website the topix and can be viewed at this link:
http://www.topix.com/com/hdi/2008/09/woman-in-cyclists-death-was-drunk-complaint-says

"My heart breaks for Michael Fleming and his family and friends. My Aunt was the drunk driver who took his life. My parents are riders who came down from up north to enjoy the celebration. Our family is devastated by her careless, thoughtless and selfish decision that took this man away from his loved ones. I cannot apologize for her behavior nor would I. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mr. Flemings family and friends. " Posted by 2sad4words

The second was posted too the Free Republic and reads:

"To: BraveMan
I wanted to respond to all who posted regarding the issue of Michael Fleming wearing his helmet or not. As the niece of the woman who killed this wonderful man I place the blame solely at her feet. My aunt chose to drink and drive without any regard for others on the road. As the daughter of parents who rode in this celebration I am outraged. I love my Aunt but believe that she needs to be held accountable for her actions. Please don’t put any responsibility on Mr. Fleming. People should be able to ride a bike,cycle, go for a walk or even drive a car without fear that someone will run you down. Our family has Mr. Fleming and his family and friends in our prayers. Thank you"
50 posted on Thursday, September 04, 2008 8:46:23 PM by 2sad4words


The only thing I am left to wounder is why when one is anonymous do they feel the need to say things they otherwise would not say in public??

However, it is the posts like the two above that bring me back to that point I know that many of us still remember and use what our mothers taught us.

To 2sad4words thank you for coming forward and sharing how you felt, and standing up for what is right the virtual world needs more like you.