Gina just got off the phone with her mom. We were tired of lying to these otherwise nice people, not to mention disinfecting the car of all "worldly" paraphenalia, and fearing the inevitable "pop-in" visit while holiday decorations are up. She felt bad about it, and so did I. But now it's over. Her mom has already decided to shun us for having spoken to another disfellowshipped person, and she'll be talking to her elders. In a few days or so, I expect the circus to start up. We don't intend to give anybody a hard time, but we're not going to waste any of our precious life before a judicial committee, or explaining why the Watchtower's a cult to guys that will not be one bit budged by it. Screw a "letter", we're already out as far as we're concerned. They can tidy up the place themselves.
So it's over. It's a relief, but it's also tragic. Especially for Gina, who is coming to grips with losing access to her mom. I think in time they'll soften a bit. The "necessary family business" of dropping off the kids for a visit will probably lengthen as the months and years pass. But it'll surely never be the same.
For those of you of a praying bent, please send a prayer or two to your favorite deity for Gina.
Dave