NOTE: I do not expect many to read this. It is very long. I originally intended just to send it to a few posters here--and ask if they have any suggested alterations to it, but decided at least a few of you might like to do the same--so please do if you have the time.
I've been trying to finish this for about three months. I know most of you would suggest a very short letter, but I've decided to give my family the hard truth. I will not have them believe I have left the organization for frivolous reasons. They must have some idea of the reasons. Even if they don't respond well now--I hold out hope that they may eventually, and perhaps something I say here will give one or two of them the courage to look at ALL the information.
Best,
Confession
----------------------------
3/21/06
My Dear Mother,
Thank you for sending me your point of view. It was not difficult to comprehend since your point of view used to be my point of view. I recognize now that it was a point of view born of living in a sort of bubble. I know I never thought I was in a bubble; indeed I was greatly offended when some non-Witness would suggest such a thing. But now I know it was exactly that.
“We usually believe what we want to believe, and one thing we like to believe is that we do our own thinking. Hence it is not too hard for clever propagandists to make us think their thoughts are ours. They plant the thought and nourish it, but do it so subtly that we may think it is our own.” [Watchtower, June 15, 1956, page 360]
The above comment from the Watchtower could have two applications pertinent to our present difference of opinion. It could apply to me. It could mean that “apostates” have cleverly persuaded me to accept their thoughts—and that they are wrong. It could also apply to you. It could mean that the Watchtower Society has subtly persuaded you to accept theirs—and that they are wrong.
Would it be right for any individual to conclude that his or her own position must be the correct or morally superior one—without considering all the information?
“Education teaches you how to think. Propagandists tell you what to think. True educators present all sides of an issue and encourage discussion. Propagandists hammer hard on their view and discourage discussion… But even educated, sophisticated persons fall prey to a very unfair and untrue type of propaganda. This type assumes a superior air of dismissal of an opponent’s viewpoint, treating it as rather pathetic and really not worth attention.” [Awake!, August 22, 1978, pages 3 & 4]
Do you agree that assuming such an “air of dismissal” and discouraging open discussion of all the available information would be “unfair?” I can certainly commend the Watchtower Society for presenting the above. In fact they have often done similarly.
“We need to examine, not only what we personally believe, but also what is taught by any religious organization with which we may be associated. Are its teachings in full harmony with God's Word, or are they based on the traditions of men? If we are lovers of the truth, there is nothing to fear from such an examination.” [The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, 1968, page 13]
This is certainly an admirable position: the Watchtower Society is teaching that we should all have nothing to fear in examining “any religious organization with which we may be associated.” But does the Watchtower Society apply the same position to the examination of its own religion? Do they themselves “encourage discussion” that may challenge the things they teach?
“The first essential for study is the right condition of mind and heart, appreciating that Jehovah grants understanding only to the meek, and not to the stiff-necked. If we have love for Jehovah and for the organization of his people we shall not be suspicious, but shall, as the Bible says, 'believe all things,' all the things that The Watchtower brings out…” [Qualified, 1955, page 156]
“We may think of study as hard work, as involving heavy research. But in Jehovah's organization it is not necessary to spend a lot of time and energy in research, for there are brothers in the organization who are assigned to do that very thing , to help you who do not have so much time for this, these preparing the good material in The Watchtower and other publications of the Society. But you do not study enough? Take this suggestion: Often the very best and most beneficial studying you do is that done when you read a new Watchtower or Awake! or a new book with the joy of getting the new truths and a fresh view.” [Watchtower, June 1, 1967, page 338]
“Jehovah is not pleased if we receive that food as though it might contain something harmful . We should have confidence in the channel God is using.” [Watchtower, February 15, 1981, page 19]
Now, what will you do if you are confronted with apostate teaching—subtle reasonings—claiming that what you believe as one of Jehovah's Witnesses is not the truth? (underlining mine) For example, what will you do if you receive a letter or some literature, open it, and see right away that it is from an apostate? Will curiosity cause you to read it, just to see what he has to say? You may even reason: 'It won't affect me; I'm too strong in the truth. And, besides, if we have the truth, we have nothing to fear. The truth will stand the test.' In thinking this way, some have fed their minds upon apostate reasoning and have fallen prey to serious questioning and doubt. [Watchtower, March 15, 1986, pages 10-15]
So, although the Watchtower Society encourages a thorough and open-minded examination of the things taught by a religion, this only applies to religions other than its own. We should “believe all things” they say, leaving most of the study and research to certain “brothers in the organization.” How incongruous it is for them to publish that “if we are lovers of the truth there is nothing to fear” in examining another religion, but the same sort of examination into Watchtower teachings is something in which “Jehovah is not pleased.” Any suggestion that “what you believe as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses is not the truth” must be considered—not an open minded examination—but instead the devious propaganda of apostates. Mom, does this at all remind you of the aforementioned “superior air of dismissal?” For me, the logic is circular and points to a shaky foundation. Consider…
“This is God’s true organization.”
