PBS Parents
Olana Zain, mother to Aden, Laine’s classmate. “Our family hearts and souls broke today as we learned the news about sweet Laine. We send you all of our love and energy forever. Our son Aden and Laine have spent over 2 1/2 years together in the same class. During that time, we watched Laine grow into a confident, spunky, and inquisitive young girl, while still remaining her sweet self. Laine was one of the first people to greet you in the morning and even hug you. I remember watching the friendship blossom in ELC between Zenia, Nava, and Laine as they explored the loft and occasionally fell asleep in it. I remember thinking how lucky they were to have developed such close friendships at such an early age and how special they were to each other. I remember watching how nurturing Laine was during communal snack to make sure everyone got food. Laine made everyone smile around her and with good reason because she brought light and energy into everyone’s world. I volunteered in the class recently and was struck by how well Laine was able to negotiate with the other children in a sweet manner, but firm and confident. She and Zenia and Sydney were playing a math game and Laine was organizing everyone’s turns. She was able to organize her friends while being supportive and nurturing. She was never dominant but had a quiet presence and strength about her. Aden talked about Laine constantly. He would tell us what she did in class, when she was absent, and I know he will miss her dearly. They were often paired together as snack buddies in the ELC and many first memories of school center around Laine and their close group of friends. Aden is a better person for having Laine in his life.”
“We loved Laine. I can recall all the times I met her in the ELC classes during drop of/pickup or my days volunteering. She was always happy, curious, thoughtful and a delight to be around. Aden has been reminiscing about her at random moments these last 2 weeks, on the drive to school or while coloring.”
Catherine Boley, mother to Alexander, Laine’s classmate. “She was the kindest, sweetest, spunkiest girl, and she brought our Kindergarten class so much joy! She was always such a little mother to Alexander, and I know he loved her and will miss her terribly. Many days he would come home with “Laine Advisements.” My favorites: “Alexander, do you know what you should do if a girl comes up to you and tries to kiss you? You should say, “Awkward!” and then run away.” and another, “Laine always reminds me to eat my veggies first. She says, “You need to eat the healthy stuff first!” You know, she’s a good lunch buddy. Laine says that …..” a frequent preamble. “Laine always reminds me to eat my veggies first. She reminds me to do a lot of things” “Laine is my math buddy, my reading buddy and my lunch buddy” “Laine told me, “If a girl comes up to you and tries to kiss you, you should say ‘Awkward!’ and then run away”” “Laine can’t be gone. She was supposed to be the calendar person today. So now she’s never going to do the calendar again? That can’t be right.” “She told me to work hard and if I did, I could make lots of money!” “She said I shouldn’t hug sheep. And she said I shouldn’t hug pigs either” “I wanted to have a play date with Laine. Now I am never going to get to have one. I wish I had one sooner.” “I miss Laine” “Once when she was here a long time ago, she told me I had too many TVs and I shouldn’t get any more” “She says her mom pays her to do math problems. Can we do that?” “Laine sometimes teased me. I wish she would tease me again. I wouldn’t mind.” “She was my lunch buddy and my math buddy. We go to share every day. Now we can’t share” “Now we only have 17 kids in our class. That’s not an even number. We can’t ever count by 2s again. How can we all have a buddy if we don’t have an even number of kids? I wish Laine could come back.” “I hope she helps Oliver [our cat who died]. Since they both died, maybe she can help take care of him. Maybe they are having lunch right now. In my dreams I can see her. I can tell her to help Oliver in my dreams.” “Maybe my friends don’t know yet, and then their parents are going to tell them. I don’t want them to know as it will hurt their hearts too much. I don’t think parents should tell them. I wish I didn’t know. I wish I was dreaming that Laine had passed away. I wish she would be alive when I waked up.” “My heart hurts more than yours. My heart hurts because she was my buddy. Now we can’t be buddies any more.” Just wanted to send a message to tell you we’re thinking of you, and let us know if there is ANYTHING at all we can do to help during this unimaginable time. Lots of Love, Catherine, Jesse, Alexander, and Matthew Boley”
Heidi Abrams, mother to Max Abrams, Laine’s classmate: “I wanted to share my reflections in the classroom today, albeit hard to put into words, because I remember the pain you both expressed in your concern over how the kids were doing and how they would handle the sad news. Please tuck this note away, if it is too painful at this very moment. The maturity and outpouring of love from Laine’s classmates was indescribable, but I will attempt to touch on the silver lining in an otherwise dark and dreary day. I entered into morning meeting while the kids were discussing Laine and just what she meant to them. Their insights, comments and words of wisdom will stick with me forever. Where do they get the strength? There were flowers in Laine’s cubbie from Charlie and a beautiful rainbow poster from Maxton, but what struck me most was the dialogue between them. They shared some very raw and real emotions. “I really miss Laine.” “She is still with us in our hearts forever.” “Is she an angel now?” “Can we do something for her family?” “It helps me to think of her smile.” It was truly unbelievable to witness their emotions and communication. Scott, Lauren and Margie were amazing. Tearing up, giving hugs, and just using language that was so comforting to these heartbroken kids. A part of me wished that I could tape it so that I would remember it forever, but as I think back about the sweet words of Laine’s friends, it will be in my heart forever. I just wanted you to know that Laine’s classmates really cherished every moment with their dear friend and it showed in their emotions and their words. She is and always will be a very, very special part of our lives. Thank you for sharing Laine with us.”
