Hindsight

TMS

These Dylan lines from "Don't Fall Apart on Me Tonight"
have been burning in my head for several days:

"I wish I'd have been a doctor,
Maybe I'd have saved some life that had been lost,
Maybe I'd have done some good in the world
'Stead of burning every bridge I crossed."

Since I know longer view my fifty years of JW activities
as a "life-saving work," I have little of substance to
show for my life.

This is not a plea for sympathy or a list of worthwhile
activities for my retirement years.

Just a very personal observation.

TMS

hillary_step

TMS,

One of my favorite Dylan songs, thank you for the reminder.

Since I know longer view my fifty years of JW activities as a "life-saving work," I have little of substance to show for my life.

I can add little but empathy to your statement, I know some of what you feel, but we did the very best with what we had, I think that counts for something. I am sure that both yourself and the missus laid and left a a legacy of precious moments in the hearts of many people.

I also know that growing old ain't for cissies!

HS

Lady Lee

Although we may feel that our years in the borg was a waste, I try to think of the wealth of information I have now at my disposal to help others become free.

It isn't what you have done or been through but rather what you do with it. I figure all that crap from my childhood and early adulthood has to come to some good.

But I can certainly understand how you feel.

HS ain't that the truth

TMS

Lady Lee,

"I try to think of the wealth of information I have now at my disposal to help others become free."

I'm very reluctant to attempt to influence anyone's beliefs.

I've moved to an area where I am surrounded by many JW relatives on both sides of the family who have generally been very cordial.

Although they all realize my wife and I are no longer JW's, not one of them has ever asked why.

When and if they do, I will answer honestly.

HS,

You are, as always, the epitome of graciousness.

It's funny, but the other night my wife and I were recounting all of those who did respond to our invitation to become Witnesses.

We now view these as our "successes."

TMS

Shutterbug

Although they all realize my wife and I are no longer JW's, not one of them has ever asked why.
When and if they do, I will answer honestly.

A little over a year ago we moved back to the city which I call home, although I was raised some ten miles out in the country. Since we moved here we've had visits from two elders and their wives and some six older sisters. Not one of these folks have asked why we aren't attending meetings, going out in service, or going to assemblys. It's almost as if they are afraid of the answer..

Please don't look on your past life as "wasted." You did what you thought was right. When I first logged on to this site I had the impression it was composed of a bunch of rebelous teenagers, obviously that's not true.

Thanks for posting. Bug

franklin J

TMS

In effect, what you did with the 50 years of your life was to donate it to a charity of which you wholeheartedly believed. The charitable works you performed do not go away.

I hope you and your spouse have embarked on the new life TOGETHER. You are fortunate that the extended family still speaks to you.

regards and be well, Frank

teejay

I have missed this board... sho nuff.