You said it all so well. The feelings you have had are all shared feelings among the posters here.
When the "real world" hits you in the face, it's not as bad as the borg says. It is scary at first, but then you can step back and see the "truth" for what it really is, the "lie".
Thank you for posting that Dawn. Yes, there are many reasons to be thankful for this board. In spite of the arguing, there are lots of things I have learned.
Actually, I have even learned things from the arguments, although I would rather do without them; they are getting so old.
I have not set foot in a Kingdom Hall in over 10 years and I (semi) regularly attend church. But I have just in the last coupla years been able to shake the "What if they're right" thoughts. This board has only confirmed my decision to not go back, and makes me want my mom out, too.