Jourles: I don't know if you are just a gifted writer, or if it's that you have such juicy stories to tell, but I am hanging off the edge of my chair for the next chapter. (Your stories may rival Amazing's one of these days!) As a matter of fact, I was so enthralled in the story, I had to back-track to see what your whole situation was about, and ended up reading almost a full page of threads you have started. Excellent info! And I loved the Memorial (One Partaker) thread.
I agree with Onacruse. I wouldn't let out a sigh of relief yet. Of course I have no way of knowing anything, but it seems the overall atmosphere is to pin down the "wanderers." Your BOE may have much more in store for you. With your techie know-how, will you be bugging your home with microphones or cameras for that shepherding call?
Also, are you saying your wife has not a clue as to your feelings? That would have to be really tough to pull off, I would think.
Have you felt like calling Tad yet to ask what the hay he was thinking when he felt he had to share your "ill health" with his elder/John?
I thought it was interesting your friend Tad had a few drinks before showing up at the bowling alley. I wonder if he was NERVOUS about what he had done? and needed a little "something" to relax before arriving at the bowling alley to FACE you? His snotty wife's comment about not feeling well -- bull! I don't buy that one bit. It was nothing but suspicious JW self-righteousness on her part as I'm sure she knew what her hubbie/Tad had done (calling all around about you, etc.)
I was cringing in my seat reading the Bowling Alley conversation. How creepy to be interrogated like that. It wouldn't be so bad if it was SINCERE, but we all now know that is not the way it is when the Dick Tracy Squad kicks into gear. The war has been declared on the "doubters" "questioners" "apostos" etc.
It really IS creepy how anywhere we go, the JWs can find out everything about us. The thread at this forum, "Secret Files" the congregations have on us, I found quite revealing.
And no disrespect intended at all, but I had trouble believing your Mom didn't chit-chat more with Tad's mother. Women ARE gabbers. They can't help themselves. We also ask questions questions questions. If someone called me wanting info about a relative, I would be asking lots of questions, especially if they were friends already. However, the ONLY reason she may not have asked/offered more info, is if she feels guilty or suspicious or "shame" in front of these witness friends (Tad's parents) if Tad's parents acted at all like "something was up" with you. In that case, your Mom would likely play it up, as in, "All is WONDERFUL, Jourles is doing JUST FINE, WHY do you ask?"
Also, it really irked me how Ball kept sleezily (like a serpent) pushing for Dickey to come into the back room, too. I mean, how many times did you have to politely state your feelings on it? And Ball just kept ignoring you ("Well, how about if we let Bro. Dickey come on in, and THEN if you feel uncomfortable, THEN we can ask him to leave..." -- What a bunch of crock. If Dickey had gotten into the room, you would probably NOT have been able to get him OUT of there. Game players.) All's well that ends well. You really DID stick to your guns. That was really KEWL!
And, when Ball spoke with you in the back room... I just LOVE how they NOW are asking if you need help in service, or need a pioneer to study with, etc. etc. Like WHERE HAVE THEY BEEN for the past year or so? (or ever how long you said you have been inactive, missing meetings, etc.) The saying, "Better Late Than Never," does not work in cases like this.
Whoever made the KGB comment above -- good one!
Whatever happens from here on in, I do hope you can "call the shots" and have the outcome as you desire. As the song goes, "Breaking Up is Hard To Do." Seems "Fading Away" is even harder!
Looking forward to any future reports from the frontlines.
Grits
