Survival could be a theme as well. If the story is set in a difficult environment, like a post - apocalyptic world or a harsh wilderness, Laura might have to fight for her survival. This could involve finding food, shelter, and protecting herself from danger. Or it could be a story about family, with Laura having to deal with family issues, like conflicts between family members or trying to keep her family together in tough times.
One theme could be change. As the title implies saying goodbye, it suggests a shift from one state to another. Maybe the character has outgrown the relationship with Laura or the situation she represents.
One possible theme could be transformation. Since Laura is saying 'so long' to normal, she is likely undergoing some sort of change.
One possible aspect could be her personal growth. Maybe she had to overcome challenges in her education and that's part of the story.
Given the lack of information about Grace Laura Story, her achievements could be diverse. If she is part of a community, she may have achieved recognition for her volunteer work, helping to improve the lives of others. In a business context, she could have led successful projects, increasing revenue or efficiency for her company. She might also have achieved a high level of skill in a particular hobby, such as becoming an expert in a musical instrument or a form of dance. It all depends on what she does and who she is in her life.
Another theme could be mystery. Given that it's a 'secret' story, there's likely an element of the unknown. It could involve Laura trying to solve a mystery, like a missing object or a strange event that happened in her town.
One possible theme could be heroism. There were many heroes on 9/11, from the firefighters who rushed into the burning buildings to the passengers on Flight 93 who fought back against the hijackers.
One possible motive could be obsession. The stalker might have developed an unhealthy fixation on Laura for some reason, perhaps her appearance or a perceived connection.
One possible element could be family gatherings. Christmas is often a time when families come together, so perhaps in Laura Birn's story, there are descriptions of family members reuniting, sharing hugs and laughter, and having big feasts together.
One possible theme could be love. A mother's love is often so profound that it can seem indescribable.
Maybe Old Joe made fun of Laura in front of others. If he mocked her appearance, behavior or something she had done, it would be a reason for her humiliation. For example, if Laura had a hobby that she was a bit self - conscious about and Old Joe made jokes about it in public, that would be quite humiliating for her.