I knew Ricky well, we where good friends once. We lived together in Hungary where he met my sister who he later married. My heart goes out to my sister during this difficult time, she is in my daily prayers. I truly believe that no matter what mess we make of this life on this end, on the other side is Heaven, so I draw my comfort from that, I know Angela has her reward and that Ricky can now be at peace.

I knew Ricky before he hated the Family, in the happy days, the days when he was madly in love with my sister. We would all sit on my big bed and we’d laugh and just talk. He was a happy person, loving and kind, always ready to give a hand. I still have a beautiful picture of Jesus both Ricky and my sister made for me on my birthday. Those are my memories of Ricky but I write this not to talk about my feelings on the tragedy but as a reply to the different articles and news clips I have read in the days since the event. I’ve been downright baffled at some of the garbage that has been printed and that our antagonist ex-members would stoop so low during this difficult time. I am not a good writer but I will try my best to explain to anyone reading this about my life, a life I love and have chosen of my own free will.

For the record I am in the Family, and have been in “the group” all of my 26 years. I have lived a wonderful life so far, blessed in every way possible. My parents loved me and took care of me in the best way they could my entire childhood. I was blessed with friends, wonderful caretakers and enjoyed traveling all around the world. I have never gone hungry, never been abused in any way shape or form, never been beaten, or any of things that are being said our children growing up in the “cult” experience.

I have three beautiful children, they are the sunshine of my life and trust me when I say if harm would come to them in any way, I would fight for them with my life. If I didn’t feel this was the best life for them I wouldn’t be here! I give thanks to the Lord every day that they are happy and very well cared for. They are growing up the same way I did but in many ways their childhood is even better because we’ve learned so much more, so they get the best of both worlds. I feel they are growing up in Shangri-La compared to what a lot of kids are exposed to in today’s “modern” life. Yes my children are home schooled, something some say deprives them of an adequate education which I feel it far from the truth, at least I know they are not out being bullied, beaten and mocked while at school everyday and quite to the contrary my kids are way above the standard grades for their ages and are doing very well in school. Anyone who knows my children will testify that they are wonderful, smart and happy in every way.

What I find very unfair is that since the days since this tragic event took place everywhere in the media we’re being portrayed by some ex-members as being abused, and even worse child abusers! To be honest, it shocks me beyond belief. It’s not fair to go around saying sweeping comments and downright defaming statements about us and our kids, you don’t know me or my life just as I don’t assume to know yours.

You have to put things in perspective. You say we’re fanatics and don’t use common sense, but tell me how much common sense you are having by making such blatant and downright horrific accusations about people you don’t even know! Abuse is common in society at large, NOT in the Family.

Is it fair that because life hasn’t always gone perfect for you that you want to see our children taken and our work undone? Honestly, if you say yes to that question please seek some professional help as somehow you’ve lost touch with reality, and it’s you who would want to abuse our kids by traumatizing them by taking them away from their parents and homes. Watch out lest while raving accusations, in the repercussions you become the abusers of our children yourselves. The Family has apologized time after time, over and over for old mistakes. Do you really want people to die before you feel justice has been done? We are real people, real children, when you say “the group”, or “the cult” you’re talking about me and my family and loved ones.

Yes there were mistakes made, life is never perfect but these exaggerations and trumped up lies are a far cry from the beautiful life I live. The Family is the life I have chosen to live. We love our children, we provide the best possible care for them, we do our best to bring others to the knowledge of our Savior’s love, for which of these do you stone us?

By the way, a lot of my closest friends are not in the Family and we are very close. They know I love my life and they respect me for my choices and I respect them for theirs. Most of them are doing great in the life that they have chosen. Most of my personal family is no longer in the family either but we are all very close.
I write this to those that would seek to destroy what we have spent a lifetime to build, please move on with your life, be happy in the way you have chosen to live, but leave us to live ours in peace!

We live for Jesus! Our mission is to help to bring others to know our Savior. That is our whole reason for being in the Family.

Paloma Miller, 26, (UK)