Very moving story. Thanks for sharing.
My wife had a very abusive (mainly mentally and verbally sometimes borderline physical) step-father. He was also a very fine, spirit-appointed elder. Yeah, right. Well, he was an elder. She also attempted to confide in an elder friend. She was told that he couldn't do anything about it since he was the head of the family. Huh!? Still she soldiered on for many years as a good pioneer and perfect JW. Nevermind the psychological scars, just go out in service more and make all the meetings and that pesky depression will evaporate like the shallow attack from Satan that it is.
Welcome aboard. There is real discussion here. No paragraphs to parrot or party line to follow for fear of repercussions. (well, maybe if you start a political thread!)
--Not Buying It.