From Hidden Brain Media, I'm Shankar Vedantam. This is my unsung hero, stories where one person reached

out to help another in a time of need.

Thank you so much for the chance to tell you

about my unsung hero.

I just left there feeling like there was hope

for my situation and my kids.

I can never thank you enough for all you've done for me.

And I'll never be able to repay you.

Thank you.

In 1992, over the weekend, Jeff Bulch's mom died.

The following Monday was Trash Pickup Day.

I was out front doing some yard work,

and a young fellow came up the driveway, wheeling a big barrel. I remember he was

younger than I, but he grinned and he said, hey, how's Ms Balch doing? And I hadn't yet had to tell a stranger.

I took a breath and I said, well, she was very sick, and I'm afraid she died a couple of days ago.

And he froze, he stammered, I'm so sorry, and he lowered his eyes and hurried away.

And I was looking down to pretty... and he lowered his eyes and hurried away.

And I was looking down too pretty teary.

And when I looked up again, I blinked to see

three people coming across our yard.

There was a middle-aged man flanked by the young fellow and another young guy.

And the older man walked up to me and said, are you Mrs. Balch's son?

...