Hi All,
Recently, my elderly father told me that their kingdom hall was building a small apartment for a couple from "Bethel". It will only be an efficiency type of an apartment. When I asked who would pay for this, he said tha tthe congregationl would. He said it would cost about $100K to do this. He said their congregation will take out a loan and that it wouldn't take too long to pay it off. I'm assuming that other congregations will also be doing this.
My dad and I got to talking about how these Bethel people were going to be able to make it after having to leave. He said that they got paid while they were up there and that would continue. Last I knew, those folks only got about $20 per month to live on. I suppose he doesn't know that, afterall, he only knows what they tell him.
I can't be too crtical with him, as I don't want to make him uncomfortable. I disassociated myself about 21 years ago. I lost many in my family as most are witnesses.
My mother was diagnosed with alzheimers several years ago. Very recently, I was given permission (officially) to help out. I now can visit and help my parents as much as I want to. I can tell that my dad is thrilled to have me back in their lives. I just wish I could have shared my mother's last years with her when she was well. At this point she knows me but it certainly isn't the mother I knew. I am very greatful to be able to help them at this point. I know that is what God expects of me, and I want to do it.
It is amazing that the brothers told them that I wasn't good enough for all of these years, but now that I'm needed it's OK to be there for them. I love my parent's dearly. They diligently did what they were told. They have been members of their congreation for about 35 years. Hardly anyone comes to visit them. No one even told they about the Memorial. I looked it up online and told my dad. He had no idea. It's pretty sad that an "apostate" daughter had to tell her parents when the Memorial service was. I really didn't care that they go, but I was trying to be kind. I made sure my mom had something appropriate to where. At the last minute my mom refused to leave the house. I guess God didn't want them there!!
Thanks for all of your wonderful post over the years. This place has allowed me to lose the guilt of the "borg" and have a personal relationship with my Savior, Jesus Christ!!
NanaX9