My Heart is Filled with Joy
By: Dayna Gladstein
Recently I made one of the best decisions in my life- I joined Temple Emanu-El! I have been welcomed
with such enthusiasm and interest that I know I have found my home.
Due to a devastating and protracted illness, my husband and I quietly slipped into isolation from life. You
don't want to burden anyone with your problems. People don't know how bad it is and maybe that is the
way it's supposed to be. You become completely absorbed with tests and medications and the expense
of it, and then there's the loss of connections and career and purpose and all of a sudden you are no
longer a contributor. You can offer no contribution to the world except to pray. You quietly slip into the
background and become isolated by what you need to do to survive. I was very lucky to have recovered
after many, many attempts to find help. It was a long and painful road but it lead me to Temple Emanu-El
and for that my heart is filled with joy. My husband and I feel blessed to be part of such a special
community of caring families and friends. I feel like we will never have to be alone again and we have
been inspired to make it our business to be there for others in need. Life is truly a journey filled with a lot
of challenges. But with each of life's challenges there is an opportunity. I am thankful for the journey that
lead me to my spiritual home. I am thankful for the wonderful people that we have met and that I am able
to contribute to the mission of a helping spiritual community. Thank you for welcoming us and making
such a special place.