I can relate with what Walt Whitman said about the taking notes and such..I was totally into it growing up, it was exciting for me to go to conventions and see a vast sea of others who I felt were like me. It felt like this had to be the truth..just look at all the people, and to think, this is happening all around the world, and in many different languages..wow..what a united brotherhood! I totally bought into the whole experience. Helped make the sandwiches "with love", I gave a few assembly experiences later on, totally and completely into it.
The few assemblies I took my little ones to were very different. I now had the responsibility of caring for them, so the reality of how difficult a thing the "Brothers" were asking of us sunk in. I remembere asking myself how they could expect this of us all. I would look around to see the expressions on others faces...and sure enough, many looked tired, bored, figity, overall frustrated. I dont know how my parents managed all those years. They sure were 'faithful' sad to say
...wow it's a trip remembering all that