Catherine Masters, Laine’s ELC teacher
Catherine Masters, ELC teacher Phillips Brooks. “Dear Anna and Mathai, I wanted to let you know how sorry I am for your loss. Laine was an amazing child, someone who exhibited real bits of magic and light. She was an amazing friend to all in the ELC- her heart was bursting with love for all of us and I feel so incredibly lucky to have spent 2 years with her in the ELC. What stands out most to me about Laine was her passion for all things related to love, family, marriage, and babies. She was always eager to report on her “husband’s” latest activities, and would sometimes bounce into school proclaiming that today was her baby’s birthday! It was completely joyous to be around, and the sweetness with which she described this love for both her real and “other” family spread throughout the ELC. Laine often talked about her siblings; her sister up in heaven and her greatly adored brother. Her playground time was always made that much more special if she could catch a glimpse of him, shouting his name and waving with such love. Once he graduated, Laine filled her classmates in on middle school life frequently. 🙂 I had the privilege of conducting Word Wizard discussions with the Room Bers, and Laine was always a very active participant. She spoke with great authority on any issues of the heart. She was happy to explain how marriage worked to her less-informed peers, or help her friends understand that it was a mom and dad’s job to take care of each other. While it’s common for children to profess knowledge with an heir of superiority, Laine only spoke with the utmost love and the pure, innocent desire to educate others. She was eager to act as a welcoming tour guide, inviting them into the magical world of love, marriage, and family. Another one of my favorite memories (and I think this is documented in her portfolio) was when she helped Aden in the Writing Center. Aden was stepping outside of his comfort zone, trying out a new interest in writing and drawing. Laine kindly offered assistance in spelling out the members of his family whom he had drawn. She asked if he needed to add more details, making sure she could identify each member of his family. She very elegantly balanced offering assistance and providing space for him to take a risk. In so many ways, she embodied the spirit of an educator. And because her kindness was so big, so vibrant, she was able to approach and play with anyone in the ELC. Her peers welcomed her help because they knew she always operated in this place of pure love. When I announced that 2013 would be my last year in the ELC, the teachers asked the students for advice on what I should do next. Laine supposed that I should start a family and spend time taking care of babies. I felt a special unity with Laine because, unbeknownst to her, that was my plan, and I’m now 7 months pregnant. I wish I could have shared the news with Laine, because I know how proud she would have been that I was embarking on a path she valued so highly. I imagine her now blessing families and new babies all around the world, spreading her love from above. Please know how much your family is in my thoughts and prayers, and how fondly I will forever remember Laine. She was so truly compassionate, embodying a spirit of maturity and nurturing that I’ve never quite seen in another so young.