I'm POMO for 10 years now, a pretty quick fade after I moved away from my home congregation. My Mom has always been supportive of me as a human, but always quietly hopeful I'll return one day. She makes comments maybe once or twice a year, which I understand and actually appreciate her for the way she goes about it.

She called today, which I expected after the GB video during the local needs this week. I wasn't mean, but I was direct this time. More direct than I have ever been. I told her I appreciated her concern, but I have no interest in ever again being involved with Jehovah's Witnesses. That I've done too much research, seen too much, to be a part of their organization again. I kindly told her, as I have in the past, that if she'd ever like to have an honest conversation about my reasons why, (I've shared some of them here and there) I'd happily share.

She started quietly sobbing on the phone. It hurts to know your Mom is in a cult and when you tell her you don't want to go back to it, she thinks you're signing your own everlasting death warrant and make her cry.

I'm lucky. My Mom didn't completely shun me, there's just an obstacle that is always there between us now. Today, I made that obstacle bigger, and I did it willfully. I don't regret it, but it's never easy to be the source of your mother's tears.

Stay strong, stay safe. Love you Ex-JW.

Edit: Thanks so much for the silver! Knowing this post resonates with others is very helpful. Stay happy and healthy my worldly people. :)