August 9th came and went. To most of you, it was just another Sunday of church, relaxation, yard work or just plain lazing around. To some the ninth day of the eighth month was a birthday, but not for one little girl. No longer can this little angel celebrate with cake and ice cream. No presents, balloons, games and friends to make up a party. The classic singing of Happy Birthday is silent and no wind to blow out the four candles with clapping after. The somberness of that day lingered for those who learned on July 15th, 2008 that a child was missing. Only to have their hearts tore out when on December 11th of last year, the worst fears were realized. The remains of Caylee Marie Anthony were finally located, just as her mother said, closed to home.

The 9th day of August was Caylee’s birthday, which many did not know. Those of us who follow the case knew this and still dreaded the thought of coming to terms. It seemed automatic to think that if she was still alive and turning four, she would have most likely been preparing for pre-school. Let anyone’s mind run with that thought, as mine did, and nearly everyone familiar with the accused child killer, Casey Anthony, who I’m sure, did also. In jail. I thought of Caylee and wondered if she would have been excited to meet new friends, to learn new things, to color pictures and tell grandma what fun she had on her first day of school. I fiddled with this image off and on. Even imagining the cute, flowered dress, the shiny black Buster Browns, a yellow ribbon matching the lacy socks and the Winnie the Pooh backpack she probably would have had.

Hard to keep that thought knowing it will never be and most likely, we have her own mother to thank. George and Cindy Anthony, Caylee’s grand parents, must have had a rough day also. It doesn’t nullify the fact that they are siding with their alleged, child killing daughter. They still must have contemplated missing the event of a day at the park with their grand daughter, watching her play with the bubbles, given to her on her birthday. Running, laughing and saying, “Watch me grandma,” with more clarity than ever. A four year old can annunciate pretty well by then and I am sure it would have been a joyous site. Grand parents live for that kind of occasion and regardless of the way that George and Cindy have behaved and acted, we all must realize it probably hurt for them not celebrate number four.

I can go on and on about the could’ve this and should’ve that, but it will not do any good except to depress us even more. Caylee’s memory lived to August 9th, 2009 and I am sure it will continue, but for how long? Will I be writing a piece entitled eighteen? Probably not. If I write an article with that title, it will represent the amount of years Casey has spent behind bars, with her whole life yet to serve. For now, we will think that last Sunday, Caylee would have been a precious four. Happy Birthday, sweet Caylee.

Jeff Payne

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