“If so, why be afraid of hearing out one who disagrees?”
“Because they might lead you away from God’s true organization.”
“But what if these ones are right?”
“They can’t be right since this is God’s true organization.”
“But shouldn’t such an organization withstand honest-hearted scrutiny?”
“It’s thinking like that that has led many away from God’s true organization.”
But they’re referring to looking at information provided by “apostates.” Doesn’t that make a difference? Well what exactly are apostates?
The term comes from a Greek word, which means literally “standing apart.” Strictly speaking, anyone who defects from belief in a religion, political party or any other belief system can be called an apostate from that system. By this definition it is not wrong to call people who once but no longer believe in all the teachings of the Watchtower Society, apostates from their group. Similarly, all current Jehovah’s Witnesses who were once part of another religion are now themselves apostates. Mom, weren’t you a Methodist at one point? Then you are an apostate from the Methodist church.
A few hundred years ago in United States’ history, there developed a concern about “witches.” This concern escalated into a sort of hysteria over them. Hundreds were accused, dozens languished in jail for months, nineteen were hanged and one man over eighty years of age was crushed to death by heavy stones for refusing to submit to a “witch trial.” People who didn’t really know what a “witch” was became fearful that they’d be accused. To deflect attention they concocted stories about others, accusing them of being “witches.”
So this word, “witch,” struck fear in the hearts of people. They knew that the community leaders were whipped up into a frenzy about witches. They knew that those found to be “witches” would be publicly executed. The word, “witch,” developed an exaggerated meaning and took on a life of its own. From all available accounts, there was no legitimate witchcraft being practiced by those so accused, but where such a powerful word was concerned, it seemed simply being accused as a “witch” was enough to get people thinking you were wicked.
The same thing has happened with this term “apostate” among Jehovah’s Witnesses. The Christian apostate was one who had previously accepted Christianity but who had willfully left the teaching. But, since the Watchtower Society asserts there is no legitimate Christianity outside its organization, when people leave them they are not merely apostates from their group— but apostates from Christianity itself. It matters not that such ones still follow and profess their faith in Christ. The organization has infused this word with its own special meaning. One that arrogantly asserts there is no faith in God apart from faith in the Watchtower Society.
So here again most Witnesses don’t really appreciate the actual meaning of “apostate.” It’s just a word that inspires fear. They know that the Society has scathing words of denunciation for any who suggest those in association with them are not the sole channel of communication from God to the rest of the planet. They know that such ones are disfellowshipped and often shunned by their families and entire community of friends. In the presence of such frightful things, is it likely that most Witnesses will decide to question the Society’s accusation that such ones are wicked persons? No. Sadly, they usually accept the perspective provided by the Watchtower Society itself.
In your letter to me, you make several statements about “apostates.”
“The ones who are trying so hard to disgrace it and spend so much time trying to convey to others how terrible the WT Society is, aren’t governed by love, but by hate and that hate and discontent will eat them up.”
I have some questions for you.
Does a person need to be “trying so hard to disgrace” the Watchtower Society in order for him or her to be labeled an “apostate” by them?
No. All a baptized Witness must do is decide they no longer recognize the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society as representing the sole channel of communication from God and they are considered an apostate. Most people who wake up to the facts concerning the Society do not spend time trying to convey “how terrible the WT Society is.” On the contrary, many live in fear that someone will find out their true feelings and that they will be cut off from their families for simply following their own consciences. But it doesn’t matter, does it? Regardless of their disposition, the Watchtower Society will characterize them as “self-styled teachers” “who by smooth, deceptive speech “cause divisions and occasions for stumbling...””
