Separating for   everything you know and love is never easy, yet many refugees around the world are forced to do so. People are relocated as a result of unforeseen circumstances, and they do their best to pick up the pieces and go on.

Two sisters fled to America for protection and stability after leaving their parents in war-torn Yugoslavia. They were sitting next to a woman who listened to their story and chose to aid them by chance.

Ayda Zugay, 12, and Vanja Contino, 17, were sad when they said their goodbyes to their mother and father in 1999. To preserve their lives, they were forced to abandon their own nation due to a horrible conflict.

They departed with no money or belongings, and the little girls had no idea how they would make ends meet. Thankfully, they came across a ray of hope in the person of Tracy.

Ayda and her sister sat next to a kind  woman on a flight from Amsterdam to Minnesota who listened to their sad story. The stranger did something meaningful instead of turning a blind eye.

Tracy was moved by the sisters’ stories and amazed by their courage in leaving their home. She felt driven to assist them in some way, so she offered them an address that meant far more to them than she could have guessed.

Because Ayda didn’t speak much English, Vanja got into a conversation with her. Tracy could see and feel what she needed to know about them despite the linguistic barrier.

The extraordinary experience on the plane gave the sisters the boost they needed to keep going. Tracy also handed them an envelope, which they were instructed to open once they arrived.

When Ayda saw what was inside the letter, she was taken aback. To someone else, $100 and hanging earrings might not have seemed like much, but it was enough to keep the sisters running for a season.

Ayda noticed:
‘I was surprised when I opened the letter and found the $100 because we didn’t have anything with us. We didn’t have any cash, not even a $1.’

Ayda and Vanja would always treasure the message written on the front side of the envelope. Tracy expressed her best wishes to the girls, and the words brought them some relief.

The message stated,

‘I am deeply sorry that the bombing of your country has caused any difficulties for your family. I wish you a safe and enjoyable stay in the United States.’

The visitor also wished the sisters a warm welcome to America and signed the card simply, ‘Please use this to your advantage. Tracy, a fellow passenger on the plane.’

Tracy’s money was put to good use. It enabled the sisters to buy powdered pancake mix and Coca-Cola, two necessities that kept them alive and healthy during their first summer in America.

Tracy’s gift not only provided physical support, but it also raised their spirits and gave them hope, according to Ayda. Immigrants were subjected to a great deal of examination, and the woman’s kindness was always a ray of hope.

Ayda revealed:

‘On the exterior of the package was a wonderful welcome greeting. I value this since, as time passes, I’ve learned that warm welcomes like this are rare in most places.’

In the country of dreams and chances, the sisters persevered and established exceptional lives for themselves. Ayda worked for nonprofit groups, founded a consultancy firm, and was a delegate to the Refugee Congress.

Vanja, an anesthesiologist, married and raised a family, and the two ladies wanted to thank Tracy for laying the groundwork for their success.

Ayda searched for the woman who altered her life for many years, and the road was difficult. She explained: ‘Despite the fact that the possibilities are slim, I am not discouraged. I want to keep going as long as I can.’

After several leads went through, it appeared like the sisters would never see the woman who had saved them so many years ago. They did, however, find their angel after more than two decades and with the help of the internet.

Someone saw Tracy’s online search in 2022. A refugee advocacy organization posted the image on Twitter, and a woman immediately recognized the handwriting as her mother’s.

She said in a tweet:

‘You’re looking for Tracy Peck, my mother! Her signature is evident. She recognizes you from the airplane!’

Tracy Peck, 70, was out running errands when friends and family tried to contact her to inform her of the news. They recognized Tracy from her mention of Yugoslavian sisters she had met and knew she was the Tracy they were looking for.

After many years, the woman was surprised and thrilled to reconnect with Ayda and Vanja, and she shared:

”Oh my my, that’s me they’re looking for,’ I thought as I pulled over to the side of the road and pulled up the story, seeing the envelope with my handwriting. It was completely insane.’

The families were reunited via Zoom, and it was an emotional homecoming for everyone. Ayda expressed gratitude to the woman for urging her to be strong, adding: “I’m finally in a position to progress and grow. And it makes me quite pleased.”

Tracy expressed her gratitude for assisting the sisters and described her decision as a no-brainer. She mentioned:

‘Kindness is a gift from God, and it is a sincere gift. It was a no-brainer for me to do this for you girls because your tale had such an impact on me.’

Ayda was eager to convey her gratitude orally rather than through hand gestures like she had done as a child. The women were also looking forward to meeting in person and getting to know one other better.

Tracy revealed that she had returned from a trip to Paris in 1999, when she had seen the French Open. She only had a $100 cash in her purse, which she knew she had to deliver to them. What she didn’t anticipate was the long-term consequence of her gesture.