I just wanted to share my own observations, watching this Jesse Grund interview this AM, because I sense there might be something deeper than grief at work here. JMHO, of course.
Jesse appears to be a sensitive, religious young man. He fell in love with Casey & his whole family fell in love with Caylee and they all planned a life together. Then, he discovers he was not Caylee's father. He & Casey break off the engagement. He loses Caylee in the bargain, but continues to love the little baby he once thought was his. He stays in touch with Casey - trys to maintain a friendship - always asks after Caylee. Casey puzzles him and scares him; he realizes she's capable of serious deceit. He watches Casey's personality change before his eyes. A short time later, Caylee dies at the hands of her mother, and Casey disconnects from reality.
I'm no mind reader. But, human nature and a normal "responsible" response might mean that some Jesse's those tears are from wondering if things could have been different. No doubt he's grieving for the loss of Caylee. But, Jesse may be such a stand-up guy, he may also be suffering from self-examination. Obsessing about how, had he'd done something different - this might not have happened to Caylee. It is not a small thing to be engaged to a young mother, literally start a family, then break up. That was likely a devastating experience for all -was it a trigger for Casey's spiral to hell? Jesse must be dealing with very complex feelings - surely his suffering runs deep.
I'm not saying Jesse any of this is Jesse's fault. He should not bear this responsibility nor own these feeling forever. I'm just saying, it's natural to have a broad spectrum of feelings with such a tragic loss. Today, I see a guy who's not only grieving, but feeling tortured by that grief - and I hope he gets appropriate counseling.
Someday the Anthonys may also finally examine their own relationship with Casey, and suffer similar guilt mixed with grief over the what happened to Caylee. Or not. Perhaps no major player except Jesse is capable of taking responsibility for their own actions and conducting any degree of self-examination. The Anthonys may not be able to - one of the hallmarks of the narcissistic malignancy is that they can't take responsibility.
As to why he's on TV with Matt Lauer this AM: it does seem that Matt & the Grunds have developed a respectable press-relationship over this tragedy. Both Jesse and Matt may have felt it was appropriate for Jesse to appear publicly at this time to complete this part of this sad story that really is a part of Jesse's life. He appeared early on, as an important a part of Caylee's & Casey's life - it's actually logical for him to appear again. He was like family to Casey and his little Caylee. He had some things to say in Caylee's memory. Jesse's love for Caylee, and his part in Caylee & Casey's life, lends the perspective of reason in a story of enormous notoriety that seems to have no reason.
Not that this was his purpose, but I'm also glad to see Jesse had another national opportunity to clear his name. Jesse has more public/national involvement as a witness through the trial. He is not just another "one of Casey's irresponsible party-friends". He's a real victim. I think it's appropriate that he's given this opportunity to speak. I'm grateful he did.
Sending a prayer up for Jesse, to ease his pain, and help him heal. I hope in time he finds peace and accepts that you can't control, you can't be held accountable, and you can't be responsible for everything your loved ones choose to do.
raying:
IMHO.