But what about those who do spend time trying to shed light on the facts regarding the Society? If you believed your friends or family were being deceived by a religious organization, wouldn’t you want them to know? Isn’t such an effort an important reason why Jehovah’s Witnesses themselves speak to their friends and family about their religion? When speaking to (for example) Catholics, haven’t you, throughout your life, tried to show them how they were being deceived? Why is this different?
This illustrates how the Watchtower Society has been successful in manipulating the thinking of its adherents:
When one of Jehovah’s Witnesses speaks out against any other religion, it is “a fine Christian witness” of “exposing the lies of Babylonish religion.”
But when a person speaks out against the Watchtower Society, they are “enemies of true worship,” who will slyly try to deceive with “slander and half truths” which will only result in a “quick-spreading spiritual death.”
This is what is known as a classic ad hominem attack. It appeals to personal considerations rather than to logic or reason. The Society only rarely addresses the evidence that one in disagreement with them is an enemy of God. Any who simply disagree with certain Watchtower interpretations or policy are labeled as being criticizers of “the way Jehovah is having his work done,” when actually the issue is whether there is proof that it is Jehovah who is causing the organization to act as it does in a number of areas.
“In the 1870’s anointed Christians began to make determined efforts to disassociate themselves from the whorish ways of Babylon the Great. They abandoned false doctrines that Christendom had brought in from paganism and boldly used the Bible in preaching that the times of the Gentiles would end in 1914. The chief instrument of Babylon the Great, the clergy of Christendom, opposed these stirrings of restoration of true worship. During the first world war, they took advantage of wartime hysteria to try to stamp out that small group of faithful Christians.” [Revelation Climax, 1988, page 209]
The Watchtower organization has, especially from the days of Rutherford, waged war against all other religions. “Religion is a Snare and a Racket!!” they proclaimed throughout the streets. Whether a religion espouses Christianity or some other system of belief, they assert that it is “deserving of the fiery expression of Jehovah’s wrath” and “fit for destruction.”
Mom, it’s impossible to deny that the Watchtower Society spends a great deal of time “trying to convey to others how terrible” other religions are. So why should we not consider the Society as being ‘governed by hate?’
The only possible answer is that, at some point in your life, you became convinced that those in association with the Watchtower Society had been chosen as God’s spokesman, and as such any attacks made by them would be righteous, while any made against them would be wrong. And that is your right. Yes, you are entitled to make decisions about what you believe and what you don’t. But so is everyone else, aren’t they?
You have to be willing to consider the possibility that the Society’s repeated warnings about former Witnesses, whom they like to call “apostates,” turns out to be Watchtower propaganda that does not protect you from being misled. Rather, it prevents you from noticing that you are already being misled by the organization itself.
You and I are both human beings—and this is the case with every single other person alive. We have the right to make decisions and choices. To use the mind God gave us to come to conclusions about what we will believe. Now it’s a fact of life that different people will often come to different conclusions. What do you do when you find disagreement with someone? I think you’d agree that most reasonable, well-adjusted people will present their point of view, listen to the opposing point of view, and, if no harmony is found, agree to disagree. The problem comes when some people feel so strongly that their view is correct, they become angry with those who disagree, and try to cause them trouble.
Imagine a group of children among whom a disagreement develops. One of them tries to get the others to join his side in opposition to another child. The first child may try to get the others not to play with or talk to the second. Would the Watchtower Society condone this behavior? No, but they will reserve the right—not only to excommunicate someone who questions their authority—but to enforce a complete shunning on him. No one will play with or talk to him. Is this really what the scriptures teach?
“But now I am writing YOU to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man… Remove the wicked [man] from among yourselves.” [1 Cor. 5:11&13, NWT]
Since the man to which Paul here referred was deliberately carrying on grossly sinful behavior, the congregation was advised not to be “mixing in company” with him—or anyone like him. It says nothing about not speaking to him.
“..withdraw from every brother walking disorderly and not according to the tradition YOU received from us… But if anyone is not obedient to our word through this letter, keep this one marked, stop associating with him, that he may become ashamed. And yet do not be considering him as an enemy, but continue admonishing him as a brother.” [2 Thess. 3:6, 14, 15, NWT]
Wait a minute… “Continue admonishing him as a brother?” How can you continue to do this if you have been warned never to speak or have any dealings with him or her? The truth is that the concept of shunning as practiced by the Watchtower Society is quite different from that practiced by first century Christians. Since the above scripture proved troubling to the Society’s teaching on shunning, they invented the spin that while the verses in 1 Corinthians refer to shunning, the verses in 2 Thessalonians must be referring to a situation in which a person has done something wrong—but not quite bad enough to require a full shunning.
