Married 42 yrs and ready to leave. My husband is a jw and has been for 38 yrs. I even joined from 1974 to 1985 to keep my family together. When my daughter no longer wanted to attend trouble started. She had no friends at the hall and was told the only friend she needed was Jehovah and Jesus. I would sneek her out to go to dances at school and to be with her friends. When hubby found out he was angry with her wouldn't talk to her and finally he just packed up and left. He took all money out of my name and I had to go on welfare. He was a ELDER in the congregation, but was soon removed by the circuit overseer. I still attended meetings with my son. We were studying the Family book and at the study he answered a question stating "If your wife has wants she better want less" I wanted to die at the end of the meeting they let him pray, during the prayer I grabbed my son and walked out never to return. I did file for seperation, because you know Jehovah hates divorce. Then this man filed for custody of the kids, so I dropped the case due to lack of money.
After 9 months he did return and I guess I fogave him, but never returned to the hall. I got myself a job as a operations manager of a chemical co. and worked for 20 yrs. Both of my children are married and are very happy. I have 2 grandchildren. None attend meeting.
My husband has retired now and all of his time is spent attending meeting and being a slave for any job that needs to be done. We do nothing together. I get a one week vacation of his choice and out on our anniversary. A few months ago the elders called and wanted to know how I was doing. 21 years after the fact. I told them I would never go back to the hell my husband created for me and my children. I am not disfellowshipped, but I told them if they wanted to disassociate me go ahead. They said they couldn't because I was not at fault. That is the only truth I have ever heard. I realize that there is nothing in the Bible that says I give up my life for him to have everlasting life. I cook clean wash and yes iron all those shirt for the meetings. I need my own life. I have to wait until Feb to leave because I will get my Social Security. I have no idea what is in the bank because I have to be content with sustenance and covering. It took him 18 yrs to put my name on the savings, but don't know what is in there. I keep a file on all he has done. He knows I want to leave but says I will be his wife to time indefinite. Sick man. I told him Jehovah is going to destroy me, and I want my husband to be able to watch.
What a wasted life I have had. If there is anyone out there that is not a witness, don't get involved in any relationships with jw's it will ruin you life. If anyone has any imput for me, I need all the help I can get.