James waves as he goes confidently in the direction of his dreams.
Article written by Karen Lyddane
Born and raised in Washington, D.C., James Dotson grew up in a Christian home. His church life influenced his world “as far back as I can remember.” His young voice, a high tenor, fostered many moments in choir. A friend and James started a small group of singers—a Christian chorale varying in size but never more than 12. His tenor voice added to this four-part harmony singing group. They moved around as the singing engagements dictated. Later, he dropped out of church life but continued to sing with this group.
An invitation to a church to sing provided a moment of listening to a sermon in 1994 that changed his life. James remembers two points: 1) God still loves you, and 2) only God, not you, has the power to change you. These points encouraged James to go into counseling to create the new direction he desired. He decided to dedicate himself to his faith.
Backpacking, an infrequent but favorite activity in former years, is replaced by walking in Nature, which he often does today. James smiled when revealing that he’s recently purchased a mountain bike. It’s today’s version of memorable times with bicycle touring. He hopes to begin riding it this summer. He plans to work soon with a voice coach so his 2nd Tenor voice can be heard again. Movies with powerful stories attract him—he has a collection including those with historical themes. He is especially drawn to movies focusing on the challenges of Black/African American people. Not totally predictable, James also has a copy of “Secretariat.” Museums with the Imax theaters, going to the Holocaust Museum, being with family and friends, all factor-in highly.
James taught Grade 7– through 10, and Physical Education, as a science teacher for a private Christian school. He was friends with a music teacher, and when she decided to form a band, he played the trombone for a brief time.
Of all his life experiences, James counts his time as his mother’s family caregiver as the most fulfilling moment. He thanks God for being able to be with her as she spent her final years before “going to her rest” at the age of 94. He reached higher levels of patience and caring in witnessing his mother’s transition from her home to assisted living to rehabilitation, then long-term care.
James has two main thoughts on living an independent lifestyle. He advises planning for the future as soon as one is able, so that when the time comes, (s)he is as well-prepared as possible. Retirement, for James, gives choice to live as he wishes. For instance, removing the issue of commuting alone frees up time needed for pursuing his interests, such as working with his faith-based, non-profit organization. James wishes to work as long as he can, this fulfills him, rather than just being entertained. He wants to do a lot more and experience life. Making a difference is important.
Bottom line? James devotes himself to his God and prays to “allow me to fulfill your plan.” He is a brother, an uncle, a friend. His many roles and responsibilities combine in embracing life. And that, the simple but complicated effort of embracing life, makes every day a triumph for James.