“I wanted to share some thoughts I had today after telling Max. Max was, of course, devastated. We got out the year books and ELC videos and had our own memorial for Laine. She touched us all in so many ways…beyond her small and mightiness. Max drew a picture about his emotions, which ranged from sadness to madness to happiness. When I asked him about happiness, he said “Laine was the happiest girl I knew.” If I’m going to leave my mark in my kids eyes, I want to be remembered as the “happiest girl” too. We can all learn a lot from Laine. Max said he was happy that he knew her. I think I speak for everyone in the school when I say, we were all happy we knew Laine. She made everyone smile. What a special gift. Thank you for sharing her with us.”
“That week of rainbows really carried me through. I attached the rainbow from the day after all the rain. The first of many that we all saw that week, shining bright over Avy Ave. Laine smiling down on us all. I will also forward my correspondence with PBS about the first rainbow, as it was pretty profound that we all were blessed with the “Laine rainbow” as we now refer to them in our home. Dear Mathai, We love you guys. Laine’s rainbow today carried me through. She continues to shine bright even from heaven.”
“Hi Mathai, My thoughts for today. As you can read from below, many of us got to experience a miraculous sight today. I can only hope that you did too. Your sweet little Laine left us all a wonderful piece of herself for all to see today.
On Thu, Feb 27, 2014 at 11:26 AM Wow. I’m so glad so many of us got to experience the “Laine rainbow” this morning. I cried and snapped a photo at the light before it disappeared. It still gives me chills thinking about it. It was so appropriate for cute little Laine, so bright and smiley:) Hugs~ Heidi
On Thu, Feb 27, 2014 at 10:45 AM Dear Heidi, I had the same experience! I was walking up the hill, about to turn into our parking lot, when I looked up and saw the beautiful rainbow. I stopped and said, “Hi Laine.” At school Michelle Vidano showed me a picture she had taken on her way to school of the rainbow over St. Bede’s Church! Sweet, sweet Laine! Warmly, Margie [Tully, Laine’s Kindergarten teacher]
On Feb 27, 2014, at 9:08 AM, Heidi Abrams wrote: Good morning Erik, Scott and Margie, As I was pulling out from PBS at 8:17 I saw the most bright and beautiful rainbow that looked as though it ended at PBS. I snapped a photo at the light but by the time I had turned onto the Alameda it was gone. Unbelievable. I can’t help but think that with all the rain yesterday and a big bright rainbow shining down on PBS this morning, it was a gift from sweet little Laine. Maybe it was a sign that today will be a better and brighter day. I also wanted to thank you so much for all that you have done for the community. We all feel so supported and loved at this difficult time. Thank you for your caring ways! Be well, Heidi”
Hema Sareen Mohan, mother of Aakarsh, Laine’s classmate. “Words can’t express how incredibly saddened we are to hear about dear Laine. Aakarsh always enjoyed playing with Laine during recess. Something about her smile and warmth always made him look forward to playing together. She was one of the few girls whose company he truly loved. Last night, Aakarsh was recalling the time we ran into Laine and Anna while shoe shopping at Nordstrom. He was so happy to see her – they giggled and tried on shoes together. And during subsequent trips to Nordstrom he would wonder if we might run into her again. I have fond memories of interacting with Laine when I’d volunteer in the ELC. I would get a spontaneous hug from her. I will always remember her warmth, kindness and truly beautiful smile. She and I would occasionally hunt for “treasures” (the gem hearts that were used for arts & crafts) in the ELC playground. We collected them in paper water cups and then counted how many we had gathered. She seemed to delight in this little activity. We are going through our photographs from the ELC to find some of Laine and will also coordinate with Laura Woodside on any other way we can be helpful. Until then, please know that you are in our hearts, thoughts and prayers. We send you peace, love and strength.”
