"HEART OF A STRANGER"- SYNOPSIS/Page 3
After much searching she finds a news article about an accident that claimed the life of 22-year-old Matt LaSalle (Adam Wentzell). Certain that this is her donor, Jill writes to his family in search of information about him. She receives a letter in return and arranges to meet them in person. Jill is ready to start the drive to the LaSalle's home in Rhode Island but Amanda refuses to let her make the trek alone and insists on going with her.
During the drive mother and daughter have a heart-to-heart talk. Amanda tells Jill that she's gone too far in searching for her donor. Jill says that she understands that Amanda is confused by the way she's changed, but doesn't want her to bail out on her dream of going to the Conservatory. Amanda argues and explains that she has never had any time for herself and desperately needs to take a break. She wants to have a chance to make mistakes, as she never could while Jill was sick. Convinced that Amanda isn't throwing in the towel, Jill gives her blessing.
Jill and Amanda arrive at the LaSalle's and are greeted warmly by them and their friends. During this visit, Jill gets the answers she was looking for in regard to her new love for beer, junk food and rock music. As she says goodbye to the throng she tells
them they are the family of her heart -- a remark that doesn't set well with Amanda. Mr. LaSalle (Peter MacNeill) drives Jill to the location where they spread Matt's ashes so she can pay her respects. While there, he relates the course of events leading up to Matt's accident and she finally understands the dreams and visions she's had. Mr. LaSalle is still distraught over the fact that their last words to each other were spoken in anger, but Jill tells him she's sure Matt forgives him. When they return to the LaSalle home Jill is dismayed to find out that Amanda had someone take her to the bus station so she could go home. Matt's mother recognizes the rift between the mother and daughter, recognizing Amanda's need for Jill's attention.
At home it's almost Christmas, but life isn't very merry. Amanda gets into yet another argument with Jill, during which she accuses her mother of embracing a new family and leaving her behind. Nothing Jill says can assuage her daughter's ire and Amanda storms off to move in with Billy. However, her new living arrangement doesn't last long and Amanda comes back home after one day. Jill returns from work and is surprised to find Amanda. The two have a brief but emotional talk at which time they share their love and admiration for each other. Jill and Amanda tearfully embrace. They realize they are each changing, but are thankful for the second chance life has given them. Grateful for the gift of each other, Jill and Amanda share a moment recognizing the amazing gift a stranger has given them to spend another year together and finally, their present day Christmas feels like the treasured memories they shared in the past.
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