I've been away from the board for a while but thought I'd put my head in the doorway to say hello to all and give an update on what's going on with me.
I have been unemployed for nearly three years and finally had got to the end of my tether. So, at the end of March, I left Colorado, my home for the last thirty-one years, and returned to my family in Alabama to regroup and recharge my batteries. Leaving Colorado and the Rockies was heartbreaking but I am grateful that I had a home to return to and didn't wind up on the streets. Many who find themselves in my position have suffered that and I am fortunate to have escaped that situation.
My homecoming has allowed me to reassess many things as well as become the primary caregiver to my aged mother. That is proving quite a challenge in more ways than one. But she as well as practically all the rest of my family were overjoyed at my return. I am getting some long overdue medical attention and when that is done I will begin actively seeking a job. Many think it will be much easier for me to find a good job in Alabama than it was in Colorado because my college degree will mean much more here than it did there.
I have been pleasantly surprised by how easily I have adapted to life in the American South again. Being surrounded by supportive family and friends has meant a lot. But my goal is to eventually return to the West, even if it is only to retire there. That is my true home and I will be working very hard to make that a reality. There are some other things going on, though, that will mean big changes in my personal life.
I have not contacted any of the Witnesses I knew in Alabama from the past. I told my family that I had lost track of them, which was true enough, and saw no reason to hunt them down again. I want nothing to do with the WTS or its supporters. On the other hand, I have seen that religion in the "Bible Belt" can be a very, very powerful influence on the lives of the people who live here.
There are not one or two, but seven churches within a half-mile walk of my mother's house in Birmingham. Fundamentalist preachers are on all the TV and radio stations on Sundays. Many businesses are routinely closed on Sunday in Alabama despite the repeal of blue laws. When meeting new people, one is often asked what church one attends. My mother routinely tunes in to religious broadcasts. Listening to these charlatans fulminating about damnation, demons and death simply turns my stomach. As I told one of my Colorado friends recently, next to these false shepherds, the WTS sounds positively enlightened.
I have attended one church service since I returned because my brother was preaching a sermon there and I went to show my love for him as well as support. That's something I would never have done as a Witness in good standing. But that has been the only service I've attended, and I've told the family I am no longer a regular churchgoer nor will I be going to Kingdom Hall meetings ever again. I tell them that the Witnesses and I have had a falling out, and can no longer see eye-to-eye on matters of importance. My family fully supported me on my refusal to go to Witness meetings and have respected my wish not to go to church--something that was a most pleasant surprise.
The other major development has been my decision to live my life as I see fit. I am proceeding somewhat cautiously there because although I am a gay man, I have yet to come out to my family. Eventually I will but with other items taking priority now such as looking after my mother and finding a job, that can wait. I have found a gay church in Birmingham, something I definitely did not expect, and will check it out during the coming summer.
For those who might be interested, you can read more about my life here in my blog South By East. And to all of you here, thanks again for all your love, support and counsel. Although I may not be as active on JWN as I once was, you are in my thoughts. I know I can always come here for answers to questions, latest news on WTS happenings and other details religion- and Witness-related. Thanks again, and feel free to contact me anytime.
Quendi
