I won't be reading Tony's story because I made a 2011 New Year's Resolution to not read Watchtower garbage. I am not so ridged that I won't look at a thing or two, but reading their articles or viewing their videos in their entirety just makes me upset, so I don't do it.
So those who children leave the "truth" look bad?
I am sure that statement is intentional. It is a way to belittle anyone they wish to whose children did not stay in the religion, and it further emphasizes the need to make your children follow the rules and to break their spirit of "independence."
I was told that I SHOULD NEVER HAVE KIDS in this worldly system, Woe the pregnant women and yad, yad, yad. I was only about 12 years old in 1975 but I clearly remember the warning about not having kids.
You were correct in your understanding, but they must embrace those that didn't obey as fully as you because children are the only recruits they seem to get these days.
You are experiencing the two-faced speaking of Jehovah's Witnesses and their leaders. They can elevate themselves with the same actions that demote others. You and your husband were low-level members. Perhaps, at the congregation level, you could have experienced double standard blessings if you remained seemingly in line with the leaders, but you must not question them for even that to happen.