I first met Elaine during the Summer of 2008 when a small group of incoming Cherry Chase Kindergarten parents met on Thursday afternoons in the Kindergarten yard. Elaine brought Justin and Meridith. When we were introduced, she was warm, intelligent, and friendly. When I asked Elaine how my son should address her, she said without hesitation, "Mrs. Wai." I introduced myself as Mrs. Pedley.

We found out our sons had both been in the T-Ball division of Little League that Spring, and she told me she'd been one of the coaches for Justin's team, The Giants. Eric's team played a couple of games against The Giants, and I didn't realize THAT coach was Elaine. I was really impressed.

Although I knew Elaine only a short time, I see her when I think back to last summer. It seemed a magical time when our children were on that cusp of being completely ours and becoming part of a larger society. I feel fortunate that we shared that time together with our children and as new friends.

- May (Mrs. Pedley)
Cherry Chase parent