Because of family reasons, Gorby and his family, decided to visit the Kingdom Hall for the memorial tradition. Since a week ago, Gorby was a little nervous. Last years memorial was the last meeting he visited at the local hall. Since then, they all were faders. The preparations with wife and 2 children this evening reminded him of the 42 years of visiting the meetings. Choosing clothing and leaving right on time not to be late. When we drove on the parking lane of the hall, I told my wife and children that I hated to go into the hall. One time a year, a small investment for avoiding family problems. We entered the hall, off course being welcomed by some brothers assigned for welcoming. It did not feel real. We walked to our family in the hall. It felt we came from another planet. I tried not to fake a kingdom smile, staying serious. Said "Hello" to a brother who then look awfully at my beard. Then the memorial started. A little analyze: there was no flashback to the early christians. No flashback with some bible text to 33 GT. That's strange. We stayed into "now". Then the brother tried to explain the two classes of christians. He couldn't. It was so illogical.
It was all over before I mentioned it. An elder came to me and asked me about the children and some other family members. He didn't asked about our situation, our fade. Then 2 colleagues came talking about my job and our company. A small talk. Then I walked away, and 9 out of 10 didn't look at me at all, didn't smile, didn't say hello. I know, they are not my people anymore. So, I know since today, we are not their people anymore, also. For sure, I think that they are so indoctrinated about witness who are not visiting the meeting anymore. I started the car, we drove away, enjoining the nice full moon shining through the clouds.
Gorby