Inspired by this year’s yearbook theme, the Blue & White staff is celebrating students who “found the silver lining” in challenging situations. The phrase reflects the idea that even dark clouds have a bright edge, symbolizing hope and growth in adversity. Join us each week as we showcase a student or staff member who has shown remarkable optimism and resilience.

At eight-years-old, Greta Laughbaum didn’t fully understand the concept of losing someone. Her grandfather was always able to make her laugh, make jokes and tell amazing stories, and she was confused when he died suddenly.

“I was shocked because he was healthy,” Laughbaum said. “I was like why did he have to have a heart attack? He was perfectly healthy. He was like 70. So it was pretty surprising.”

In the years following his loss, though, Laughbaum was able to see the imprint he left on her and she learned how loss can affect people.

In the initial weeks after his death, Laughbaum struggled to fully understand what happened to him. She also struggled because her mother was away for some time while she cared for Laughbaum’s grandmother.

“My mom was not around for a while because she was with my grandmother helping her through the process of the loss,” Laughbaum said.

It was hard for her to go through the loss, but she was able to persevere through it and find the silver lining.

“I was able to see you must still cherish those you still have around you even through the loss,” Laughbaum said.

Laughbaum healed by remembering her grandfather, who was always a bright soul, constantly making jokes and being playful. She began to see that his sense of humor and playfulness were passed down through generations so that he could always be remembered and loved.

”I feel that his sense of humor has been passed on through the family, with jokes about him and seeing his traits in younger cousins,” Laughbaum said.

Losing someone you love can make you think. Greta said the lesson she learned from the loss was to truly not take time for granted and to be thankful for her memories.

“I am grateful for the moments we shared and the sense of humor I got to experience,” Laughbaum said.