A high school principal from Michigan has revealed how a temporary Christmas invitation to a troubled foster teenager evolved into a permanent adoption, completing his family and transforming the young woman's life.
From Two Weeks to Forever: An Unexpected Family Bond
Jeremy Wright, 49, was serving as a principal in Plainwell, Michigan, when he learned one of his 15-year-old students, Bridgett, faced spending the holidays alone in an office building. She was being removed from her foster home just before Christmas. Moved by her situation, Jeremy asked his wife, Jennifer, if they could offer Bridgett a temporary two-week stay.
Jennifer was initially hesitant. The couple already had two children of their own, Jacob, 18, and Kaylee, 21. Furthermore, they were aware Bridgett had a challenging background, including struggles with marijuana and alcohol, and had been removed from a previous foster placement for stealing $300.
Bridgett's early life was marked by instability and trauma. She was taken from her biological mother's care at just eight years old. Her mother battled drug addiction and worked in the sex industry, leading to Bridgett and her brothers being separated and entering the foster care system. Before arriving at the Wrights' home, Bridgett had lived with an astonishing 20 different foster families.
A Difficult Start and a Path to Healing
The initial days were tough. Jennifer confessed that Bridgett continued to smoke, stole alcohol from their home, and snuck out at night. However, a breakthrough came when Bridgett opened up about the severe sexual abuse she had endured. This revelation shifted the family's perspective entirely.
"It was like how in all my years of teaching, 25 years of teaching, I'd never heard a story like that. It was just so horrible," Jeremy told People magazine. Recognising the depth of her trauma, the Wrights decided to prioritise her mental health. They checked Bridgett into a specialist hospital in Wisconsin for treatment.
"I knew that if we could get her to go and get some help and get on the right medicine and get on the right track, that we could help her," Jeremy explained. The treatment proved pivotal. Bridgett returned home calm and more focused, ready to engage with the support her new family offered.
Completing the Family: Adoption and Transformation
Bridgett continued living with the Wrights beyond the planned two weeks, gradually becoming part of the family fabric. Although she was initially reluctant to make the arrangement permanent, she eventually embraced the idea. In May 2024, Bridgett was legally adopted, officially becoming a Wright.
Her transformation since finding a stable, loving home has been profound. Academically, she progressed from barely passing her classes to achieving As and Bs. She also found a positive outlet by joining the school cheer team.
Now 18 and a high school senior set to graduate next year, Bridgett finds it hard to describe the feeling of having a permanent family but happily confesses she's been "living my princess life." Jennifer describes her as a "fun," "feisty," and "sweet" girl with "a really big heart."
The couple say watching Bridgett flourish has been a joy and that she truly completed their family. Jeremy, who now works as a superintendent, and Jennifer reflect on their chance decision at Christmas as the beginning of an extraordinary journey for them all.