“I wanted to let you know that you and sweet Laine continue to be in our thoughts and prayers. Neal said that the memorial service was very touching and beautiful. I came across Laine’s singing of Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram on your YouTube channel and I must say I have never heard such a sweet rendition. This has always been one of my favorite bhajans and it is now all the more special with Laine’s rendition. I hope to visit with you soon and share my condolences in person. Until then, my thoughts of peace, healing and love for you all.” And separately, “I know that grief is so deeply personal and each loss is unique, but I wanted to pass along two things that gave Neal and our family some comfort after we experienced two losses in our family some years ago: First, there was a piece in the New York Times Magazine about Douglas Hofstadter, a professor of cognitive science at Indiana University:http://www.nytimes.com/2007/04/01/magazine/01wwlnQ4.t.html?scp=1&sq=Douglas+Hofstadter&st=nyt In it,Deborah Solomon asked him about his wife, Carol, who passed away in 1993 and whose soul he describes as embedded in his consciousness. Following is the excerpt that really struck me: “You can imagine a soul as being a detailed, elaborate pattern that exists very clearly in one brain. When a person dies, the original is no longer around. But there are other versions of it in other people’s brains…our lives end not when we die but when the very last person who knew us dies.” I believe your lovely Laine has countless people holding beautiful memories of her. She is ever-present. The other thing I remember reading was an interview that a reporter did of the Dalai Lama. When asked why there was so much loss and suffering in the world, the Dalai Lama simply said, “without suffering, there can be no compassion.” I believe there’s some truth to this. It didn’t help us in the darkest hour, but it did when there was light enough to see that we were not alone in our grief and that our losses deepened our connection to others around us who have also experienced the profound sadness that comes from the physical absence of loved ones. I hope you don’t mind that I shared the above with you. I do not presume to know about what you are going through, but I wanted to share something beyond what is needless to say, that I offer you my deepest condolences and that I wish you, Anna and Mathew peace and gentleness.”
Noushie and Ali, parents to Nava, Laine’s classmate. “Dearest Anna and Mathai. We were deeply saddened and devastated by the news we received today. We cannot even begin to understand what you as a family are going through during this difficult time. We send you our deepest condolences. You and Laine are in our thoughts and we send you our love. Laine and her kindness will always be with us. We and especially Nava were very lucky and fortunate to have had the privilege to get to know her and spend many great moments with her. We wish you much strength to be able to navigate through such a sad time. Please let us know if there is ANYTHING we can help you with. Laine will ALWAYS be in our hearts and thoughts FOREVER!!!!!!”
Harpi and Sonu, parents to Munveer, Laine’s classmate. . “Mathai, Anna. We are deeply saddened and shocked to hear the news of Laine’s demise. I don’t have words to express the sorrow and pain for her loss. After reading the note from Scott, I was remembering my brief interactions with her in Kindergarten during various classroom activities. She truly was cute and an amazing bundle of joy. Our heartfelt prayers are with you and your family at this time. May God give you peace, comfort, courage to face this time and loving memories to hold in your hearts. Sonu and Harpi” “Thanks Mathai for sharing these beautiful memories with us. Munveer and I watched them together except slide show which gave error. Munveer’s favorite is Laine making dumplings. He says I wish I could learn from her. My favorite one is Raghupati Raghav – Amazing that she had it memorized. She was a bundle of joy, full of energy at all times. She leaves emptiness in everyone’s heart. I remember Laine and Munveer playing together at Woodside’s house warming get together. Both of them running in their backyard chasing each other and going in circles around their pool.” “She is such a personality! So confident and so lively! I am sure she bossed everyone around the house. I smiled the whole time. I probably heard the whole Jan Gan Man after 15+ years. I tried to teach it to Manat and Munveer couple of months ago and we didn’t get past the first 2 lines. Laine is amazing to have memorized that and Raghupati Raghav. Kudos to you and Anna for doing such a wonderful job with your kids.”
Jackie von Someren (June 11, 2014), parent of Max, Laine’s classmate. “Dear Anna and Mathai, My mind is full with thoughts of Laine. The last few days she has been ever present in my mind and in my heart. I had a dream she was back. It was just a trip she was on – she had business to attend to – and she was surprised that we did not know it (in a sort of – ‘come on, how could you not have known?‘ sort of way). Max knew she was off taking care of things – all of the kids did. When I rose this morning and sorted through my thoughts, it was so clear to me that Laine is with us. She is with me now, and I feel she will always remain. I did not know Laine deeply – but she has impacted my life – so many lives – in an extraordinary way. Laine sparkled; her smile and warmth, her small hands and her hugs, her apprehension, her determination and passion – she was direct and kind and compassionate and insightful beyond her years. I feel so fortunate to have known her and to have her memory to hold onto. Thank you both for the gift of Laine. Love, Jackie”