David Joel Candelaria's Obituary
David was my younger Brother. He grew up without his Mother, starting at the age of two. My parents were only married for six years. It was during those years that they had three children, myself, my sister and my Brother. If you can imagine what it is like to be without a mother at such a young age, you must surely understand the disadvantage he started out with. Just two days shy of losing our precious Father, David was hit by an automobile, while riding his bicycle. He endured severe head injuries and a multitude of body injuries that included nerve damage to his left eye and a mangled left foot. I welcomed the chance to have him stay with my Husband and I, when finally after six months of hospitalization, David was released into the world again, a very different person, with a severe cognitive disability. He had been in ICU and on a ventilator for two and half months! At first he couldn’t speak or walk. My husband and I took him out on daily walks, knowing that he needed to make that body/mind connection. And very gradually, this proved to be very crucial in his recovery. My Brother was so determined to regain his functions, that he would refuse all help, when he would fall on the cold cement, due to his left food being compromised by the accident. People would volunteer to help him, to call the ambulance, to pick him up, but he profusely refused any help. He didn’t want pity. Sometimes it took up to twenty minutes for him to get up again. I was his care taker for six years, and I must admit that I became emotionally dependent on him, more than he did me. I learned so much from his strength. He never complained about his predicament, but always tried his best to forge forward. Then in October 2011, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. This broke my heart, after all the work he had done to accomplish his on going recovery, and now this, the diagnosis of an incurable cancer. He didn’t give in to self pity, but instead fought this horrible cancer as best as he could. I miss him so much and respect his ability to show his love to those around him, even in the most dire of circumstances. He is greatly missed by our family. He gave more than he received and changed my perspective on life and enduring courage.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
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Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?