Getting back to the question regarding Kathy McDermott, yes, I knew her. In fact, I lived for a time in a sister's house next to the church in Campbell. Kathy lived in the house. There was a Miriam who lived there as well, and I believe a girl by the name of Cheryl or Chris, and then there was Sue Madeiros that married Howie Klein. Kathy M. did marry one of the Waller boys. I cannot recall his first name. I knew the Waller family well, especially Aleta. Aleta married Dan White, but I don't know where she is now, and I don't believe they are still together.
I do understand why most here on the forum prefer to remain anonymous. I don't understand the practice of ex communication which happens almost universally when someone makes the decision to marry outside of the circle, or to leave the organization. We are referred to as contaminants. This in itself is the cause, I believe, for carrying the burdens of resentment and hurt.
In any case, I sincerely hope that we can all come to some closure with respect to all of this. We were all so young then, and now we have become middle aged, or even elderly. I think that looking back on the past has both value and futility. We have to learn from our experiences and not dwell on them, in order to fully engage the present and what lies ahead.
I do understand why most here on the forum prefer to remain anonymous. I don't understand the practice of ex communication which happens almost universally when someone makes the decision to marry outside of the circle, or to leave the organization. We are referred to as contaminants. This in itself is the cause, I believe, for carrying the burdens of resentment and hurt.
In any case, I sincerely hope that we can all come to some closure with respect to all of this. We were all so young then, and now we have become middle aged, or even elderly. I think that looking back on the past has both value and futility. We have to learn from our experiences and not dwell on them, in order to fully engage the present and what lies ahead.