Jane Paladino

I was raised mostly in Delaware by parents who were serious Lutherans. The whole family had to attend church every Sunday. When I was about 3, I remember thinking that the minister was God and told my mother this. When I realized he wasn't God, I was very disappointed because I really wanted to see Him. I also remember having so many questions that no one could answer to my satisfaction at home, in Sunday school, and during confirmation. I dreaded going to church because it was boring, and I always felt empty afterwards. This feeling didn't stop me from praying though. Most of my prayers were in the form of requests and, amazingly, I almost always got what I asked for!

In 1979 I started dating [husband] Jim. On his bookshelf was the book "Much Silence" with Meher Baba's picture on it. He showed me the book and told me he had been to the Meher Spiritual Center around 1974 with a friend named Elaine Miller. Jim said Elaine thought Baba was God. I took one look at the picture and thought this Elaine must surely be crazy.

In Sept., 1981, 2 weeks before marrying Jim, I met Elaine and Joe Miller for the first time. They were visiting Tampa from Hilton Head, SC for a veterinary convention. We went to dinner, and afterwards Elaine asked me to come to their hotel room because she wanted to show me some books. The books turned out to be Meher Baba books. I particularly remember "God Speaks" and being showed the Evolution/Involution chart. I no longer thought Elaine was crazy, just misguided. I was impressed; however, my her manner and devotion. Even though I had just met her I felt like I had known her forever and even missed her after we said our goodbyes. The very next day I read "Much Silence." It made absolutely no impression on me.

Two months later we received a Christmas card from Joe and Elaine. Enclosed was a note to me and a copy of the Ivy Duce's book "What Am I Doing Here." I read the book in one sitting disagreeing with the entire philosophy.

One Saturday in January beloved Baba decided to "turn the key." I don't remember why, but I decided to read the book again that day. I remember this sweet moment as clearly as if it happened yesterday! It was a Saturday evening, and I was all dressed up to go out to a french restaurant for dinner with Jim. He wasn't ready yet so I was sitting in the living room finishing up "What Am I Doing Here." I got to the part where Ivy Duce explains that Meher Baba is the Avatar of the Age. All of a sudden I knew it was true! Meher Baba is God and that's all there is to it! I was so excited and told Jim that this was true. I remember talking of nothing else during dinner--I was so high! My life was now forever changed.

The next day I wrote to Elaine telling her what happened, and I asked where I could get books. At the time you could buy books directly from Kitty Davy at the center. I bought just about everything she had, and I devoured them. I even sneaked them into my office at work and would read them when no one was looking! Not only had Baba turned the key to my heart but all my questions were now answered to my satisfaction.

In the spring Jim took me to Myrtle Beach for my first visit to the Center, and in 1985 we made our first trip to India. I have also been blessed over the years with some wonderful dreams of Meher Baba. I always write them down right away so I don't forget. How has Baba changed my life? I could write a book on it but will say how blessed we are that Baba has told us that life is an illusion. Knowing this has helped me survive watching the news and going through the daily ups and downs of this life in illusion He has given us.