Leyla Beban

Dear Leyla,

I was in my English class and there was a flyer for a writing contest called blue4beban. I copied down the website, and I've just searched for it to see what it was like. It mentioned your first name, which rang a bell for me, and I poked around the website, discovering your photo. I first assumed you were the last winner of the contest, or that you'd organized it, but I soon found out that you had gone in 2012.

An overwhelming shock came over me, as I remembered...

To The Beban Family:
I found out about Leyla through the Nueva newsletter through Facebook.
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. And I have to tell you, I read Leyla's Nueva Graduation presentation online--and her incredible expressionism in her essay moved me beyond words.
In her short time, she has left an eternal impression upon the lives of so many people, yours-truly included.
I grieve with you in loss; but, at the same time, I'll forever marvel at your daughter's...

I want to express my heartfelt sympathy to the Beban family and to all those who knew her and miss her now. I'd heard of the tragic news that day, in late November. I make that right turn from Jefferson, onto Avenida de las Pulgas on my bicycle and in my car often and this senseless tragedy has continued to weigh upon my mind when I pass by there, even though I never knew Leyla. I drove by this afternoon on my way to do some last minute shopping. I decided to turn around and stop at...

Leyla,

A friend. You knew my sister better than I. You stood up or me. You were there, when others worent, although you didn't know me as we'll as get.

A poem I wrote for Leyla
You are a shining light, a fallen star.
I can reach out and touch.
But when I do , I slip
I slide down a path
One I know will not continue
Back to the beginning.
But I know I don't care.
I got to know you.
A friend to me
A sister to my sister

To the Beban family, I am so very sorry for your loss, your family have been in my thoughts and prayers. Marc, it has been such a long time since we knew each other at Central middle school. When I heard of the accident it broke my heart, when I found out that Leyla was your daughter it felt worse. My wish for you and your family is that time and wonderful memories will help to ease the pain of your terrible loss. Please know that Leyla and your family will always be in my thoughts and prayers.

Dear Leyla,

I remember you. I'm sure you'd remember me too. You were in my advisory, and that was how I talked to you. Occasionally, I would say something, and immediately after think "Oh my god, I sound so much like Leyla!" Unfortunately, I have already climbed down as far as the deep abyss of my memory will permit, and I can't remember what your voice sounds like anymore.

However, I do remember other things. I remember your big, soft blue eyes, always intelligent, focused,...

Dear Leyla,

I'd never thought something this terrible would happen when I first met you September 7th, 2010. I could only share my life with you for 4 months, but our friendship will never die. I'll bear you in my heart forever.

Love,

Your Spanish friend, Carmen