My Story: Of Faith, Resilience, and Dreams
By María Isabel Paez
Born in Bogotá and raised in Venezuela, I came to this beautiful country more than 24 years ago, carrying countless dreams, hope, and faith in God. In my journey, I have fought many battles: the pain of infertility, twice the battle against cancer, and the silent war of its aftermath. Thanks to my loving God, who has always taken me by the hand, I have been able to overcome them all.
I have always seen myself as a warrior — with my whield and my wpear, ready to defend myself and face new battles. Throughout my Life, I have been an Entrepreneur: I founded a company in Venezuela that became the foundation for my family and many others, ran a landscaping business, worked as a photographer in Ohio, Michigan, and Chicago, and owned a bridal boutique where every gown was a love story made to measure.
I remember hearing a voice once telling me, “You will have to return to your country; you won’t make it here.” But my answer was firm: “This country will not consume me… on the contrary, I will conquer it.” and that’s exactly what I did. I overcame the barriers of fear and doubt.
The years 2024–2025 were especially hard: five surgeries, seventy-nine hyperbaric chamber sessions, and three consecutive weeks of intravenous antibiotics. There were many stones along the path, but I chose to pick them up with my own hands and throw them far away. It has not been easy, but everything is possible when you have faith, courage, hope, and the desire to keep going.
I had always dreamed of writing a book, but I thought it would be impossible. Today I know that nothing is — you just need courage, faith, confidence, and belief in yourself.
With my heart in my hands, I share a part of my life marked by the pain of infertility, but also by the love, devotion, and faith that always carried me through. I Loved You Before I Met You is a book that blossomed from the deepest part of my heart — from my experiences, my dreams, and my deepest longings.
Today, with my heart wide open, I have the joy of sharing it with all of you:
I Loved You Before I Met You / Te amaba sin conocerte.
It will be available in Spanish via Amazon, Ebook, Barnes & Noble, and other platforms starting November 24 and in English in January 2026.
About Maria Isabel Paez Mossing: She is an Author, Photographer, and Real Estate Agent based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida.
