It actually helped me to write my DA letter. I have no intention of mailing it, but putting it in writing helped me sort out my feelings. Hubby and I were taking a much needed break at a local restaurant while moving mom this week and in walked two JW couples. There were hugs and handshaking all around, and the obligatory, "We miss you at the meetings." I smiled, thanked them and said, "Enjoy your lunch!" They moved on. I am living my life my way. I don't seek them out, but am pleasant when we cross paths. For the most part they leave me alone, with only the occasional crossing of paths or knock at my door. All that being said, I will never invite another JW into my home or speak to one on the phone. It's not worth the risk of entrapment. I will continue to try to fly under the radar until my aged JW in-laws die and/or we sail far, far away!

Kindness (Stanza 3) Before you know kindness /as the deepest thing inside, /you must know sorrow /as the other deepest thing. /You must wake up with sorrow. /You must speak to it till your voice /catches the thread of all sorrows /and you see the size of the cloth. /Then it is only kindness that makes sense anymore, /only kindness that ties your shoes /and sends you out into the day to mail letters and purchase bread, /only kindness that raises its head /from the crowd of the world to say /it is I you have been looking for, /and then goes with you everywhere /like a shadow or a friend.

Naomi Shihab Nye  (1953-)