Thanks for your replies. I think I just needed to hear people say, “yeah, we know what that’s like”.
I left the org 2 years ago and have a fantastically supportive group of friends, and only 4 or 5 who are Witnesses. The fact that they have remained close is testament to the strength of our friendships but I think that me being disfellowshipped would have stretched them too far. You’re right that my mum was torn in making this decision and is hugely relieved that I’m not disfellowshipped, but I still can’t talk to her about it. Ideally I’d like her to apologise but that would negate her principled action so I don’t expect it. Over time we’ll know doubt salvage something of our relationship, but only when my hurt has subsided enough for my compassion and sympathy to resurface.
Thanks again for all your kind words.
s.