Vaughn first decided to help at a nursing home because she wanted to improve her chances of getting into college.

But what happened to her over the next three years would change the course of her life in ways she didn’t expect.

Vaughn found comfort in the nursing home, with its unique cleaners and medicines that smelled like lemons.

She became close with the locals by laughing with them and listening to their stories.

Mrs. Coleman, who was 90 years old and quiet, was one of them. She spent most of her days thinking while looking out the window.

It was a terrible Tuesday when Mrs. Coleman grabbed Vaughn’s arm with amazing strength and said she knew her from childhood.

At first, Vaughn thought this was because of dementia, but Mrs. Coleman’s words made sense.

She talked about how Vaughn came to her house as a child to sing on her birthday and play with her grandson Soren

. Even though the memories were weak, they were very important to Vaughn.

Vaughn felt emotionally connected to Mrs. Coleman as they talked because she reminded her of a part of her life she had forgotten about.

Vaughn felt seen and remembered after the meeting, which was something she hadn’t felt before.

The next morning, Vaughn got a shocking message: $700,000 had been sent to her bank account.

A call from the nursing home showed that Mrs. Coleman had been taken to the hospital and was in a coma, but the source of the news was unknown.

Mrs. Coleman left Vaughn a note and the huge gift before she ran off.

“Use this for your dreams, sweet girl,” it said on the note. “You deserve it.”

Vaughn felt so thankful and like he had a reason in life.

She chose to improve the nursing home and give the money to groups that help orphans.

Vaughn also went to nursing school because she wanted to help other people like Mrs. Coleman had helped her.

Vaughn realized that Mrs. Coleman knew her better than she knew herself as she thought back on her trip.

Their meeting brought up a lost past and showed them a new way to move forward.

Vaughn’s story turned into one of self-discovery, thanks, and how connecting with others can change your life.

Vaughn learned in the end that sometimes it takes a stranger to show us who we really are and what we can become.