Mary Ruth watches as Mrs. Marriot, her husband, and her child move from a beautiful house to her grandfather's old farmhouse that is falling apart because her husband lost all their money. Mary Ruth tries to bring them food and be kind, and even though she doesn't like Mrs. Marriot at first, they become good friends.
As Mary Ruth grows up and begins dating Tom, Mrs. Marriot is like a mother to her. She introduces Mary Ruth to her nephew, Chris, who inspires her to go to nursing school. Mary Ruth gets a job at Mrs. Williams' house so she can pay for college, but hates every second of the hard work. She quits and comes home when she receives news of Tom's death.
At home, Mrs. Marriot tells Mary Ruth that she can stay depressed, or go through the figurative door in her life that will lead her to new opportunities and happiness. Mary Ruth is hesitant to move forward, until her father falls ill with appendicitis. She is able to rush him to the hospital and realizes that she wants to continue her nursing career so she can help people. She goes through this "door" and ends up with an amazing nursing job and falls in love with Chris.