Was a JW from 1974 - 1979. Left of my own free will after being charged with apostacy at the tender age of 20. The elder in charge of my JC gave me two choices if I did not want to be DF'd: Start a study with an elder AND keep my mouth shut about doctrinal questions, or simply leave, have no contact with any JW's, and "fade away into the sunset as far as Jehovah's Witnesses are concerned." Well, I can tell you I've really enjoyed 'the sunset.' Its been a truly wonderous 26 year journey so far! And I'm lucky I only had one sister in the Lie, and she never shunned me. Now many years later I'm still asking questions and trying to believe. I consider myself a Christian although I do not attend any church, and basically feel arguments over dogma miss the whole point. Also, I'm in Asheville, NC if anyone reads this in the area! Cheers!