It is purely the WATCHTOWER'S FAULT that put all the strain between you and him and your visits were not as pleasant as you would have liked them to be. Many of us have had to deal with these same problems brought on only because we saw through the phony WTS and took action.
True. Actually, since Randy was inactive for many years [actually perpetually] the strain was both ways. When I was Jw, I was really Jw, and used most opportunities when I saw him to try to 'readjust' him. God, how self-righteous we were then! Later, when I left, he never shunned me, but I was always uncomfortable about the possibility that his mother or other Jw's might be visiting him or the family. So, I didn't stop over as often as I would have liked.
Update:
Visitation was Sunday afternoon. I hurried home from work and made it on time. There were several Jw's at the Funeral Home, all of whom took opportunity to scatter when I was in the vicinity. I did have opportunity to comfort the family, and renew a few friendships. Funny, how when I was Jw, those 'worldly' people were just so much background noise to me, while I focused on my 'brothers'. Now, I take every chance to let them know they are important to me. I also tell them about how I am being shunned, and I am amazed how many of them feel shunned also, even the ones who never were Jw's. They feel the hateful arrogance of the Jw's.
Today is the funeral. Afterwards a dinner. I mentioned avoiding that to my wife, who asked 'why should you not go? You are family. Let them kiss your ass!' She's right. So I will go.
Jeff
