My Unsung Hero Never Give Up (A Bonus from StoryCorps)
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Jan 16, 2026 Steve Erickson, a compassionate neighbor, shares his heartwarming story of rescuing and preserving the childhood keepsakes of Hannah Mitchell after her family vanished. He reflects on the moment he realized she was gone and his worries for her safety. After two decades of holding onto her mementos, he and his wife Patty used social media to reconnect with Hannah, leading to a joyful reunion. Their tale highlights perseverance, kindness, and the enduring bonds that can be formed through hope.
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Neighbors Kept A Lost Child's Memories
- Steve Erickson and Patty saved Hannah Mitchell's childhood keepsakes after her family vanished and kept them in their garage for 20 years.
- Hannah found them decades later on Facebook and was reunited with photos and items that restored her past.
Small Acts Preserve Identity
- Small acts of consistent care can preserve identity for someone who disappears from their past community.
- Steve Erickson and Patty's habit of saving Hannah's items kept a bridge to her history alive.
Battle Bonds Reunite After Decades
- Kay Lee and John Nordean reconnected after 48 years apart after serving together in Vietnam and surviving heavy losses in their platoon.
- Their reunion felt like finding treasure and restored a bond that had become family over shared combat experience.
