Page 30 - Spirit_Summer2021

asked why she and her friends
were so quick to celebrate a
stranger on his birthday, she said:
“Even though it was very cold
that day, my friends and I were
genuinely happy to be outside,
cheering and celebrating the Class
THE L-R: Taylor Hill '21, Amy Hohenberger '21, of 2025. Every time a car turned
on their blinkers to turn into Cor
CHARGERS
Megan Nguyen '21 and Abby Eichhorn '21
(not pictured: Elise Adrian '21)
Jesu, we got super excited and
SPREADING JOY SHINE THEIR were still outside, welcoming the wanted to share as much CJ spirit
A couple hours later, the Chargers
as we could. When Reid and his
LIGHTS!
aunt pulled in, it was no different.
incoming freshmen home, when a
We assumed it was an incoming
car pulled into the drive and stopped.
freshman coming to the Charger
Reid poked his head out and asked
On February 6, current Cor Jesu
Premier Party, but they slowed
students lined the drive of the
Without missing a beat, the student
school’s front entrance, cheering
down the windows. Earlier in the
exclaimed, “Of course!” The other
on the Class of 2025 as they came one student, “Is this for my birthday?” down in front of me and rolled
to campus to celebrate their students followed suit, and began day, other cars had pulled in to
acceptance to Cor Jesu. The current cheering, “Happy Birthday!” for Reid. ask us why we were outside, so
students were bundled up, decked Later that week, Kelley emailed I was prepared to explain that
out in red and white, and ready to Cor Jesu to share the fun story we were welcoming the Class of
share their light with the incoming and thank the students for their 2025. But when Reid popped his
happy birthday!
freshmen. But little did they know, act of kindness. She wrote: head out and adorably asked if
they would end up shining their He was so excited and did not we were celebrating his birthday,
lights for someone unexpected. stop smiling all day. He couldn’t there was no way I could say no. I
Kelley DeGreeff was driving wait to tell his mom and dad honestly didn’t have time to think,
down Gravois with her nephew, about the “nice strangers” who but I knew no harm would be
Reid, in the backseat. They were knew it was his birthday!! done by saying 'yes,' and it would
having a special aunt/nephew brighten this little boy’s day. After
day to celebrate his fifth birthday. It was a simple and sweet gesture all, that’s why we were out there—
When the two drove by Cor Jesu, from your students who made his to bring a little extra happiness
he noticed the Chargers outside day. So thank you to those women and excitement to others.”
cheering at the entrance. He asked, who were outside on Saturday, Cheering for Reid was a simple
“Are those people out celebrating in the bitter cold, and wished a gesture, but in its simplicity, it was a
for me? How did they know it was little boy a happy birthday! brilliant display of love and kindness.
my birthday?” Kelley laughed and Megan Nguyen ‘21 was the Thank you to our students for living
told Reid that if the girls were still student who immediately exclaimed out our charism and Sharing the
outside on their way home, then that, “Of course!” Of course the Love of the Heart of Christ with
they would pull over and ask them. celebration was for Reid! When Reid, and everyone you encounter.

28 Spirit Magazine SUMMER 2021