Did You Ever Attend A Meeting After You'd Left?

by Englishman 33 Replies latest jw friends

• 

  MelbaToast

  I have visited my mothers hall twice since I was df'd, and Ive regretted it both times.

  My father died in 2001 (he was a publisher but never any "real" privlegdges)...and of course, my JW mom took all the furneral proceedings for himself. My sister called me to tell me he died. It killed me, because there was no funeral home, or visitation...my dad was cremated. This also disturbed the rest of my family (aunts, uncles, grandparents) because they are baptists who live for em.....but I digress

  The elder that gave his memorial talk gave me no comfort. I sat there the whole time thinking "all thats coming out of your mouth is crap! I hated this place, never wanted to come."grrrr. I basically sat down the whole time, while all the loving ppl from the congo looked at me with sad eye because they couldn't talk to me!!!! That just pissed me off more. By this timeI was so angry, I try to block out that time because its so painful to talk about, even two years from the event. All these people that had seen me grow up, they didn't dare talk to someone that needed consolation. One sister who I had pioneered with broke the chain (she had been df'd, but got reinstated) and held me and cried saying Im so sorry, but she was the only one, I thought to myself she was the only loving person in that KH. And the kicker was, at the end of the elders talk, he stated who he was survived by, and did not even mention mine or my sisters name.

  I went directly outside after the talk, and lit up a cigarette in the parking lot. The rest of my family and dad's "worldly" friends followed suit promptly. There were about 10 different people smoking cigs right by the door, underneath the carport. I made sure to fling the butt on the sidewalk afterwards. And of course, my mother wanted to yell and scream at someone (because of grief) and I took the brunt part of her anger.

  Whew. Im tired. I cant go into the memorial I went to...I havent really explained the whole time...but I cant do it.

  I hate that religion....it turns people into zombies.

  Melba of the "emotionally recoving" class
• 

  reboot

  it seemed like some sort of zoo for people with an hyperactive disorder.

  that really cracked me up

  Ive never been back.The last meeting I went to was conducted by the elder who was stealing from my husband..and the talk he gave was about honesty in the workplace....

  I so wanted to stand up and make a grand exit after sidling up to him on the podium,and asking politely ' excuse me, but may I say something?' and explained to the cong. that the talk had just been given by a rather large hypocrite..but apparently noone was allowed to know....shame that.(though many have since been enlightened ... lol
• 

  Englishman

  Hi E-Man,

  It's been ages since I posted -- really sorry to have missed the BBQ this year. Loved the photos. Maybe next year if I'm still invited??

  Sherri,

  We'd all be delighted to see you again at the next fest.

  Englishman.
• 

  nevergotwet

  I've never been back, but my last meeting was a memorial. It was the first (and last) meeting one non-believing member of my family went to.

  He was astounded at the lack of genuine welcome, and coouldn't believe the stuff he was hearing. His summary: A load of rubbish!

  That sealed the deal for me. I never returned.
• 

  Carmel

  Two funerals for family members, and one "curiosity visit" to show my new bride the folly of it all. Like you I was as welcome as a fart in a diving helmet or the bastard child at the family picnic. That was in 1964.

  carmel
• 

  mrbarthoss

  I did,......with a girlfriend - Sat in the back, shook my head almost constantly, and uttered the phrase "What the......" 6 or 7 dozen times
• 

  nevergotwet

  Carmel:

  I was as welcome as a fart in a diving helmet or the bastard child at the family picnic.

  LOL!

  I have a friend who is a priest and he once told me he'd like to go to the public talk wearing his cassock.

  I wonder what the reaction would be then?
• 

  GermanXJW

  Last year, I went to the DC to get the new Teacher-book I read so much about on JWD. My wife was still in then. I accompanied her in blue jeans with a beard and met some former "brothas and sistas". Nobody said a word about my jeans - maybe some thought I was doing voluntary service. :-)
  
  It was only one day and I could not believe that I used to _enjoy_ DCs... I also heard that "Beware of the voice of strangers"-talk.
• 

  Freedom Fighter

  Nope - never went back. My mum always asks me if I want to go to the Memorial every year, but the answer is always Noooooooooooooooooooooooooo
  
  
  FF
• 

  Thirdson

  I have only been once in the last 7 years, it was about 18 months after I quit. My mom and dad were visiting and asked to go to the KH. I took them to a hall that I had never been to and wasn't known at. Since they didn't answer up during the Watchtower no-one really noticed us. As a result we were pretty much ignored. An elder spoke to my dad and came over to me and made some comment to the effect that I know what I should be doing. I told him I know exactly what I am doing. They made no attempt to inquire where I lived.

  All I can remember was that the Public Talk was boring and the Watchtower even more so. I played word games with my Bible to pass the time.

  3rd