Vaughn intended for her time spent volunteering at a nursing home to be temporary and a means of enhancing her college applications. After three years, she felt a strong connection to both the locals and the location itself.
One of the residents, Mrs. Coleman, caught Vaughn’s attention. People were intrigued and perplexed when the 90-year-old woman claimed to have known Vaughn since they were little.
As Vaughn listened to Mrs. Coleman’s stories, some memories began to return to him. She recalled playing with her grandson Soren and visiting Mrs. Coleman’s home as a child, when she sang for her on her birthday.
Vaughn was frightened by the encounter. For the first time, she felt remembered and seen. She couldn’t stop thinking about Mrs. Coleman’s words: “You saved me in ways I don’t always understand.”
Vaughn received the startling news that $700,000 had been deposited into her bank account the following morning. On the currency, Mrs. Coleman wrote, “Sweetheart, use this for your dreams.” “You’re worthy.”
Before Vaughn had time to consider how nice this was, Mrs. Coleman went into a coma. Vaughn had a lot of questions as she rushed to the hospital.
When Mrs. Coleman passed away, she gave Vaughn a present that would forever alter his life. Vaughn donated $50,000 to a nursing home instead of attending college. He plans to become a nurse with the remaining funds.
Looking back, Vaughn realized that Mrs. Coleman knew her better than she did. They felt connected and purposeful after their fortuitous encounter.
Vaughn’s experience serves as a caution that unforeseen circumstances in life have the power to significantly alter people. A stranger can occasionally reveal our true selves and our abilities.
It was in the nursing home, not the college dorms, that Vaughn discovered her dream. She felt comfortable and able to interact with others there. When she most needed it, Mrs. Coleman was the one who remembered her.
