I did it! I called my parents last night. I had only seen my parents 3 or 4 times in the last 20 years (da 20 yrs ago). The last I spoke to them was about 4 or 5 years ago. Since that time, I found out about all of the scandals and have come to realize that the "truth" was not the truth.
I had been working on a letter to my parents to tell them why I would never return to the jws. I was also going to tell them all of the dirt that I knew about the society. For some reason though, I couldn't seem to find the proper words to put it all together. I wanted it to be more of a letter of concern rather than one that slammed the society. Even after writing 75+ pages, I still couldn't convey the feelings that I really wanted to express.
So,.....I called them on the phone yesterday. gulp!
I was shocked! They were happy to hear from me....mom cried. It was a very moving moment. After catching up on the family, my dad could tell that something else was bothering me. I began to tell them the story about how I came to this point in my life. I related how a certain un-named event had led me to deep depression and an emotional breakdown. I became very emotional relating this story to them, but still never told them anything about the society. They asked me several times what had happened, but I said I didn't think I could tell them for fear of what they would think of me. They assured me that nothing of the sort would happen, and I made them promise to let me finish before they condemned me
I told them how upset I was about the UN deal. Dad says, "huh?" I said, "You know, the UN ngo mess." Again, dad says, "huh, What are you talking about?" I told him that they were lying about the library card and that it really bothered me, especially in light of what happened in Malawi. He said..."Now, xxxxx, you know that that card was political and we can't involve ourselves in those types of things." "I know dad, that's why the UN membership bothers me so much....doesn't it bother you?" I asked how he could justify it, especially in light of what happened in Malawi. He finally said that he had no clue what I was talking about. I was a little puzzled myself as I assumed he knew but accepted the library card excuse.
"Dad, do you know that the society joined the UN as an ngo?" "What are you talking about?" he said again. I then told him what I knew. He kept saying that it couldn't be true. "This would go against everything. That is a political organization and we would never associate with them", he kept saying. I know dad...but it's true. He asked where I got my info and told me I need to be careful about people spreading un-truths. I explained that I checked and checked and then checked again and found it to be all true. I told him that it is even on the official UN website because of all the inquiries about it. I could hear the concern in his voice as he kept saying "it can't be"
He is very concerned and wants to find out if it's true. He said he is going to find out the facts and get back with me as he could tell that I was sincere and was very troubled by it. (he is a 3rd gen witness) To him, even a library card is no excuse to join the UN.
They also told me that I am not being shunned any longer and I can come visit them any time I want with no fear of being witnessed to or belittled for not being a witness. THEY LOVE ME!!!!!!
I am soooooo happy right now that I am having a hard time typing through the tears of joy! This is the best news I have had in a long long time.
Not only did I get my parents back, but I planted the seed that will eventually lead to them seeing the truth.
I'm getting my family back!!!!!!!!!!!!
I owe it all to you guys!!!! You helped me cope when I was at my worst. It was your words of encourgement and the cautions you expressed on dealing with family members. I couldn't have gotten this far without you!!!
I love you all!!!
THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!