The wife of a former C.O. and friend of my husbands family for many years . The family lived a few hours away and we have not had contact for about four yrs . We were a bit apprehensive about going because we knew some from our old hall might be there .We were counting on since it is a long drive they might all wait for the memorial at the hall today instead .
Sure enough as we walk into the room there is my husbands (Elder) Step-Brother and his wife the ice Queen! With them was another old friend of my Husbands from Nebraska . He came over and shook my husbands hand and said hello ,but then turned away before I got to close ....(I have aposta cooties) His stepbrother and wife quickly exited the room never to be seen again that night ....taking with them this other friend and a few more whispering in hushed tones .
The relatives of the woman that passed are all still witnesses ,but our conversations were of concern and love . We circumvented most JW talk ....
I made it around to all the family and we shared past memories and it went well . I had recently found out that one of the grandchildren has a Christian Mission work in another country so I made a point to talk with him since you could tell he was out of the Witness loop . He was a delightful young man .
So glad we put our fears aside and went to show our respect .It is healing to follow your heart and do what you know is right . I am so glad it was a funeral home visitation where you can share stories of the deceased and really show concern . Had it been just a Kingdom Hall memorial I would not have gone . I told my husband last night the funeral services at the hall only stifle peoples emotions it is not healthy . I think You need to express yourself at these sad times, and you need to hear stories that make you laugh and weep together in order to grieve .