My Unsung Hero

In this heartwarming conversation, Larry Maxfield shares an inspiring story about the compassion of neighbors and church members who came together during a challenging time. After moving his terminally ill brother, Marty, to Utah, Larry recounts how these strangers transformed a bare house into a warm, welcoming home. Their kind gestures, from cleaning to sewing draperies, created a comforting space for Marty in his final days. This touching tale highlights the impact of community and the unsung heroes among us.

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.

Connie Sherburne, a resident of Escondido, California, shares her heartwarming journey through grief after losing her husband. She recounts the pivotal moment when an insurance agent advised her to accept help from others. This simple yet profound guidance became a lifeline as friends and neighbors stepped in, providing crucial support in her time of need. Connie reveals how those acts of kindness not only eased her burdens but also taught her the importance of community, illustrating the deep impact unsung heroes have on our lives.

Tom Sinclair shares a poignant tale of being lost at age six on the cold shores of Lake Superior. He recounts the fear of a lonely night and the pivotal moment a stranger defied orders, calling his name and carrying him to safety. Tom reflects on the significant impact this rescue had on his life, shaping his perspective on parenting and fostering a deep sense of gratitude. His story highlights the importance of unsung heroes and the lasting influence of brief encounters.

John Kindschuh, a stroke survivor and lawyer from St. Louis, shares his powerful journey of recovery. He recounts the pivotal moment when his hospital roommate, despite his own challenges, saved his life by calling for help when John’s speech began to slur. John reflects on his milestones after the stroke, including returning to work and welcoming another child. With deep gratitude, he expresses his heartfelt thanks to the unsung hero who not only saved him but also impacted his family's future.

Natalie Cook, a dedicated foster parent, shares a heartwarming story about her two-year-old foster daughter using a walker at a park. When a young boy bluntly asks what's wrong, Natalie initially freezes but soon witnesses his kindness. The boy includes her daughter in play and even teaches his friends about her abilities. This simple act of compassion leads to a joyous experience as the playground cheers for her daughter. Natalie's reflections highlight the hope and understanding that children's kindness can inspire.

In this heartfelt chat, Mary Klein shares her poignant Christmas Eve story, recounting how she got lost in Phoenix and was rescued by a compassionate couple. Their kindness transformed her lonely holiday into an unforgettable experience. Mary reflects on their impact, highlighting how their generosity inspired her lifelong devotion to caring for others, especially the lonely and elderly. She details a memorable Christmas meal they shared, illustrating the profound effect that unsung heroes can have on our lives.

Stephanie Cole, a talented storyteller, shares a heartwarming tale of kindness from her very first day at a busy department store. Overwhelmed by the chaos, a compassionate customer reassured her, reminding her to take her time. This simple act of empathy had a profound impact on Stephanie, shaping her own approach to interactions and instilling a lifelong lesson in compassion. Dive into her inspiring moment of everyday heroism that highlights how small gestures can create lasting change.

In this heartfelt discussion, Jillian Klein, a breast cancer survivor celebrating ten years cancer-free, shares her journey of resilience and gratitude. After her diagnosis, she faced a critical insurance decision and reached out to HR representative Alex Mackey for help. Alex not only guided her through the process but became a beacon of support, attending appointments and offering care packages. Jillian reflects on learning the true meaning of kindness through Alex's unwavering support, inspiring listeners to recognize their own unsung heroes.

On the first day of her new job, Emily fainted. Then a customer came to her aid. Do you have your own story of an unsung hero? We'd love to hear it! Record a voice memo and email it to us at myunsunghero@hiddenbrain.org. Some guidance:--Focus on ONE moment that you will never forget. --Make sure you're in a quiet, non-echoey room.--Speak conversationally, like you're talking to a friend.--Let us know why this person continues to impact your life.--If your hero were standing in front of you today, what would you say? Address them directly. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.