I look back now that I’ve been out of the org for 12 years and I realize despite being brainwashed, having to live inauthentically, being brainwashed that who I am is an abomination to god, etc. my dad did some cool things that protected and helped me.

1: I went to public school and not only that both my dad and my mom demanded we do well. Not in a mean abusive way but their expectation was that we were there to learn and that we should be giving our best when at school and doing schoolwork. My dad didn’t even go to HS and despite doing well financially he had to scratch and claw to get there.

2: I went to college which was a big scandal. I was a regular pioneer at the time and my dad was coordinator. We had one of those A hole Circuit Overseers who despite me putting in 70 hours a month, gave multiple parts per month, had tons of extra responsibilities, and by all external signs was exemplary, expected even more. I remember my dad telling me (this was recent; despite me being DA I get to still have a surface relationship with him) that he got into a screaming match with him saying that his kids (as long as we were “exemplary”) were going to get an education and that the Watchtower not only uses college educated brothers and sisters but also has paid to send ppl to college when there’s a skills need at bethel. I remember giving him a hug because honestly I have a wonderful life and a lot of that was because of my education.

3: He never let conscience matters of others influence how he raised us. Things my dad didn’t think were a big deal (listening to music, dancing at weddings, going to movies, etc) we didn’t have to comply with. When ppl thought my hair should be shorter (PS never had long hair…ever) or that I should only be wearing white shirts versus shirts that have colors and patterns, they were met with, “there’s no doctrine that says that and it doesn’t bother our conscience or families conscience.”

Despite having a lot of trauma I had to get rid of as an adult, I’m truly grateful my dad was reasonable and knew that discouraging an education was a double standard he didn’t like. My dad could have gone with the flow but decided, no I’m standing in this.

I could probably wake him up with enough time (my dad has good critical thinking he’s just brain washed) but I won’t because he’s lived 64 years doing that and it’s not worth destroying his worldview so that I can have a better relationship with him. Not to mention it would ruin his marriage.