Richard Howell, known for his strength and determination, is a beloved community figure who carries an abundance of kindness and humor wherever he goes. As a strong Christian, his faith has guided him through all life’s challenges and tribulations. One fateful day, Richard suffered a left cerebrovascular accident (CVA), which left him with limited mobility on the right side of his body. When he arrived at our NeuroRestorative Tyler, TX, program, Richard could not walk and was in a wheelchair, with little function in his right arm.
The stroke’s impact on his life was overwhelming, but Richard’s spirit remained unbroken. Alongside the skilled therapists at NeuroRestorative, he found hope and guidance in his religion, which he credits as one of his greatest sources of strength during this difficult time. As weeks passed, Richard underwent therapy that focused on regaining his independence. Every session became a testament to his unwavering determination. With encouragement from his therapists and a supportive community, he began to explore new avenues of creativity, discovering that art could be a means of expression and healing.
While still in therapy, Richard asked his wife to gather some art supplies. Hesitant at first, he began using his left arm—the non-dominant one he hadn’t relied on before—for a newfound passion. It was through this exploration that Richard found joy in creating art. He started with acrylics, letting vibrant colors flow onto the canvas, and soon moved on to watercolor, learning to navigate his new reality one brush stroke at a time. Inspired by his own journey, Richard decided to share his passion with others.
Once he gained enough confidence, he began to facilitate art classes at NeuroRestorative, returning to the facility once a week. His warmth and uplifting demeanor created a welcoming environment for other individuals and team members. Richard’s classes became more than just sessions for painting; they evolved into safe spaces where individuals could communicate, share their stories, and express themselves creatively. They found solace in his presence and were inspired by his journey. Feedback came pouring in, with many people expressing how much they looked forward to Richard’s sessions. They shared how his testimony of resilience and faith empowered them to confront their own struggles.
Richard’s laughter and kindness resonated deeply, reminding them that there is light even in the darkest of times. Through art, Richard not only healed himself but also became a beacon of hope for others and created a positive culture at the program. His story became a powerful narrative of transformation and discovering one’s purpose in the face of adversity. Richard taught more than just art; he taught the healing power of creativity, faith, and community. And so, week after week, Richard continued to inspire those around him, proving that with determination and support, even the most daunting challenges can lead to beautiful new beginnings.
We consider ourselves fortunate to have helped Richard on his recovery journey, and he continues to return to our program to support others through art.
