(((((Elsewhere)))))
I appreciate everything you said. My time frame is the same as yours, 4 years. Most contact, although little, was always instigated by me. We have not spoken since Feb.
I've come to understand what kinds of people I want in my life. Besides the JW issue, I've come to learn of other things about my parents (especially my dad who is a PO & has allowed, even praised a servant in his congo he knows is a pedophile), that has caused me to lose most all respect for them as human beings. For so long I excused their behavior cuz it's all they've ever known. But now it goes way beyond that.
I'm in the process of writing a very detailed and intense letter. I've been mulling it over for months & months cuz I want to express myself with as little anger as possible (although it's there) and represent myself in the most respectable way. But I don't intend to prance around the issues. This letter is my one shot to firmly say I WILL NEVER BE BACK and show the many doctrinal reasons of why. I will also be quite candid as to my disappointment as to the kind of human beings they've shown themselves to be.
My intentions are many....
To finally speak up for myself loud & clear.
Such action will either cause them to quite their shunning cuz they realize it does no good (yeah right) or they will cut me off once and for all.
To take my shot at exposing the JW's for what they really are. I don't feel they will ever leave, BUT if there is at least 1% chance to open their eyes, I need to take it.
I've become quite accustomed to not having them in my life. Hearing that my own parents don't want me to be happy in the least bit makes me want to cut them out of life completely. They do not deserve to be apart of any happy occasion in my life. I used to wonder if they would come to my wedding. Now I have no intention of ever inviting or telling them.
I understand how hard it is. I was extremely close to my family. We did everything together. But my freedom has been so worth giving them up. I have new family that love & adore me. They can't even fathom doing to me as my parents have done.
I wish you the best in your recovery. And yes....see a therapist. I intend to as well to help me continually work things out. And it is good to tell them everything. It will be quite a cleansing process for you in itself.
Shauna