From Hidden Brain Media, I'm Shankarvedantam. This is My Unsung Hero, stories where one person reached

out to help another in a time of need.

My unsung hero is my therapist.

I said, it's okay.

I still love you.

You're still my best friend.

So if she hears this, I just want to say thank you.

Today's story comes from listener Bill Price.

In the summer of 1972, when Bill was 15,

he attended a program for academically gifted students from across North Carolina.

That September, he went to the program's reunion.

Near the end of the day, remembers standing outside catching up with friends.

At one point everyone in the group said their goodbyes and he found himself standing there

alone.

And sometimes when you're alone, it's okay.

Sometimes when you're alone you feel bereft and abandoned.

And that's the way I felt then.

There was a group of kids, we were kids, walking away.

They were laughing and talking and I found myself wishing so much to be a part of that group.

And then one of them turned around and and said would you like to join us?

And my life was transformed in that moment.

I did join them.

...