I can only imagine what every JW that knows her will think when they hear her on the radio!! LOL...
Yes, I thought the same thing as I read your story. It would be nice to truly say "who cares what they think" But realistically, we often do care what those that we were once close to, think of us and especially so when it comes to how our kids are viewed. Every parent is over the moon when their child does well but even more so when all those near to them predicted otherwise and even tried to pass along the same rut inducing poison that they fell for themselves . It reminds me of when a person wants to get away from a dead end job or a small town but others who are too afraid to leave themselves, try their best to keep the person stuck right along side them.
Witnesses only discuss the ones who did poorly after leaving. It makes them feel better. They are silent about the majority who leave and do OK or better than OK. Their words of dire warnings and supposed concern are mearly used to cover up their real hope. The hope that those who dare to leave will fall flat on thier faces. It's sad really, but it's hard to pity them isn't it?
Your JW family and friends seriously punished/are punishing you for breaking the old mental chains that hold them down and that once held you down. It is only natural for you to be just that "proud" that you'd want "the folks back home" so to speak, to know that y'all are doing more than just fine.