30th Anniversary
Elane Lee-Isa
1992 - 2022
On February 28, 2022, I celebrated my 30th Anniversary in private practice. It all began in the Lifestyle Professional Building, 953 Route 202, Branchburg, New Jersey. It has been an amazing journey of faith. I believe my chosen profession is my calling. It is a gift from God. It is my faith that has carried me every step of the way. There are so many things for which I am thankful. There are not enough pages to record them all. I especially am thankful for my husband, Hakem, who has been my most avid supporter and my sons, Terry and Steven, my vast extended family, and a host of friends.
I offer my deepest appreciation to the many wonderful people who put their confidence in me to counsel them in their personal, family and business challenges. Each one of you came to me through a thoughtful referral. A parade of memories fills my mind as I recall all the women, men, young adults, teenagers, children, couples & family businesses whom I have gratifyingly served throughout these past thirty years. I have a treasured book in which I have written your names and so often I sit and read your names one by one saying a prayer for your continued growth, safe keeping, peace, and happiness.
I offer a special thank you to the late Judge Marilyn Rhyne Herr, who sent me my first clients. I also offer a special thank you to Karen Hughes, my first full time assistant who began her duties with no promise of being paid because I had no clients and Dorothy McMahon who replaced Karen working with me for many years and Anne Masler, my part-time assistant.
The story of this incredible journey would take volumes to write particularly how a girl from a farm in Brooklyn, Mississippi found her way to New York and New Jersey to complete her education at Columbia University and establish a practice in New Jersey that would last for thirty years and continues virtually today in Birmingham, Alabama.
My journey is interspersed with many sometimes, very difficult challenges without which no accomplishment of worth can happen. Regardless, every day is a delightful experience that never seems like work. My practice is built by following genuine principles. When I follow true principles and conduct my life and my practice accordingly, everything else falls into place. The wisdom I have to counsel is imparted from God as I diligently search for true principles and consistently apply these principles by faith in my life and my practice. My formula:
Knowledge + Understanding = Wisdom
Wisdom + Practice = Transformation
Transformation happens by renewing our mind. We cannot expect positive change if we keep the same mindset. Someone once said, “We can be knowledgeable with another person’s knowledge, but we cannot be wise with another person’s wisdom.” Wisdom means having the knowledge and understanding to recognize the right course of action and having the will, courage, and faith to follow the right course of action.
The past two years have been especially challenging as all of us continue to deal with the pandemic. Sadly, many of us have lost loved ones. This pandemic either has brought out the worst in us or the best in us. I pray the best in you has emerged and that brighter days are soon ahead and that we have become stronger and more determined with a greater appreciation for our liberties and a renewed commitment to not only believe that we have rights, but that we have responsibilities that must be embrace daily if we are going to continue to be free.
I have been practicing virtually for the past six years. Technology keeps us close no matter the distance – amazing! I will keep practicing as one can never retire from a calling.May God bless each of you in special ways that remind you daily that Life is Precious, and Time is Life. Thank you again for allowing me to be a part of your life. Please keep in touch!
Sincerely,
Elane Lee-Isa