So here’s the thing… Casey Anthony? I hate to beat a dead horse that the blog world has sufficiently killed with endless posts and tweets about this topic. Especially when the blog world has expressed so many different opinions on the trial and the verdict. But this is something I can’t get out of my head. And I think I have the answer as to why I’ve been so interested and fascinated with the trial.
I know my judgment of Casey Anthony and the kind of mother she was is based solely on what I’ve seen on Dateline and what the prosecution presented. And because I do not know her personally, I can only say that this is all just my opinion based on what I’ve seen. And honestly? My opinion on this means jack squat. But I can’t stop thinking about it, so I need to write about it.
Do you see this little boy? His smile, his tears, his laughs, and his whines. The funny things he says and even his temper tantrums. Every single thing about him is my world. My heart. My life. My everything.
Every night, after watching the trial, all I could think about is how much better my life is because Hudson came into this world. I feel the same way about sweet Hayes, obviously. But Hudson made me a mother and Hudson is around the same age that Caylee Anthony was when she died.
My judgment of Casey Anthony means nothing and it may not even be accurate. And I’m certainly not trying to stir up a debate. But a child died. And that child was probably just as adorable and hilarious as I think my child is. And that just makes me sad.
I end every single day hugging that precious boy of mine and wishing he could always sleep so peacefully and that he will always feel safe, loved, and protected. And I pray that every child in this world can feel those same things. Every child deserves a warm bed and to have someone read to him or her every night. No child should be ignored in favor of a fun night out or even just to take time to clear out your email inbox. Their little lives are so precious and their innocence is so short-lived.
All I know is that this face means everything to me and I would fall apart if anything ever happened to him. And that is why I was so fascinated with this case.
Couldn’t have said it better myself. Hudson and Hayes are lucky to have you 🙂
Agreed…100%. There is nothing like being a mother.
You took the words right out of my mouth and probably thousands of other mothers’ mouths too. I can say that becoming a mother was hands-down one of the greatest things that ever happened to me. When I see pictures and video of that little girl, it just breaks my heart.
Oh Erin, I have just been so distraught over this also. I guess it’s just our mommy hormones. Hudson and Hayes are so blessed!
Ditto to your entire post! I don’t even remember what life was like before my sweet G came into it…he is my greatest joy! That whole trial was just so sad.
I completely agree with you. Such a sad situation, and you’re right, there are probably things we do not know regarding the trial, but the bottom line is, a child died. And didn’t die of natural causes.
I felt the same way throughout the trial, how could someone do this to such a harmless and defenseless child? Breaks my heart! Makes me appreciate all the time I spend with my son.
I don’t have children, yet, but I love enough of them that I shared similar sentiments (http://allamericanjess.blogspot.com/2011/07/rest-in-peace.html).
Being a mother is HARD WORK. I don’t have to be one to know that. At the same time, it’s the most important role a woman can have, imo. One that should be cherished.
Hudson and Hayes are blessed to have a mommy that recognizes that.
It makes me sick to think of Casey Anthony and all of the other mothers/fathers out there who bring children into this world and then don’t take care of them, or worse. Even though I am not a mother yet, I just can’t imagine how ANYONE could harm an innocent child. I have been trying for 3 years to get pregnant and it literally makes me nauseous to think about people like her.
I agree! My little girl is the same age too. My heart breaks for that litle girl, my only comfort in all of this is that she is now in Jesus’ arms and no one will ever hurt her again.
I agree with every word in this post. I try not to judge based on what I’ve read in the papers and seen on TV, but every word I read makes me tear up. I pray very similar sentiments for my baby boy and I do not even want to think about my life without him. Like you said, I even love every tantrum he throws. Even though I know I have to be the authoritative mother figure in those instances, my heart still hurts for him when he’s distraught. I can’t imagine how my heart would hurt in a case like this. Great post – and Hudson and Hayes are so incredibly lucky to have you as their mother!
I completely agree. It’s such a sad situation. You are so lucky to have two wonderful little boys. Hearing you say how much better Hudson made your world makes me seriously starting thinking about starting a family sooner than later…don’t tell my Hubs though 🙂
I agree 100%! This trial has made me take that extra second and hold on tight to my son.
I couldn’t agree more. My fascination with it was that…if my baby were missing for 31 MINUTES I would be on the phone with the police. I don’t know what kind of person can be ok with “not seeing” her child for 31 days. I am appalled that it’s not a criminal offense.