But isn’t there a scriptural principle that does teach Christians not to speak to certain ones?
“Everyone that pushes ahead and does not remain in the teaching of the Christ does not have God . . . If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, never receive him into your homes or say a greeting to him. For he that says a greeting to him is a sharer in his wicked works.” [2 John 9 – 11, NWT]
So the only time the scriptures teach Christians shouldn’t “say a greeting” to someone is when they “bring” something other than “the teaching of the Christ.” But so many of those whom they would have you believe are “apostates” are doing no such thing. The disfellowshipping of those who’ve decided the Society isn’t “God’s sole channel” is simply one way they try with all their might to preserve their authority. How evil is that?
You also write, “Please, please don’t go along with the apostate’s thinking and working against Jehovah, you can’t win, my son.”
Mother, there is no grand organization of “the apostates” as the Society might want you to believe. There is no “apostate’s thinking.” There are good people, just like you and me, who have come to realize that they were never really walking in Christ’s footsteps, but instead in those of a religious publishing company. The idea that this is somehow “working against Jehovah” is ridiculous. And, dear, you can’t win if you believe salvation comes from following man.
“Think of all those that have tried in the past and where are they now?”
Mom, do you know where they are? Probably not, right? And the reason you don’t know is because the Watchtower Society officially commands you not to speak to them. Now look, I’m not trying to say that every single person who has left the Watchtower organization has gone on to a life bursting with happiness. I’m sure plenty have left for purely selfish reasons. But there exists an enormous number of good, Christian people who’ve gone on to lives that are far richer and truly happier.
You just can’t believe that, can you? Neither could I, until I woke up. The Society indoctrinates people with so much, including the idea that their followers “are the happiest people on earth.” Not true, mother. Not true. So many researchers throughout the world have conducted studies revealing that the rate of depression and mental illness among Jehovah’s Witnesses is shockingly higher than average. The following is taken from the book, “Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Problem of Mental Illness,” by Jerry Bergman, Ph.D.
“Licensed therapist Montague monitored the admissions to state and private mental hospitals, and local mental health clinics in Ohio from 1972 to 1986. [21] From this data (n=102) he estimated that "The mental illness rate of JW's is approximately 10 to 16 times higher than the rate for the general, nonWitness population [and that]...about 10% of the publishers (full members) in the average congregation are in serious need of professional help...[although they are often] able to hide this fact quite well, especially from outsiders." [22] From his intensive interviews with Witness patients and others, Montague concluded that persons who had emotional problems were attracted to the Witnesses but Watchtower involvement also caused many of the emotional problems that they suffered. This is evident from the fact that many with problems reported they were far happier after they left.
Another study was completed by Potter [23] as part of his Ph.D. thesis on religion and mental health. He concluded that there exists "a strong positive correlation between Witness membership and clinical schizophrenia." In yet another Ph.D. dissertation, Sack evaluated the effect of religion on the mental health of select clients. [24] Although the case study method was utilized, many of the same conclusions were reached as found in the above studies, and in many ways her research compliments the present study. The clients she utilized had an enormous amount of insight into the pathological processes of the Watchtower and similar sects, and her study is well worth reading.
In addition, a German study by Elmer Koppl [25] also came to similar conclusions as did a study by Norwegian psychologist, Kjell Totland [26] Using Oakland County court records from 1965 to 1973, Bergman concluded that not only is the mental illness rate above average, but the suicide and crime rates are also high, especially aggressive crimes against persons [27] This is the extent of published empirical studies about the mental health of Jehovah's Witnesses, an area in which a need exists for more research.
