Hi Everyone:
I'm new to this forum and badly in need of advice. My husband and I left the organization over four years ago, but unfortunately have left many family members behind. In fact, my mother is still an active JW but pretty much follows her own agenda. My father has left the org like us and is having a difficult time dealing with my mother (they are still together). She does not believe in shunning and many of the other JW teachings, therefore, we still visit back and forth (she lives in OH and I live in MD) and talk on the telephone. I'm having quite a few difficulties though. You see, my mother fades in and out of WT teachings. One minute she agrees, the next minute she's a tyrant.
With all of that said and done, my mother, father, sister (not a JW but raised one), her children and grand children are supposed to be coming to visit my husband and I this weekend. My mother asked whether or not there was a place we could go out (jazz club, etc.) and I asked her would she feel comfortable going out this weekend being that it is the week before Christmas and that would be the theme in every club. She got irate with me over the telephone and began shouting that I cannot tell her what to do or where to go as she was 60 years old and could make her own decisions. I agreed with her and said I felt she should be able to do the same, but gently reminded her that her religion does not allow for such independence. She was outraged that I would make a comment, and told me to mind my business. My husband said that this was the last straw and decided to send them an email to tell them that they should come at a later time (not around the holidays) because of the turmoil that it's causing, and he wants to be able to enjoy his four day weekend without the hassle of discussing WT issues. He does not mind them coming, but just feels now is not a good time.
Anyway, my mother called me crying and upset this morning and indicates that she still wants to come because she feels that this is something that we need to talk about as a family (including my non-JW sister). However, she made it perfectly clear that she was not going to stop going to the KH. I am quite emotional about this, and want to see my parents and my sister (since she has not been to see our new home yet), but my husband feels this is not a good time. What should I do? Should I give in to my emotions and let them come knowing we will probably have a miserable time with all of the built up tension or stick to my husband's original decision? I just believe that life is too short to be playing these STUPID games.
P.S. Daddy if you're reading this - DON'T -- DON'T -- DON'T -- Show this to mom because I don't want her to read this!!!!!!!!!!!