Thanks, folks! I was in quite a state earlier, your support was muchly needed. It's just coming around to dawn now, finally got back online.
I was hesitant to post this thread. After almost a year at JWD, I realize that it's about time I shared a bit of myself with you wonderful folks. It was hard to put it out there, I was nervous. So, here's a note for each of you that replied.
Sassy
Thanks girlie! You are always there for support. *mwah*
codeblue
*the proof is in the "print" ...
Yes, that is the hope I have, that common sense will overrule programming, once they read the facts.
Your sister is on the same wavelength, huh? That's the frustrating part of this, isn't it? Sometimes I just wish I really was Spock (one of my nicknames), and could do a Vulcan mind meld with them! You keep hanging in there, and so will I.
Elsewhere
You are such a sweetie. If I was ten years younger ... heheh j/k Truth be told, although we have never directly communicated, I think you could be my long-lost little brother. I'm happy things are going well for you at work, btw. *mwah*
Cybs
*just take it slow*
It's what I try to do, but today, it just 'got to me'. Eh, that's the way it goes sometimes. We haven't 'talked' in a while, but I think of you often. {{{Cybs}}}
Shutterbug
Thank you for your input from the perspective of 'older, wiser'! And yes, the last thing I want to do is make them feel stupid. It's a real conundrum - how to help them escape the Tower without them feeling their whole lives have been a waste? And leave them with a sense of self-respect? It's all so sad.
bebu
It's my feeling that dad has not 'believed' for a while. I think he is secretly happy for me and proud that I made the break. He is a man of few words (think John Wayne, and you know my dad!), but his attitude towards me is not one of disdain or censure, but encouragement. So I hold some hope for him, but at his age (70s) it seems impossible that he would ever step away from the JW, although he has 'stepped down' from eldership quite some time ago. I was proud of him for that, to tell the truth.
Stef
Thanks, hon! I would have lost my cool, too, a few years back. Biting my tongue is VERY hard work. heheh (just call me "Chatty Cathy", you're too young to remember that doll, but those in their 40s will know what I mean) big *mwah* to you, too!
eui2003
*walk a tightrope*
Ain't that the truth? Lately, I have been getting more and more frustrated that I have to feel this way because of a bunch of old men in Brooklyn who have manipulated my family for 4 generations. grrrrrrrrrr Can't even enjoy a normal relationship with my parents, I hate the WT! I'm happy you are free, and can NOW enjoy your daughter as a free person. Good on you, eui2003!
patio
*she may know she can't defend it*
I think you are absolutely, spot-on, correct! This is the key point with my mom. She has a very strict sense (black-and-white thinking) of what is right and wrong. It's hard for her to admit to any misjudgements. The type of person who will DENY DENY DENY. She would have made a good politician. arrgghh
That sounds so cold, but her denial of my abuse has hardened me about her ----> then again, I guess that really she is the hardened one. After all, I have never understood mothers who know their kid is being molested and turn a blind eye. I lost a lot of respect for her when the flashbacks started, and then I got medical proof of my early abuse. That being said, I work at forgiveness, and try to imagine what it was like for her, back in the 60s, dealing with it in a time when there was no support available.
Eyebrow2
Thanks for noticing that. I've worked very hard at it. It's worth it in the long run!
talesin <--------- See! I got my smiley face back! Thanks, folks