Thank you Springfield HS

Saturday there was an unexpected knock at the door following by an unexpected package on the porch. So many people have graciously sent Audrey so many packages while Chris has been deployed but normally I know when to expect them, but this one I had no idea. As I read the return address I did not recognize it. But as I opened the box and began to go through it I was blown away. There was a hand written letter from an co worker from at least 7 years ago. Her name is Jenna and she is a Social Studies teacher in Dayton now. We are friends on Facebook but other than that I have not heard from here until Saturday. As I opened the box this is what I found...

 As I read the hand written letter included I began to cry, it wrote:

"Brittany,
Jenna Heinaman here... I know, totally random. I don't think I have seen you since I left IHOP about 7ish years ago, but I have kind of witnessed your life from a far over Facebook for a few years now. My heart goes out to you for how difficult your life must be, and I really admire you for everything you juggle with such grace.

I am a teacher now at Springfield HS, in Springfireld, OH (near Dayton) and teach all sorts of Social Studies classes. Among those classes is an OGT prep course in Social Studies directed at some the weaker students in our already weak, urban district. It is challenging but incredibly rewarding. One activity I use every semester once the test is over is a service project to give my kids a chance to give back to their community and country in as many ways as possible. I let my students choose the activities, and I work to facilitate and organize their project.


One project the kids wanted to complete was to help out a military family. At first, I asked around school, but no one had any contacts. Then I immediately thought of you and your family. All 3 of you make such sacrifices for the well being of everyone in our country. We talk so much in class about the sacrifices everyone made back during WW1 and WW2, and how now it is only a handful of families that make that sacrifice. Inside you will find some goodies for you and Audrey to enjoy, some letter to Chris, and birthday cards for you! (Happy Birthday) I hope you find something inside that will brighten you day, and help you and Audrey pass some time over this summer.


Keep doing what you are doing. I have a handful of students that are blown away by everything you do: school, work, Audrey, Chris, your home, family, the list goes on! You're a wonderful girl!!


P.S. my students, girls and boys all think you are beautiful! And what I showed them was the footage from 13 ABC... so even after a marathon they thought you were "boomin" (That's a huge compliment in their books)


<3 Jenna Heinaman

As I cried reading most of this letter (then laughing at the end) I was completely blown away and surprised!! To think that children are thinking about us from hours away was absolutely amazing! I told Audrey that since she is so brave while her daddy is gone that kids at another school sent her these toys! And it was definitely packed with toys & candy!

Some toys even had handwritten notes from the kids!

These birthday cards were the best! I cannot think the last time I got a handwritten birthday card and the package arrived on my birthday so I was able to enjoy them that day! I sat and laughed and cried at the same time!

And a whole stack of letter for Chris from the students which I will include in his next care package :)

After the magnitude of this set in it was such a motivation booster. Everyday is hard here. Whether it is school, work, Audrey, the dog, the list goes on.... everyday is hard. Everyday is hard without Chris home for support and help and everyday of him being in Afghanistan is a struggle. Life seems to get overwhelming at time but it things like this that help Audrey and I get through our days. To receive something like this from complete strangers made this so much more special! Jenna even did the research through my mom to get our address. Seriously, this was truly amazing!!Thank you so much Jenna and the students at Springfield HS for all of your love and support! You guys are the best!!!