Her son got lost in New York. Then a woman appeared with the boy: NPR

This story is part of the My Unsung Hero series, by The Hidden Brain Team. He presents stories of people whose kindness has left a lasting impression on someone else.

About 30 years ago, Nancy Willis ran the New York marathon. All her family – her three children, her husband and her parents – agreed to meet near the finish line and celebrate what she had just accomplished.

After finishing the race, Willis was heading for their planned reunion square. She was welcomed with hugs from each member of her family. But a hug was missing. Her 8 -year -old Jack son was not found.

Quickly, the family came into action, looking for the boy. They asked the organizers of the marathon to send information on the speakers. Even foreigners in the crowd called Jack’s name.

“This type of energy and concentration helped me to stay calm … Rather than becoming discouraged and crying, we just transformed all our energy while trying to find Jack”, recalls Willis.

“(After) what seemed more than an hour, but it was probably 10 minutes, a woman came and held my son’s hand. And she joined her hand with my stepfather’s hand and (asked):” Is it your grandson? “”

Willis’ stepfather caught Jack and hugged him. The rest of the family, relieved and overwhelmed by emotion, kissed the young boy.

When they turned around to thank the woman who had found and returned Jack, she had disappeared.

“She was not looking for any distinction. She just knew he was safe,” said Willis.

“If I had the privilege of meeting you, I would say thank you from the bottom of my heart, because it was probably one of the most difficult days of my life, and you repaired it. And for that, I would make you the biggest hug in the world and say:” Thank you “.”

My little -known hero is also a podcast – New episodes are published every Tuesday. To share the story of your little-known hero with the Hidden Brain team, save a vocal memo on your phone and send it to myunsungherro@hiddenbrain.org.