So......it has been 3 months since my mother passed away and not ONE, not ONE witness has called, stopped by, or even sent a card to me! It hit me today. I mean, I must have gotten like 50 sympathy cards in the mail from her worldly relatives and co-workers, as well as NUMEROUS phone calls, but not one witness has done anything! I mean, what planet do these people live on? My mother was a witness in good standing for over 25 years!
I will admit that a nice elder whom I grew up around gave a very nice memorial talk (not the standard drab) at her service at the funeral home, and I'm thankful to him. But he, his wife, and 2 other witness were the only JW's at her service on a Saturday afternoon out of a crowd of about 70 that attended. Thinking back, I'm aghast. Where is the "love" that is always preached from the podium as being a sign of the "true Christian Congregation"? Granted, my mother was all but inactive the last 5 years, but she had many friends and was well liked and a very generous and kind individual.
I'm sickened. This was the same treatment my late mother and myself recieved after my father died as well. My mom was appalled, and now I understand why! In your most trying moments, your most desperate time of need, these people couldn't care less as long as they get their field service time in. In all honesty, I could have dropped dead and no one would have known....and along the same lines, if I hadn't called the P.O. to tell him of her condition, they'd still be dropping off literature in her front storm door, non the wiser!
The only real comfort I felt was from my own prayer asking God for forgiveness of her sins, and to take her whole life into consideration when the Resurrection comes. I also asked for guidance and strength harder that I have ever prayed before and somehow felt it come over me. (This was before and during her passing)
I wish I knew which way to turn. I went back to a few Sunday meetings, hoping maybe someone would see me there and give a damn, but all I get is fake smiles and greetings for me to keep coming back, but with no follow-ups at my home, etc. I find the whole situation strange and pathetic all at the same time. All the while, a non-demoninational Pastor keeps stopping by my house every 3 weeks asking about me, preaching about being Born-Again (which is a strange concept for a life-long JW), and showing geniune affection and interest. He regularily goes door-to-door with his Bible in my neighbourhood and others. I find it amazing that not just JW's have their "field ministry".
Confused,
- Wing Commander