Elle Justine

My memories of Elle revolve around dancing.

Even as a young child, I remember pictures of her smiling face and sprout of auburn red hair decorating our fridge. She was always wearing either a tutu or a leotard. Whenever my mom would get off the phone with my Aunt, she always had a new story about my crazy cousin Elle in Colorado. One time, she crawled into her sister's crib with a huge pair of scissors to "trim" her toenails. She was just trying to be helpful. 

I remember meeting Elle at my Grandmother's wedding when I was about 6 years old. She was petite with an electric personality that didn't quite match her tiny frame. She was gentle and sweet and at the same time, spontaneous and energetic. One minute she would softly slip her tiny hand into mine and the next she would be off dancing, flipping her wispy red hair all across my Grandmother's wood floor. I fell in love with her instantly.

It wasn't until years later that she was able to visit again. Even though we were older, we got along just the same and wasted no time in reacquainting ourselves. I remember locking ourselves in our Grandfather's upstairs bathroom for maximum privacy. Even with our younger siblings wailing outside the door, we sat on that white carpet snickering, sharing gossip and scary stories. It was insanely fun. I remember saying goodbye to Elle like all the times before, but this time I was sad. I watched her in the rear view mirror as she chased after the car, finally stopping in defeat at the end of the driveway. I got a hard lump in my throat. Elle was the first person I ever missed. 

I was ecstatic when my parents told me her family was moving to California. Those were some of the best memories of my childhood. I loved visiting her down in San Marcos and having sleepovers and watching her dance recitals. She was always the best in her class. I remember running arm-in-arm out of that little shop in San Clemente after popping plastic, display chocolates into our mouths by mistake. I think that was the first crime either of us had ever committed.  

Over the years we've been able to share many more secrets, stories, books, laughs and time together. The past few months have been surreal. Under the same roof, we are finally living out our greatest childhood dream. Now that we are both adults, I know we're only going to get closer. It's what we do; it's what we've always done. Distance has never kept us apart. 

This time when I drive off back to California, when the hard lump in my throat keeps me from breathing, I'll think of all the dances I have yet to see - Her first recital as a teacher, her victory shimmy when she graduates college, and the first dance at her wedding. 

Happy birthday Elle Justine. I love you more than I can say. You are forever my favorite.