I used to be ashamed of my father, Frank — a motorbike mechanic, not a doctor or lawyer like my friends’ parents. I wouldn’t even call him “Dad” at my graduation, just gave a stiff handshake.

Three weeks later, Frank was gone — a logging truck hit his bike on a mountain pass.

At his funeral, hundreds of bikers wearing orange ribbons told stories I’d never heard: Frank rescuing strangers, organizing charity rides, saving lives. A lawyer handed me his satchel: $180,000 donated over 15 years, an orange bandana, and a letter. “A man is judged by who he helps, not titles,” he wrote.

I inherited his Harley and his dream. We opened a free workshop for at-risk teens, fixing engines — and lives.

On his 59th birthday, I tied on his bandana and led the ride he once led. I finally realized: Respect isn’t stitched into fancy suits. It’s built from open hands and open roads.

Call home while you can. Embrace those you don’t understand. You might find the hero you needed all along.