Friends and Colleagues, Theravance
Venky Soundararajan, friend and collaborator (Harvard/MIT) at Theravance. “I learned about Laine’s unexpected passing with great sadness. Maureen had informed me on Feb 28th and I couldn’t believe the tragedy that had befallen.. only the day before had I chanced upon your youtube videos of Laine and was very happy to see her be so full of joy and innocence. I do hope that memories of Laine and her love for all of you assuage some of the pain and sorrow your family must be suffering. Learning about Laine, I was reminded of this prayer whose origin is attributed to St. Francis of Assisi, that we used to recite every morning during our assembly, back home in School in India… the message of the prayer is “it is in dying that we are born to eternal life” (and we used to recite this prayer along with Asathoma Sad Gamaya, whose message is also similar — “Lead us from the fear of death, to the knowledge of Immortality”). This prayer comforted me a lot growing up since I lost my grandmother. I thought I would share this with you. Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace; Where there is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is error, truth; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light; And where there is sadness, joy. O Divine Master, Grant that I may not so much seek To be consoled as to console; To be understood as to understand; To be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned; And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. I feel the Fathers insurmountable aching and helplessness. This sudden loneliness would also be hitting little Mathew so unkindly…. When the time is right, I hope you are all able to travel together as a family, cherish your near and dear around the world, and heal at places of spirituality with kindred spirits as well as memories of the distant past. Through your life and work, you are helping thousands of children – the Laine’s of Fathers very much like you — directly and indirectly. You are an inspiration for several young men and women who are walking your path (just the other day, I met with a recent graduate from your Alma matter who mentioned how you were the sole reason he went into the industry). I cannot imagine how much you and your family have thus contributed to the World, and will continue to do so in all these deeply impactful ways. Whether one is a believer in the Karmic theory of birth-and-rebirth, or whether one is a believer in Newton’s Third Law of Motion, either perspective would suggest your Family is at the highest echelons of giving, sharing, and living… embodying the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (Sanskrit: वसुधैव कुटुम्बकम् — http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vasudhaiva_Kutumbakam).”
Sandeep Patil, Theravance. “Dear Mathai, Thank you for allowing me to spend some time with you and your family. It was very touching and my heart felt heavy hearing about your wonderful daughter Madelaine “Lainey”. Her stories did inspire me to come back and look up on Little Ponies (I had not even heard of them until today) and I was amazed by how rich each of their characterization and wonderful writing that Faust (creator) had done to really animate this animation. You told me one of the Lainey’s real life story and how it connected to Little Ponies. When I heard the story about Little Hamster and how Lainey tried to make them feel comfortable and less antsy by putting “fluttershy” in front of them. I could not figure out why specifically this pony was selected?? And then the bulb clicked when I read each of the ponies unique personality profile!!! Fluttershy is not only shy but also loves animals….and she is the only one of the five ponies who actually “likes” animals (so no wonder she would make hamsters comfortable!!!). And that was the logic Lainey used to make them feel comfortable…….so cute!!!! This is where Lainey’s empathic nature that we realized must have guided her….I will not be able to forget this story!”
Sharath Hegde, Theravance, regarding Laine’s rendition of Jana Gana Mana, http://youtu.be/G65guzWdhKk . “I have already seen this so many times. I especially love how she ends the ‘Jana Gana Mana’ – so sweet and touching – I will plan to watch this video on Jan 26th and Aug 15th every year. Little Madelaine was a real gem – her wonderful memories will be the greatest treasure for you, Anna and Mathew and an inspiration to everyone else who knew her. Take care”
Renu Vijh, London, search partner. “Sometimes I catch a glimpse, In softened waves of blue. My child, my heart …when I see a smile I can’t help but think of you . Sometimes these waves fill oceans. And feelings string on every shore. A collections of each memory . And every way I wish for more . Sometimes I watch for answers. Because each day I call to you I ask for faith and courage And strength …to help me through. Sometimes I ask for bravery. Like dolphins in the deep Because time moves oh so slowly . And sometimes the road is steep . Sometimes I want to scream . This was not what I had planned . Why you ever suffered . We do not understand . Sometimes I hear your laughter . And remember you at play. But My Child I always miss you. Not sometimes, but everyday”
Dara Wambach, Theravance “Dear Mathai, On Tuesday morning Becky visited my office and shared the incomprehensible news and we cried together for your sweet girl and family. I am so sorry for this pure and tragic loss and compassion and tenderness pours from my heart to you and your dear family. I did share what has happened with my husband and daughter and they are similarly heartbroken for you. My daughter is 6 (nearly 7) and she often thinks about what would happen if her parents were gone: her father had a stroke 4 months ago and her friend’s mom has cancer “that is not going away”. I asked her what she thought it would be for mommy and daddy if she were gone, and she said it would be like when we were married but hadn’t had her yet. Logical, mathematical, but not quite possible. Last night she may have come closer: she described a story she heard at school yesterday about slavery and Abraham Lincoln. She reflected the anguish and cries of a man as he watched (or learned?) that his young sons had been taken away in chains and sold. Seems closer. Like your precious girls, stolen away. I have a friend and teacher who reminds us that suffering is part of existence, but even she acknowledges that there are times when sorrow is so deep, unimaginable, we might only humbly offer one another refuge in poetry. Take the gentlest of care, Dara”
Fei Shen, Theravance. “My family and I are at a loss for adequate words to express our sadness and would like to extend our heartfelt condolences for you and your family. Thanks for sharing your precious memories of Laine with us at the ceremony yesterday. I had the blessed opportunity of meeting Laine at our company Halloween party years ago. I still vividly remember she was dressed in a beautiful Minnie Mouse outfit, so cute and so quiet in your arm. You introduced her to me and asked me whether I would like to hold her. I held her little body in my arm; she was shy but certainly alert and inquisitive. I could tell she was studying me carefully. After a few minutes silence, she reached out and gently touched my face with her tiny fingers. I did not have kid of my own at the time, and I was certainly not an expert of interacting with kids either. But Laine’s quiet warmth and sweetness really touched something soft in the bottom of my heart. This sweet piece of memory of Laine will live on in my heart forever.”
