I have been very busy, but I am getting some sleep compliments of my doctor?s coolness.
Mary and I went to see Nancy?s doctor for a long chat in which I went into a lot of detail regarding Nancy?s indoctrination, her engrained fears and beliefs about, God, the Bible, people and life, and how they relate to the culmination of this suicide attempt. I explained what being labeled "bad association" meant to her and how devastating the prospect and reality of shunning is . . . especially for such a young person. She listened very intently and her eyes flashed indignation a couple times as I explained how Nancy?s mother knew of our daughter?s intention to commit suicide and did nothing.
With regard to the elders knowing of the abuse and not reporting it, she said that they are under obligation, by law, to report it. There is absolutely no confidentiality in this situation and it is a crime not to report it. Hmmm . . . nice to know.
Nancy looked and seemed much better today. Her spirits were high and she was talkative about her first full day in the facility. She seems to understand what has happened to her and why she is there and is very cooperative and somewhat excited about the kind of attention she is receiving in there. She is exposed to other teens who are suffering through there own crisis, some with similar circumstances who she can partially relate to. The doctor said, that when prompted, Nancy does try to open up and talk about what?s going on. All very good signs.
She will remain inside this facility for another five days or so, then we get to determine along with the doctor what the next step for Nancy will be. Whatever the case may be, she will continue daily counseling for a while as she recovers.
That?s about all I have to report for now.
HOW YOU CAN HELP
Betsy?s best friend?s mother was raised a JW and left home and the cult as soon as she turned 18 and never looked back. She suffered terribly in her JW upbringing and is still bitter about many things, but she presses on with a great attitude and no regrets in leaving. Her girls have never had to suffer what so many JW kids suffer. When she learned of my intent to go picket the KH, she not only jumped right in there and stood shoulder to shoulder with me, she also, inspite of never having been to a KH in 20-something years, brought all of her kids to participate. Wow! That woman has brass ovaries! It has created a bond between all of us and reaffirmed our love and devotion to our children and their welfare. She is currently composing her JW upbringing story, which she volunteered, for me to present to the court to establish a pattern of abuse in the organization. She is also willing to go to court and testify about what she has witnessed with regard to the abuse my children have suffered.
I think it would be very helpful if there are any other x-JW parents out there who have gone through similar challenges with their JW x?s and your beloved children, to please, and only if you feel comfortable and safe doing so, writing to me in fair detail about your experiences. I am talking about "testimonial" form.
How would this help? With enough documentation and or testimonials, I can present to the court a pattern of abuse most JW children are subject to, especially when one parent is a JW and the other isn?t, as in many of our cases.
I am working on a detailed report with documented incidents that have troubled and disturbed my children since I gained custody of them last year leading right up to Nancy?s suicide attempt. Rounding the report off with the stories of other parents of JW kids trying to escape the organization, I feel, would make an impact for the benefit of the girls. I am willing to do the same for anyone else.
It is an idea.
email: [email protected]
((((((Thanks to all!))))))
Corvin