Emily Rohla, co-director of the early learning center at St. Therese Catholic School in Deephaven, had planned to celebrate her 40th birthday March 25 vacationing in Arizona.  

But as the trip date approached, two travel companions who work in health care, including one infectious disease specialist, thought it best to postpone the vacation because of the coronavirus pandemic.  

And while classes at the school were suspended March 16 to help prevent spread of the coronavirus, the learning center remained open for children of emergency care workers, first responders, doctors, nurses and other essential workers, even under Minnesota’s stay-at-home order, which took effect at midnight March 27 and runs at least through April 10. 

As a result, Rohla continues to care for the little ones. She spent her birthday at work.  

But March 25 soon became more memorable than a vacation in Arizona.  

Parents and children in 50 cars formed a parade in front of her workplace, holding signs, bearing gifts and using noisemakers. All stayed in their cars to maintain appropriate distance. 

“For a half-second, I was embarrassed,” Rohla said, “but I know that what we need right now is to share joy with each other. And that’s one thing this community is good at — sharing joy and lifting each other up.” 

Besides kindness and fun, Rohla was pleased to see children she hadn’t seen in a while. “I was grateful for the chance to accept all of this love and joy that they’re sharing and enjoy it. It was really heartwarming.” 

One of the parents who participated is Jill Gruys. Rohla cares for her three children, ages 3, 2 and 1. “Our children and our entire family absolutely adore Ms. Emily and the entire staff at St. Therese,” Gruys said. “Her dedication to the school, the program and the Lord is evident in everything that she does. 

“For all that she gives to our family on a daily basis, we wanted to do everything we could to let her know how much she is loved on her special day,” Gruys said.