All I could ever focus on was that a sweet little baby was taken too soon. Whatever Casey’s involvement was, I believe God will take care of it.
Well said! I became a mother 5 weeks ago, so obviously my baby is a lot younger than Caylee Anthony was when she died, but now that I have a child, I get how devastating it would be if anything happened to him and I can’t imagine how anyone could hurt their child. I’m not saying Casey did because I didn’t follow her story or the trial at all, but regardless, there are people who do hurt their kids and I don’t get how they could do such a thing.
Yes!! I think every normal mother feels this exact same way! Our children are our WORLD!! The sweetest, most precious gifts God could ever give you. How could anyone do anything to bring harm to their own child? So heartbreaking.
I couldn’t agree with you more. You perfectly put into words what I’ve felt in my heart since I heard the unbelievable verdict. I am a single mom who adopted a baby girl from Guatemala when she was five months old. Just like Hudson and Hayes are to you, my daughter means the WORLD to me. It saddens and sickens me to know how some children are treated by their parents. You really do wonder, sometimes, what the world is coming to. Thank you for an excellent, heartfelt post.
Exactly!
And of one of your boys was missing you’d be shouting it from the rooftops ’til they were found!
very well said… I was thinking the same way, though my words were not as well put together as yours. I just can’t get that child out of my mind… as far as the mother – I will leave it to God to handle true and perfect judgement.
I couldn’t agree more! I just don’t see how any loving mother could not still be in grief over the loss of a child, much less to be partying soon after. Your boys are precious and so lucky to have you as their mom.
I have thought the exact same thing many times. My son (he is turning 2 this week) & I were walking into a store yesterday & he held my hand tightly as we walked through the parking lot. I looked down at his sweet face & felt this surge of emotion in knowing that this little guy completely 100% trusts me & I will ALWAYS do WHATEVER it means to make sure he is safe. My next thought was simply “How?”
How could someone ever hurt a sweet, innocent baby?
It is an evil I will never, ever understand.
Well put Erin! I agree with you 100%
I’m not a mom yet but I couldn’t agree with you more. I think your sentiments sum up why a lot of people have felt so strongly about this case, myself included. You are a great mom and it is clear how devoted you are to your children.
Cheers!
I only kept up with the trial through everyone’s twitter comments but every time I saw a pic of that little girl on tv – my mind just couldn’t understand how a mama could do something like that. It goes against everything it means to be a mother. Serves as proof that evil does exist. This world is full of it.
Amelia is sitting here with me while I’m reading this….she just giggles every time I show her Hudson’s picture. He’s so cute. 🙂
Erin, thank you for writing this. I have been thinking about it so much and really trying to just push it out of my mind, because it is so hard to think about little Caylee completely helpless and having her momma, of all people, be the one who she can’t trust. It breaks my heart and literally paralyzes me to think about it. I can’t think of any child needing love and security without thinking of my own baby, who is of course 2 1/2 now too. There is so much to love, even with the tantrums and whining and defiance. They are sweet and loving little ones that need us so much just to love them. Thank you. Erin
omg I feel that way too! My little Peanut is still just an infant but I can’t imagine a day without her. I think if anything ever happened to her my world would fall apart. If she didn’t do it, I can not even begin to imagine the pain that she is in. If she did, I can’t understand her. I can’t even begin to try.
I think having a child has changed everything for me. I was at the gym this morning reading a magazine article about the trial…as well as an article about Jaycee Dugard and it took all the control I had not to lose it on the elliptical. Perhaps it’s because I have a girl, not sure, but it scares me so much how much she’s going to face and what a scary world we live in. I just want to hold onto her sweet little innocent face for as long as I can. I pray so much that God protects her from the things I can’t. It sure does worry this mama’s heart.
Agree, Agree!! Reading your post has again put a lump in my throat. My babies are grown and they do grow up way to quickly. Hold tight to your little ones and enjoy every minute.
As for Casey Anthony, her time will come when she meets our maker, I will not give her anymore of thoughts or my time.
Exactly. Beautifully written.