Jehovah's Witnesses who have mental difficulties are typically ashamed of them because they often believe good Witnesses do not become mentally ill. Due to the fear that their illness may bring reproach upon the Watchtower, they not uncommonly are not open with a therapist or researcher about their problems. Often they will undergo intense suffering to protect the Watchtower reputation. [31] When a Witness becomes "mentally ill," regardless of the reason, much personal guilt results because of the belief that faithfulness to the Watchtower will usually protect one from emotional problems. Witnesses often believe that mental problems are evidence of personal shortcomings that are usually religious in nature. Active Witnesses are instructed to believe that "if I am not happy, I must not be pleasing God or doing what God desires of me" as interpreted by the Watchtower [32]”
Mom, there are so many more studies bearing out the same thing. But many Witnesses don’t face it, because they are so wrapped up in the mental and emotional manipulation and propaganda that exists within the Watchtower bubble.
You write, “As Peter said at John 6:66-69 ‘who would we go away to?’”
And to whom was Peter referring? Please answer… You must know that he was referring—not to a body of men—but to Jesus himself, don’t you? The fact that you can read that scripture and come away with the thought that your salvation requires allegiance to these men, (and that’s what it is, mother,) demonstrates the degree to which the human mind can be manipulated—just like mine was.
“No one comes to the Father except through the men who claim to speak for me.”
Look right to you? Jesus actually said…
“No one comes to the Father except through me.” [John 14:6, NWT]
As for this exclusivist concept of Christianity promoted by the Watchtower Society…
“What I mean is this, that each one of YOU says: “I belong to Paul,” “But I to A·pol´los,” “But I to Ce´phas,” “But I to Christ.” 13 The Christ exists divided. Paul was not impaled for YOU , was he? Or were YOU baptized in the name of Paul?” [1 Cor. 1:12 & 13, NWT]
In whose name were you baptized, mom? Well I know you were baptized in the 1950’s, so no doubt at your baptism you were asked the following questions as published in the Watchtower of August 1, 1966 on page 465…
“Are you able to answer "Yes" to the two questions regularly propounded when individuals present themselves for Christian baptism?
(1) Have you recognized yourself before Jehovah God as a sinner who needs salvation, and have you acknowledged to him that this salvation proceeds from him, the Father, through his Son Jesus Christ?
(2) On the basis of this faith in God and in his provision for salvation, have you dedicated yourself unreservedly to God to do his will henceforth as he reveals it to you through Jesus Christ and through the Bible under the enlightening power of the holy spirit?” (Underlining added.)
These are the same questions asked of me when I was baptized in 1983. So we publicly acknowledged our dedication to Jehovah, and that our salvation comes through Jesus. But guess what happened? The Watchtower of June 1, 1985 on page 30 shows that the Society created its very own type of baptism with a revision of the former questions.
“At the close of the convention baptism talk, the baptism candidates will be in position to answer with depth of understanding and heartfelt appreciation two simple questions that serve to confirm that they recognize the implications of following Christ's example. The first question is:
On the basis of the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, have you repented of your sins and dedicated yourself to Jehovah to do his will?
The second is:
Do you understand that your dedication and baptism identify you as one of Jehovah's Witnesses in association with God's spirit-directed organization?
Having answered yes to these questions, candidates are in a right heart condition to undergo Christian baptism.” (Underlining added.)
It takes no small amount of chutzpah to insert a human organization into these vows that are supposed to have nothing to do with human leaders and everything to do with Christ. Further…
“John said to him: “Teacher, we saw a certain man expelling demons by the use of your name and we tried to prevent him, because he was not accompanying us.” 39 But Jesus said: “Do not try to prevent him, for there is no one that will do a powerful work on the basis of my name that will quickly be able to revile me; 40 for he that is not against us is for us.”” [Mark 9:38 – 40, NWT]
This principle, clearly stated by Jesus, stands in stark contrast to what the Watchtower Society teaches. Indeed they teach ‘anyone not with us is against us.’ Any Witness seeing this scripture in usually bothered by it, so he or she will pull out the reference materials to look for the Society’s understanding on this. They will find the assertion that this principle was apparently only applicable to a very limited period of time—and not after Pentecost 33 C.E.—although Christ suggests no such thing.
Directly before the aforementioned scripture is another account of the apostles “arguing on the road,” after which Jesus teaches…
“If anyone wants to be first, he must be last of all and minister of all.” [Mark 9:35, NWT]
This scripture is considered to have application right until this day —unlike the one immediately adjacent to it that contradicts Watchtower teaching and therefore must be “explained.”
