Like probably every other mother, the Casey Anthony debaucle has got me thinking. I think we all can agree that regardless of whether or not she killed that baby (she did), the fact that she didn't notify anyone for a month and only did so AFTER her mother forced her to proves that she only cared about herself the entire time and couldn't have cared less about that little baby. As a mother, I will never understand her actions or those of any other abusive parents.
I became a mother when I was 23, and at that young age, I immediately knew that was my purpose in life. Don't get me wrong- they drive me crazy on pretty much a daily basis, but when I look at them, I see 3 people who love me unconditionally and who are totally dependent on me. I adore them, even when I'm yelling at them and wishing to God I could just have a moment's peace. There are days when I'm at the end of my rope because the house is destroyed, the laundry is piled up, and the kids have been screaming at one another all day. These are the days that Trevor gives me a hug and tells me he loves me, or Victoria cracks me up with her impeccable comedic timing, or Sophie points at me and announces "You're fired!" They are already amazing little people, I can't wait to see who they grow up to be.
When I hear stories about Caylee Anthony, Christian Choate (even more horrific story, if you don't already know), and others, I look at these faces.
I guess the silver lining, if there is one, is that every horrible story I read makes me appreciate the love that we have that much more. I hold them a little tighter, spoil them a little more, and have the satisfaction of knowing that my kids will grow up knowing that they are loved.
