Dear Richies mum,
Growing up is about experience, learning for yourself and going on to understand why things are as they are. Without seeing things yourself you become open, nieve and even vulnerable!
Just as you personally chose your religion and made your own decisions, its important Richie can also do this. How for example did you become and then stay a Jehovah's Witness? by choice! What value would your beliefs have if say, you were forced!
Religion and belief are something that become part of you. The way you live, why you do things. You wouldn't for example swear, smoke or do other things because of your faith.
Richie is a sensible lad, i've been able to see how he feels and you really do matter to him thats not in doubt. This isn't a rejection of God, Christ, the Bible and certainly not what you've taught him. Whatever decisions he makes in life, you've got a good son who thinks through everything he does.
Last year i left the witnesses. My mum kicked me out and i had to live with other relatives. The confusion as to why she did this was blinding and our relationship was never the same. Why? because the glue that had always made me trust her and believe what she said had stopped working. Please, see your son for who he is and don't judge him on his actions.
Feel free to contact me, Richie can obtain my e-mail address at any time if you have any questions or want to express how you feel.
From Karl