"...to show you have risen above the JW shunning garbage."
Well, I ain't never been shunned... except when I was a JW... so I don't think that applies here. The worries I had about going were over the ex-wifey, since she wasn't too happy about the settlement (dunno why - she got everything).
Anyway... I went. My wife insisted on waiting for me in the car.
I went inside... sheesh... they don't change them kingdum halls much, do they? I ain't ever been in this one, but it looks almost identical to the others I've been in.
I spoke to the oldest boy, D - and told him how sorry I was... also talked to the other boy, C - and told him I was sorry, that Charles was a good man. My ex was there, wearing her dowdy floor-length dress, and I hugged her, and told her I was sorry for her loss. She then introduced me to her hubby (she got married a year after our divorce). I shook his hand. (He don't know how happy I am that she's his problem now).
Anyway... I finally got up near the wife who was standing there in conversation with another woman. I overheard Charles' wife say, (and I quote)...
"...well, I don't feel any animosity anymore. After he died, it was gone."
Now... I knew she didn't like the poor fella, but... 'animosity'???
For those who don't know... Charles wasNOT a JW. He initially opposed his wife studying - and later just resigned himself to the fact that she was going to be a JW no matter what he did. He actually was a really nice fella when I knew him. Was well known and liked by the local community - and a lot of city leaders knew him.
Anyway, I hugged his wife, and told her that if she needed anything to let me know.
I also saw my daughter sitting there near the front row. She also saw me... she was sitting next to her cousin (on one side), and a fella on the other. I went over and gave her a hug - from behind - and said hello. She was trying to be polite - even tho she didn't want to be. (I think she's still pi**ed that I divorced the ex.)
I then made my way out of that very odd setting... everyone there wearing suits and ties - and the gals in full skirt-mode.
As we were driving out of the parking lot, I saw one of the other people that mow lots - his equipment parked across the street - walking in to pay his last respects - wearing his 'work' clothes.
There are a lot that knew him.
Regards,
Jim TX