I got mine too!
I used to be very prominent in the organization, always on the platform, giving public talks and so on. Then one day almost 5 years ago I just never showed up anymore. In fact I had some kind of assignment but I just did not show up. No one called, no one came to the house. I think they figured it out right away, knowing my personality. Anyway, yesterday in the mail there was an envelope from an elder and his wife, my age...they were always the nicest and most genuine people in the congregation. The envelope was hand-written. Had it been from anyone else I would have just pitched it, but since it was from them I thought I'd open it. I figured it would be a Memorial invite and a tract.
Well, it was a Memorial invite, and a magazine folded up, but open to an article inviting those who have strayed away to return. I guess the WT wants to try to pull our heart strings or something. Anything to increase attendance. Anyway, I didn't look at that. I just wanted to read the hand-written letter. The letter was real syrupy - it went on about how much everyone misses me, how they appreciate all the things I used to do in the congregation, they would love to see me, notice this article blah blah blah. What hypocrites!
I think I will wait until the day after the Memorial, then write them a real nice letter on nice stationery...first perhaps saying something positive but genuine about them...maybe saying I remember the many things they did in the congregation (and then I'd name specific things) and am glad they are doing well. And then I'll tell them I had already had plans on Memorial night - maybe a Civil Air Patrol meeting, or choir rehearsal at church - something that would get their attention and indicate I no longer consider myself one of them. I'll mention some of the things I do that keep me "very busy" which is why I don't have time to talk on the phone (in case they're thinking of calling): Angel Flights (they know I'm a pilot), animal rescue flights, helping with fundraisers for the Civil Air Patrol cadets and for the Young Eagles, ongoing education, church activities, and so on. Then I'll conclude by saying I didn't expect to hear from them because normally if people have not bothered with someone for several years, it's considered good etiquette not to contact them again.
That's a very tactful way of saying "No one needs to miss me because they have nice people like you to take over. I have moved on and have no intention of keeping in touch with any of you."