Kay Chin, Theravance. “Please know that my family and I have been continually thinking about and praying for your family this week. This message would have come sooner, but I have been struggling to articulate how heavy and broken my heart has been, and I cannot even imagine how you must feel. There are no words, but many prayers lifted up for you for hope, comfort, love, support, community, and hanging on. I was driving up 280 this morning with your family in my thoughts, and I saw this magnificent full rainbow, both ends visible, just spanning both sides of the highway — a wide, strong rainbow, I think possibly the boldest full spectrum rainbow I have ever seen… And the song below started playing on the radio as I stared at the rainbow and drove under it… I almost started crying. I wanted to pass along the image because I hope your family can cling on to the message of the rainbow – God’s promises – and take some refuge from the song’s chorus: “There is hope for the helpless, rest for the weary, And love for the broken hearts. There is grace and forgiveness, mercy and healing That meets you wherever you are.” The whole song is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeGNgBwPTMA
Dan Long, Theravance. “It was lovely to hear the descriptions of Laine and see the tremendous love and support from your family and friends. It was very brave of you to speak and Matthew is an incredibly impressive young man delivering his words so eloquently and in such a heartfelt manner. One thing I wanted to share, which I hope you also saw, was that on my drive back to the city there was the most beautiful rainbow in the sky. It felt very appropriate”
Lisa Dunton, Theravance. “Dear Mathai, Anna and Mathew, I just saw your beautiful slideshow and wanted to let all of you know that I am thinking about each of you. I hope you will only think about all of the good memories of Laine and don’t think about the sad part. I know that’s hard now, but it will pass in time. This was the second time in my lifetime that I have known a young couple who has lost two children. You will all need to hang in there tight and support each other. But also know that you are in everybody’s thoughts and prayers. When I was going home after the service I kept seeing rainbows. One even touched HWY 280’s pavement – it looked incredible! I could only think that it was Laine painting the sky! Especially since I saw the double rainbow at the end of your presentation. I also enjoyed your story, Mathai about Laine being married and having children. That was so cute and funny…and Mathew is my role model if I ever have to lose another family member. I will be stronger like him if I have to face that again. Your Reverend is right about it not ending here, I definitely know I will one day see my Mom (and other relatives) again who I miss dearly. My Mom remains deep in my heart as your loving Laine does. Take care of yourselves, each of you and hugs to all of you. God keep all of you safe.”
“My mom and Laine are looking down on us, because my mom sure was last year. Back in 2011 my brother Bob and I were taking photos of a hummingbird nest and her babies at the Palo Alto Baylands. It was so much fun, but very hard to photograph them, because some of the photographers were just downright unkind and seemed to not want to share the photo opportunity. So we got as many pictures as possible, but it wasn’t easy because of the bossiness of unkind people (not all were like that, but the few that were – oh brother!). After the baby birds had left their nest, Bob went back to take pictures of the empty nest and for some reason the park ranger had a problem with that and asked Bob not to go near the nest. It didn’t make sense; ‘What was the big deal?’, Bob thought. Bob figured maybe because the ranger wore a uniform, he thought he could just boss people around. So Bob went back a few weeks after that to find that the tree and nest were gone. The tree had been cut down. It was very disappointing and made absolutely no sense… So here’s the fun part! Last year in February, Bob was walking around outside my dad’s backyard and a hummingbird kept flying around him making that cute little sound that they make and then landed in a nest it had built right in the Rhododendron my mom had planted outside the fence many years ago! Bob’s photo opportunity was right there at eye level, no mean ranger to tell him to get lost. Hummingbirds being my mom’s favorite bird, we couldn’t help to think it was heaven sent from my mom to Bob. The mother hummingbird had two babies and they successfully left their nest. Pretty neat, huh? I think my mom was saying, “Nobody can stop my son now from enjoying what he does best – photography!” Bob captured the entire show of nature at its best…
Mylene Yi on the Hummingbird story above from Lisa: “When the hummingbird shows up in your life, it may be an invitation to flex you path, perhaps even bending backward or forward, in order to accommodate life’s circumstances. You may be required to adapt to a situation that is a bit more demanding than usual. The wisdom carried by this spirit animal emphasizes flexibility and lightness in your approach to the unexpected. The hummingbird is known as a messenger and stopper of time. It is also a symbol of love, joy, and beauty. The hummingbird ability to fly backwards teaches us that we can look back on our past. But, this bird also teaches that we must not dwell on our past; we need to move forward. When the hummingbird hovers over flowers while drinking nectar, we learn that we should savour each moment, and appreciate the things we love.”
Bill Martin, Theravance “As children, we shape the world into what we think it should be, with little appreciation that it is shaping us. As parents, we expect to shape our children into who we think they should be, with scant awareness of how they are shaping us. “The Little Prince” reminds is that grownups never understand anything by themselves. Without knowing it, Laine spread joy and positive energy that is only temporarily clouded by sorrow. She showed us the power of imagination, how it shapes the world and, indeed, helped us understand life itself. I will think of Laine whenever I pass a purple flower, which, like a star in the sky, or a memory in our heart, can be visible or not but ail always be with us.”