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Grandfather At Memorial: Caylee's Presence Felt Every Day

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By JENNIFER LEIGH | News Channel 8

Published: February 10, 2009

Updated: 02/10/2009 12:57 pm

ORLANDO - The family of Caylee Anthony reminisced about the day-to-day moments they spent with the slain toddler, from watching her quickly eat up green beans - her favorite food - to playing dress-up with her trunk full of beads.

"Sure, Caylee might be in God's heaven right now, but her presence is at home with me every day. She was a comedian to me," said Caylee's grandfather, George Anthony.

"We would dance around the house, and my family would say to me 'grow up.' You can never grow up when you have a small child around."

Images of the girl, who was 2 when she disappeared, flashed on a giant screen in front of the First Baptist Church of Orlando sanctuary as a pianist played "You Are My Sunshine" and "If You're Happy and You Know It." A video montage of her jumping on a bed and dressed like an Easter bunny ended the service.

The girl's mother, Casey Anthony, who has been jailed and charged in Caylee's death, could have asked to watch the memorial on television but didn't, according to Orange County Jail officials. Casey Anthony, 22, said in a statement read by her attorney that she missed Caylee "every day and every minute of every day."

Anthony also said she wished the service was not open to the public.

"I still don't want a public event with cameras and everybody around for Caylee's service, but I can't stop my parents from doing what they want," she said. "I truly hope that it will help them."

At the memorial, Caylee's grandmother, Cindy Anthony, said she missed seeing the relationship the toddler shared with her mother.

"It breaks my heart today that Casey is not here with us today to honor her child. Casey, I hope you're able to hear me today. I love you and wish I could comfort you today," Cindy Anthony said. "There's so much suffering in our world these days, and it seems like so little hope, but I believe Caylee's purpose was about teaching us hope."

Lee Anthony, Caylee's uncle, shared the effect his little niece had on him.

"This family is united, but this family is incomplete. I am incomplete. I'm broke," he said. "Caylee Marie Anthony, each day you continue to teach me about life and the way it should be lived."

The public service started with three singers and a brief prayer by pastor David Uth.

Thousands of mourners had been expected, but only several hundred people showed up, including many who never knew Caylee or her family. The service was broadcast live on television in Orlando.

The attendees included Jessica Smith, who drove 160 miles from West Palm Beach with a co-worker to attend, saying she felt compelled to be there "to say our prayers for her."

"I'm a mother myself," said Smith, 25, who has a 2-year-old son. "It touches close to home."

Casey Anthony has been charged with first-degree murder in Caylee's death. She claims she left Caylee with a babysitter in June and the pair was gone when she returned to pick up her daughter. She did not report Caylee missing until a month later. Caylee's remains were found in December near the home she lived in with her grandparents and her mother.

Security at the service was tight, given that the Anthony family had faced protesters at their house before their daughter was arrested. A dozen deputies were stationed at the church, and mourners had to pass through a metal detector to get into the sanctuary. No protesters showed up.

Some mourners said they felt a connection to Caylee because they had been following the case.

"I had hoped she would have been found alive," said Justine Lorence, 22, who drove with Smith from West Palm Beach. "I feel like I have to pay my respects to her because I've been watching this from the start."

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.

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