You did a great job expressing what us mothers have been thinking and how we feel about this terrible ordeal. It shows us once again the evil that is in this ole world …And it makes us want to drink in even more every moment that we have with our children, husbands, parents, families, and friends!!! Time flies by so quickly..I am now in the grandmother stage instead of having little ones of my own around my legs and in my heart.. although my adult children will always still be my ‘babies’ and I can’t imagine still going through something happening to them..and just pray God will keep them safe! And now I have my 6 beautiful grandchildren to hold and love! I couldnt imagine being the grandparents in that situation either. How awful! Just makes you want to be careful to count your blessings every day!!!
You are such a blessing! It touches my heart to hear you pour out the love that you have for your little boys! You are right! There is nothing like being a Mom and it IS your whole life.. even when they get grown!
take care! Lynn
You took the words right out of my head…beautifully written. Now that I am a Mom, I can’t imagine my life any other way.
XOXO
All I can say is Ditto. I think this is why this case is hitting (most of) America so hard. Why? How? It doesn’t add up. I love my daughter so much it hurts and I can’t imagine choosing anything over her happiness and safety.
I totally agree with everything you’ve said. And although I have tried to let it go now, I just can’t. I’ve actually stayed awake at night thinking about this and I just can’t get it out of my head either. I just read too the the jury foreman admitted that MANY of the jurors thought she had killed her daughter, but because the state couldn’t absolutely prove it, they couldn’t convict her. When it comes down to it, I don’t think the jury understood what “guilty beyond a reasonable doubt” means. It’s really sad and I’m afraid she got away with murder. I don’t think it was coincidence that a horrible storm came through Casey’s town the day of sentencing.
You could not have said it better. I agree 100%!!! It is so sad and tragic what happen to Caylee. I’m just sick that Casey will be walking free on Sunday.
Well said, children are precious and meant to be treasured and cared for.
my favorite POST to date.. All we know is..why? How could you? Obviously this young woman had mental issues that her family tried to sweep under the rug.. I agree, hug, kiss, love, read, snuggle with your children.. My oldest got her braces off today.and when she came out beaming and smiling..I cried.. and you know why, I saw that 2 year old with sporadic teeth, thelittle girl and now she is growing up just.. like… that!
Well said. When our first child was born I about melted into a puddle. I loved her so much it was unreal. And the prosecution flat out failed that little girl. Even the jury said just because they said not guilty doesn’t mean they meant innocent. Casey is guilty of something. Gag!
Well said.
I am a mom who has lost twin infant sons and let me just say that you do not go out partying if you are truly grieving your child. I didn’t know how to get out of bed and brush my teeth, let alone get dressed, smiled and go out partying. And yes, I suppose we all react differently but there are just some things that speak louder than words, ya know.
I was so angry watching the defense celebrate after the verdict was read. A little girl still died. There should be no celebrating about that.
I think you hit the nail on the head about why this trial bothers so many of us mothers. I just cannot fathom doing something to harm or neglect my boys.. Thanks for putting it into words!
AMEN!!!! I so could not have said it better myself Erin!!!!!! I get comfort in knowing that little girl is loved more than we can ever know as she’s wrapped up and safe in the arms of Jesus!!!
My fiance and I talk all the time about how “easy” it is for anyone to become a parent. You don’t need a background check, job application or any qualifications. And yet it is by far the hardest and most important job in the entire world. Not everyone is meant to parent, and Casey Anthony is a prime example. God help her, and I just pray she isn’t given a “second chance” at becoming a Mother.
I know exactly what you mean. Somehow our hearts expand to the fullest when we become a parent. I love my daughter so much and just the thought of her hurting tears me apart. I now find myself weeping at 16 and Pregnant when I see babies being around their screaming parents. I can hardly take the details around this trial – it absolutely breaks my heart.
I love this post. Regardless of what happened to this child and who did it, it’s a tragedy, and that’s the part I focus on.
I know exactly what you mean. I have a 2 year old and a newborn and this case has really transfixed me. I can’t imagine losing one of my children, they are my whole life.
One of my great friends wrote an email after the trial that has really been sitting with me. She wrote a message to all her mom friends that said, rather than focus on this poor baby that we can no longer help, every mom should find a way to help an at risk child. I’ve been incredibly moved by what some people have decided to do as a result of this message. One friend who has older children and had been long considering being a foster family has begun that process. Another has begun a program through her church to help children in a domestic violence shelter. It’s been absoultely incredible. At a minimum I am planning to find a family to help over the holidays (my church has a program for this), but I am really hoping to do more. I hope that this type of involvement will be a good way to honor Caylee.