Happy Birthday Leigh - June, 16th

It would have been her 35th birthday, and coincidentally it was the day of our dance recital. I thought I would share my performance in memory of Leigh with everyone. It was an amazing release of emotion for me. More so than I expected.

You'll notice my rose fall off the stage in the beginning of the dance...it wasn't supposed to do that. I was supposed to go back to it and pick it up at the end. You'll see me crawl in that direction and then improvise. It did throw me for a second while I thought, "dang it", but in some ways the rose rolling off the stage was symbolic.

And when the curtains closed I stayed on the stage for a little bit. I was greeted with a hug from Cheri', the studio director, and then took a little time to gather myself off stage. I didn't expect all those tears, but they brought both sadness and peace.

What mattered the most was that I felt Leigh throughout my performance. I had her frog charm tucked away in my costume, and I think I connected my emotions with the audience as best I could.

All that being said, Happy Birthday Leigh.

Comments

[cdamore]

Chloe,

Miles away I have tried to keep posted on all of the wonderful ways in which you are honoring the memory of Leigh.

Speaking from experience I know that she could not have asked for a better sister-in-law and best friend. You have blown me away with your courage, compassion, and strength throughout this past year and I just want you to know that I am so proud to call you my best friend. You have been an inspiration to me since the day I met you at my locker and that has only grown stronger throughout the years.

You are an amazing person Chloe and I don't take the opportunity to tell you that often enough. You have been my rock for as long as I can remember and it is clear that you were Leigh's rock as well. It is because of this that I can say with ease that Leigh was comforted by your friendship, love and strength and it gave her peace just having you in her life.

Dance your heart out for her.

I love you and am honored to have you in my life...Carla

Here is a quote from one of my favorite songs that I think is beautiful. I hope you agree...

but if you could...do you think you would
trade in all the pain and suffering?
ah, but then you'd miss
the beauty of the light upon this earth
and the sweetness of the leaving