As a Watchtower follower, where really is your faith? I know the answer to this question just as well as you do. You do not cleave to Jesus Christ. You cleave to what you believe to be “God’s Organization.” If you truly claim to want “The Truth,” you must admit that.
Consider this: one of your four children is in the hospital after a terrible accident, and the doctor tells you they need a blood transfusion. Your child has made you responsible for acting in such an event, and you have to make a decision. Tearfully you explain to the doctor that you cannot allow a blood transfusion of the needed fractions. Why? Because of your faith in Christ? Or in the Watchtower Society?
Then let’s say the doctor comes in with one of the elders from the Hospital Liaison Committee who explains that the Society has just determined that the very fractions one of us needs is now considered a conscience matter, and not something the Society opposes. Might you allow this transfusion? And what would have prompted your decision? Your faith in Christ? Or in the Watchtower Society?
How did this all happen? How did my family come under the spell of a legalistic and authoritarian religious organization? How did none of us figure it out for so many years?
The following was written by a former Witness missionary and Bethelite who gave almost his entire life to the Watchtower Society before finally figuring it out. He feels no animosity; only sadness and a responsibility springing from his own conscience to finally speak the truth—as so many former elders, Watchtower representatives, and traveling overseers are doing today…
“I try in my own mind and heart to understand the feelings of all [Jehovah’s Witnesses], including those of the Governing Body. Based on my own [60 years] experience among them I believe that they are, in effect, the captives of a concept. The concept or mental image they have of “the organization” seems almost to take on a personality of its own, so that the concept itself controls them, moves them, or restrains them, by molding their thinking, their attitudes, their judgments…The …concept of “the organization” becomes, in fact, the dominant, controlling force.”
Mother, I’m sending you this letter as a result of my own conscience. There are two schools of thinking when it comes to leaving a high-control group such as the Watchtower Society, and communicating with family about your departure from it.
You can just try to slowly “fade” from the organization. You move away. You stop going to meetings. You have little contact with former friends within. When your family brings up the organization to you, you tell them as little as possible in the hope that they will only consider you “weak” and not shun you—so that you can at least enjoy some measure of contact and communication with them.
Or you can just come out with the truth. That you have come to recognize that the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society is not what it purports to be—and that it is in fact horribly misleading and manipulating people.
I thought I might try to fade at first, but I simply cannot live a lie. I cannot pretend I am not incensed by this pathetic, controlling organization and how it has ruined the lives of so many—all the while claiming to be “persecuted.”
“I am treated as evil by people who claim that they are being oppressed because they are not allowed to force me to practice what they do.”— D. Dale Gulledge, Author
The truth is my family needs to know what I know. And how dare these men in Brooklyn try to scare me from showing you?!
Ah, but then the reality of the situation sets in… Escaping the indoctrination of such a group is not easy. In fact it’s incredibly difficult. There exists a mental state known as “cognitive dissonance,” which encourages us to find reasons to continue believing in something we hold strongly. The stronger the belief and/or the longer we’ve held the belief, the harder it is to overcome it. The measure of the person will come down to this:
Do you really want the truth? I mean the real truth?
A genuine truth-seeker will not shy away from considering all of the information on an important subject such as this one. You are invited to do so.
I know that most if not all of the family may not speak to me after reading this or hearing of my position on the Watchtower Society. But of one thing I am confident: eventually some will go through exactly what I did. The flashpoints that have been accumulating throughout their life will finally come to the fore.
They may be affected by learning that the Society’s dating system of 607 B.C.E. and 1914 was a complete and utter blunder—and that they know it but refuse to admit it publicly. They may be shocked to learn that, for nearly a decade, they entered into an alliance to support the United Nations, the very organization the Society itself has demonized. Or they may finally be faced with the sick, sad history of policies that have protected tens of thousands of pedophiles and viciously expelled the young victims who dared to speak out about it.
Yes, at some point they will see that it’s not just “mistakes” that have been made, but that this organization’s claims of authority are completely without foundation. They were not at any time—and they certainly aren’t now—chosen to be God’s mouthpiece, and their insistence that they be recognized as such makes them themselves an evil, haughty entity.
My love for you and the entire family is not affected one bit. I love you for all of the things you are that have nothing to do with these guys in New York. But when any one of you finally does figure it out as I have done…just call. I’ll be here.
Love,
XXX