I have never really followed a case save for OJ (and who couldn't) and a little bit of the Natalie Holloway case...but that was all on TV. I never would have imagined getting myself so involved to the exent of even reading this and some other forums. I started watching it on NG in the summer just to have a diversion from all the election coverage.
However, I became hooked because of the outrageous facts early on...the 31 days, the smell of decomp in the trunk and the grandmother's description of said trunk, the Fusion party pics, the utterly beautiful Caylee and the ludicrous lying by her mother. What furthermore intrigued me was Cindy and her efforts to control each and every aspect of this case. This kept me glued. I couldn't believe me eyes and ears everytime I watched her actions, antics and listened to her spin the obvious facts. Not once, did I lose sympathy for her, but honesly, sometimes I would just watch, read and listen in astonishment. Why was she so public? I would have been grieving behind closed doors. Yet, I couldn't stop watching.
I was also bewildered by how long she (and eventually Geroge) could continue their quest and how many people, from People Magazine, to Good Morning America, and Larry King allowed them to perpetuate this and even give them a forum. Truthfully, this is what kept me glued, even addicted to the case. Heck, even LE was forced to continue to at least give the perception that they were still looking for a life Caylee, thanks to her persistance. That is some hutzpah and power.
I have vascilated from utter sympathy to shock and then to anger at their guile, manipulation and rejection towards those who have tried to help them. I watch her on those jailhouse tapes and can tell she doesn't believe Casey. Yet, publicly, she projected a whole different face.
I guess that is why I am curious as to what is going on with them now. Not that they owe us anything. Nor do I want to criticize or disparage them in anyway. I have just become used to watching them in this macbre "reality show." She is a fascinating character in this whole sordid mess. She is a mother who raised a young woman who has become quite possibly one of the most villified human beings in this country right now.
Cindy is my age with kids my age and many times I have tried to put myself in her shoes and think what I might do in her situation. Her actions have taught me alot as a mother of newly adult children. (Many times I have "rescued" one of my young adult children thinking I was helping them only to find that I should have let them experience their own consequences.)
I, weirdly identify with her. I miss her. I hope she emerges stronger and with a new mission in life.