Yep,one year ago tonight I first posted here.I had lurked for a few weeks,never intending to post,but a particular thread hit so close to home for me,that I felt like I had to voice my opinion.Of course,I was promptly slammed as being a troll,but I was stubborn enough to hang around.Here I am still hanging,a whole year later.
I've maybe learned more in this past year than in the ten before it all put together.I've learned a whole lot about myself-about who I am,and why.I've learned about the organization that shaped my life and my family.Originally I was shocked by alot of what I read here,and wasn't sure whether or not to believe it all.But looking back,knowing what I do now explains an awful lot of things.
I've learned lot's about people,too.Like many who were raised JW,I led a very sheltered childhood(even more so living in the country,going to a small school).I'm still not sure if this is a real cross section of life,but I think it's pretty close.I'm happy to say that I've made lot's of friends here,some very good ones.Though I've had my share of disagreements,I don't consider anyone here an enemy.
I'd like to thank Simon and Angharad for giving us this wonderful place to meet, to learn,to laugh and to cry.And thanks to all the posters,I've learned something from everyone,from the theological essays to the flame wars and the fluff.I won't name names,I'd be sure to leave someone out,but my friends know who they are.And there are many I've never directly communicated with that I respect tremendously.
Thanks to JWD,for a most enlightening and entertaining year.
Always, Cowboy