From Hidden Brain Media, I'm Shankarvedanthem. This is my unsung hero,

stories where one person reached out to help another in a time of need.

My story is about a group of unsung heroes.

He just pulled up a chair and we talked, I'd say for about 90 minutes or something.

I don't know if she really understands or appreciates the full impact that she's had in my life and still continues to have.

Today's story comes from Gary Dietz. He wants to thank four unsung heroes who helped him over the span of two hours.

Gary's son, Alexander, has a rare genetic condition that causes intellectual and behavioral challenges.

Recently, for Alexander's 24th birthday, Gary and his partner Eileen decided to give Alexander

one of his favorite experiences, a walk around Boston.

On a warm fall day, the three of them drove from their home in New Hampshire to Charlestown, Massachusetts.

From there, they got on the ferry

to Boston's North End.

And when we got on the ferry,

my first unsung hero of the day

was actually the woman taking tickets on the ferry. It was a very crowded and beautiful day and

she could see that there was something slightly amiss with Alexander. He seemed very

nervous and I thought that was extremely perceptive and compassionate

of her and while we were waiting online the woman taking the tickets just waved

us by it was a very subtle thing to do and it made the ferry ride a little bit more bearable.

After they got off the ferry, they found a restaurant.

Alexander seemed fine, so they went inside.

But right after they ordered, Alexander

...