Painting Brings Joy to Warrior

Painting Brings Joy to Severely Injured Warrior and His Wife

By Rachel Bolles

Life can change in an instant, taking away the independence we’ve become accustomed to. Fernando Martinez spent more than 15 years defending our nation’s freedoms in the Marine Corps Reserve until a wreck took away his personal independence.

The driver fell asleep, and Fernando sustained two traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in the crash. He lost his ability to speak, so now he communicates with facial expressions, hand-waving, eye-rolling, and grunting. He also points to phrases, such as “I love you,” “yes,” and “no,” or letters to spell out words.

“He can say certain small words with prompting, as I believe he forgets he has the ability to speak,” said Suzanne, Fernando’s wife.

Fernando is also wheelchair-bound, which limits his and Suzanne’s chances to travel and do usual errands. “Our lives have to be planned accordingly these days,” Suzanne said. “We miss out on a lot of functions that don’t involve people with injuries. Shopping and eating out are the highlights of the week for the two of us together.”

Fernando and Suzanne initially faced this new reality with nursing help from VA. Suzanne managed all his therapy.

“He will never be the person I married, but there is always room for improvement, no matter how small,” she said.

“Art has allowed him to speak and express himself without words.”

- Suzanne Martinez

Reconnecting to Art

Ten years after Fernando’s injuries, they signed up with Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). Suzanne was relieved for the help and new opportunities for Fernando.

“I felt like someone cared for the caregiver,” Suzanne said. “We need to feel like ourselves again, instead of a robot that has been shut off from the world.”

WWP’s Independence Program helps caregivers and the most seriously injured warriors live as independently as possible. It helps with creating individual goals and plans to exceed them.

This program reintroduced Fernando to a hobby: art therapy. For the past six years, it’s been an opportunity for him to reconnect with his creative side and others who have the same interests.

“They feed off each other’s creativity,” Suzanne said. She finds it inspiring to see how others are using their creativity and vice versa.

“It’s an hour of pure joy,” Suzanne explained about Fernando’s weekly sessions with his art therapist. “He’s always been artistic by nature. Art has allowed him to speak and express himself without words.”

The art therapy sessions are opportunities for Fernando to exercise his brain by working on timing, short-term memory, and decision-making. Physically, the therapy helps him with range of motion, endurance, and motor skills.

Suzanne commented that Fernando has come a long way in the years he’s been painting. He has a lot of input in each painting, whether it’s based on a design in a sample book, an idea from Suzanne, or an abstract expression based on the brushes and colors Fernando chooses to represent his feelings. Most of his creations are inspired by things he sees around him. Fernando has added many custom projects throughout the house, including a mural in their daughter’s nursery when Suzanne was pregnant with their daughter. And they’ve also sent many paintings to friends and family. “We both find joy in sharing his paintings with people,” Suzanne said.

Fernando and Suzanne also find joy with each other. “We laugh a lot!” Suzanne said.

She noted it’s important for caregivers to take care of themselves, too. “Learn to say ‘no’ and not feel guilty,” she said. “You will lose friends and family in your journey, but you will gain more along the way. The ones who stay are the ones who understand and are true.”

And despite the joy they’ve both found on their journey, Suzanne recognizes it’s OK to have bad days too. “It’s not sunshine and roses every day,” she said. “Pajamas exist for a reason.”

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition.

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