Hello, my name is Isabel Dotson.

I have always worked and was moving up the corporate ladder. I received my MBA in 2016 and was excited about the new opportunities headed my way. However, on April 20, 2018 my life changed and a whole new set of rules have come into play. I was admitted to the hospital for a fungal sinus infection. After 3 months in the hospital and 7 surgeries later, I was no longer the same. I lost my left eye due to the infection traveling to my optic nerve and lost my left hearing as a result of the surgeries removing the infection. My smell and taste were also affected due to the surgeries. Finally, my speech was different, I not only sound different, but also, have two holes in the roof of my mouth which causes difficulty in speaking. Getting home was a shock, as I did not know how to be deaf and blind.

Going from being totally independent, hard-working, and feeling accomplished in my career and educational goals to deaf/blind and not knowing how to live. I have had to learn many new skills and a new way of life. 

I wrote this Facebook post in December 2018, 

On April 20, 2018, I Lost 

1. My Left eye and vision, I am now legally blind 

2. My hearing, as a result my left eye removal, my left ear lost all hearing, only 25% in my right ear 

3. My feeling, in the center of my face and upper jaw/lip, due to the infection in my nasal cavity 

4. My sense of smell and taste 

5. My ability to speak clearly due to the holes in the roof of my mouth 

6. My stability and balance, due to loss of senses 

7. My job 

8. My ability to work 

9. My marriage 

10. My ability to drive and my car 

11. My ability to teach 

12. My independence 

I list all these losses so you will see the glory of GOD! As he restores all of my losses in 2019. He left me here on earth for a reason, to show his power, his wonderful power, be ready to rejoice with me in 2019. 

It has been a struggle to learn a new way of life, but I am ALIVE! When I was in the hospital, I had many conversations with GOD, and HE kept saying, I’m in control. So, I have lived by these words daily. I lost much, but I have also gained much. Many of my physical losses I will deal with and learn to work with the limitations, but I now know how to do it. I walk 2 to 3 miles almost daily. My marriage is restored and just this week I am going to renew my driver’s license.

GOD left me here when doctors said I had a small chance to make it. GOD has a plan.

Romans 8:28 says, And we know that in All things God works together for good, to them that love GOD and are called according to his purpose. And Romans 8:37, No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. I AM MORE THAN A CONQUEROR! 

So, after going home, I had to learn how to deal with my new changes and Texas Workforce Commission helped me. My counselor stated I needed to go to Austin for training and 6-9 months training. I did and it was awesome. I learned how to do many things I did before, just in a different way. I learned Braille and American Sign Language. I learned how to live in another city—Austin Texas. I had never lived outside of Lubbock my entire 54 years and alone. I met new people and made new friends. But I learned how to be independent. I volunteered at a non profit as a job coach. I was becoming independent again. I learned how to navigate the transit system. My daughter stated I needed to try a branch church opening in Austin, Bethel Church. I did my due diligence and found the address, set up transportation and went to a new church, all by myself. It was awesome.

One day, the Metrobus forgot to pick me up. I was frightened. I did not know where I was, my only family was at least 30 minutes away, and it was 9 pm in Austin. I started praying,

Lord, I don’t know where I’m at or how to get back to the rehab center, please help me!

I called the bus company and while on the phone, a lady pulled up and asked me if I needed help. I looked at her and said, “Yes, I don’t have a ride to the center and the bus forgot me.” She said, I left church and went to get food for my children and the Lord told me to come back to the church a lady needs your help.” IS GOD NOT GREAT! That lady was Jill Oliver. She has been a friend and a wonderful woman of GOD.

GOD answers prayers.

Remember my post of the list I lost, GOD is repairing and restoring my list! Watch out 2020 here I come!