Also serving the communities of De Luz, Rainbow, Camp Pendleton, Pala and Pauma
Despite all the challenges David
Howard has had to overcome after
a traumatic head injury 22 years
ago, he still radiates an unmistakable
zest for life and lives each day to
the fullest.
Although many of the details
of Howard’s motorcycle accident
in Temecula remain unclear, the injuries he sustained were lifealtering.
When he awoke from his
three-week coma, he could not
remember the loved ones standing
by his side. He sustained other bodily
injuries, including broken bones.
Howard had to relearn how to
speak, read, write and walk. “He
couldn’t talk,” said Howard’s mother
and caretaker, Ellanor.
It took Howard about two years
before he could call Ellanor “Mom”
once again. “He is doing 2,000
percent better!” she boasted.
Howard’s current mobility issues
are eased with the assistance of a
walker, wheelchair and Easy Go
Golf Cart.
Even today, Howard struggles
with his long-term and short-term
memory. He meets this challenge
with a positive outlook by jotting
down the events of the day in a
small scratchpad he keeps nestled in his shirt pocket. Howard then
transfers important details into his
daily journal. “I write everything
down every day, because I forget,”
he says.
Surprisingly, one memory
resurfaced a couple years after the
motorcycle accident: his passion
for woodworking. About six years
after the accident, Howard started
woodworking projects once again.
Before his accident, Howard
created breathtaking pieces, including
an intricate inlaid coffee table, which
he cherishes. “ has the same
amount of pieces as the year that I
made it: 1,979 pieces.”
At home, a handsome handmade
inlayed clock and accent table
decorate the living room. Howard
explained that inlay work is very
detailed, as having precise angle
cuts is always the goal. When cutting
each piece of wood, they must be
kept in order for the inlay process.
If not, the grain will never fit.
“I just love woodworking,” said
Howard. “It takes 100 percent
patience.”
Because Howard’s mobility and
balance have been affected by his
accident, he is now concentrating on
lovely smaller pieces. A creative key
holder and boxes with breathtaking
inlays are displayed on the dining
room table.
H o w a r d ’ s p a s s i o n f o r
woodworking was inherited from
his maternal grandfather. “I still have
the table saw that he gave me years
ago,” shared Howard. “I have all of
his tools. They are old but they are
still good.”
While Howard is woodworking
at home or coloring an artistic prism
design, he listens to classical music.
It relaxes him. “Bebop – forget it. It’s
got to be slow and easy; it’s the only
thing I listen to.”
Prior to the accident, Howard was
employed as a material expediter for
high power lines. Before that he was
stationed in Japan as a firefighter in
the Air Force; he also had a stint as a
firefighter at the Palmdale Airport.
On Tuesdays, Howard can be
found at the Food Shelf at the
Fallbrook Senior Center. His attention
to detail and following regulations
have been greatly appreciated. His
responsibilities include signing
people in and collecting their minimal
monetary fees.
On Fridays, Howard goes to the
Fallbrook Adult Day Care Center,
where he enjoys a day of fun
activities. “They entertain him and
he entertains them,” said Ellanor,
smiling.
Howard also loves to play checkers
at the Adult Care Center. “I made
them a checkerboard,” he said.
Religion and optimism have
helped Howard through each barrier
to recovery. He remains astounded
by all the wonderful work doctors
have done throughout his procedures
and treatments.
As he simply states, “It’s amazing
I’m alive.
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