In the light of day, and over a nice cup of tea, sanity returns. The problems which once seemed so big are reduced to their correct proportions, and I am left feeling more than a little embarassed over my role in the events of the past 24 hours. I didn't realize I had a drama queen buried inside waiting to be activated. Something else I need to work on.
First of all, I owe an apology to the board. I meant every word I said to Farkel, and frankly if he had been in the same room with me I would have cheerfully kicked his ass. I was defending my daughter, so I stand by my post with no regrets. However, wearing my heart on my sleeve, angry and upset and starting a "I'm Leaving" thread was not my finest hour. I made a mountain out of a mole hill and caused many people on this board to also get upset. I feel badly about that, and for this I apologize to all here. The situation would not have been nearly as big had I not magnified it.
Obviously Jennie will not be allowed to post any longer. It was my decision to allow her to post 8 months ago, and so I must accept responsibility for putting her in harm's way. I still think allowing her to post originally was a sound one, as it let her express her grief over her grandpa's suicide, but I should have cut the cord long before now. But then hindsight is always 20/20. If Simon is able to create a children only directory then perhaps Nina and I will change our minds, but Simon has enough to do running this board and I do not want to add to his work load. This board was not created with children in mind and it is not his responsibility to create a children safe zone.
Finally I would like to say thank you to everyone who called or PM'd. I am truly touched. After years of harshness from Jehovah's Witnesses, it gives me goosbumps to see so many people reaching out with a hand instead of a fist, or to hear words of encouragement instead of criticism. "Thank you" feels inadequate. Imagine a bunch of evil and wicked apostates displaying acting more Christ-like than "Jehovah's spirit-directed organization." Who says God doesn't have a sense of humor?
I'd like to move forward and hopefully conduct myself in a bit more mature fashion in the future. I resolve next time to take a deep breath, go for a walk and calm down before I overreact again.
Peace,
Chris