Little Caylee Anthony has been a part of our media spectrum since July 2008. Her disappearance reflects that of so many small children that have been reported missing by family. Despite the aspects of this case and allegations against her mother, it is sad and heartbreaking to see another family faced with the reality that little Caylee died and was found inside a plastic bag just miles from the only home she knew and loved. I feel the heartbreak of her grandparents and family, and every person that loved her and has grown to love her since we watched, hoped and prayed for her safe return with the knowledge that it was unlikely that her cute little eyes, her bright smile and unique voice will be silenced from experiencing life past her young death. Hope always remains until the inevitable is realized and confirmed. DNA results confirmed that little Caylee is now deceased; we hope that her family, friends, the people who work dilligently to find missing children, and millions of people who followed and watched this story of her life will have comfort in knowing that her soul may finally rest in peace.
Everyday I read an article or see a report of some child that has been murdered, died during an accident of some kind or accidently killed at the hands of child care workers, parents, siblings, friends, familiar faces and strangers. It never gets any easier to see a life cut short by any means or for any reason. This case with Caylee is not any different. Whatever happened to little Caylee Marie Anthony will forever be with every person who has been touched by her story. She will never get the chance to experience life past the moment that she took her last breath. Yes, we are thankful that nothing violent happened to her. However, it does not change that her little body was left in a plastic bag, in a wooded area and not discovered for nearly 6 months. There is no peace in understanding why any person would have harmed her, whether purposely or accidently. Answers may never feel the void that her family feels right now or over these last several months. But, I hope that her family knows that people cared and wanted to see little Caylee come home alive and well.
It is always our hope as people that human nature will do the best thing. It does not mean that the best thing is always done. We want justice for crimes committed against children, elderly people, the disabled, women or any helpless and defenseless person, but we also want people to have sensitivity, common sense, compassion and use good judgment when making decisions about people's lives. No person is perfect and people do not always make the best choices for themselves or other people. I hope that as a society, we will continue to work towards ensuring that less and less children become victim to any crimes, especially to those who die.
