Welcome

The family and friends of Cpl. Daniel C. W. Riley, USMC, welcome you to join in as we celebrate and support the life of an incredible young man, friend, son, and brother. It is with great love and with many prayers we know that Daniel will move on to great and wonderful things. God has big plans for him! Daniel was born in Victoria, BC, Canada. In 1999 his family (Dad, Mum, brothers Tristan and Aaron, & sister Elizabeth, & cat) moved to Denver, Colorado, where his dad began working for the Episcopal Church in Colorado overseeing work with children, youth, and young adults. Daniel started high school in 1999 at Columbine High School. After three years at CHS he finished his high school at Brentwood College in Canada in 2004. After which he did some college and worked in the US and Canada. Daniel enlisted (still a Canadian citizen) in US Marine Corps in 2008 to serve his new country and to help pay for a future college education. On July 4, 2009 Daniel swore in as a US citizen before the Vice-President in Sadam Hussein's old palace in Bagdad, Iraq. In September 2010 he was sent as a combat replacement for the 2/6 Marines in Marjah, Afghanistan. On December 16, 2010, Daniel was severely wounded by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED). He primarily suffered severe wounds to his legs, left arm, and left lung. There were many times he was close to not making it. He has since had both legs amputated above the knee and three fingers amputated on his left hand. His lung and other injuries are healing well. Before this event and for many years to come, we know Daniel to be a loving, caring, intellegent, humourous, giving, adventurous, and deep thinking person. Keep praying! And use this blog to share your thoughts and encouragement.

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Complications

Due to some medical complications and some further surgery Daniel was unable to be placed on the med-evac flight today. He has therefore been delayed until at least Friday. We got the news while in flight to Maryland. We are here and will anxiously await his arrival. Thanks for the prayers and support. This change has hit us kinda hard - we were really planning in our hearts to see him today. I trust God's timing will prevail and His grace will cover us in the meantime. Just really hard on a mother awaiting her hurt "little boy", and father awaiting his "little soldier", and siblings awaiting their "big brother".
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13 comments:

  1. Kohlton FryDecember 22, 2010 at 1:56 PM

    I'm so sorry for the delay. We will continue to pray for your family to be complete by Christmas.

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  2. ColinDecember 22, 2010 at 3:24 PM

    I can't fathom the delay, Neil & Julia, but my sense is you both are to keep your spiritual eyes open and I get a gut feeling there may be something you are to do to "prepare" while waiting. I can't tell if the preparation is for you or for Daniel. Check in with the Lord and see if you have a sense around this. Your brother, Colin

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  3. Heather.CampbellDecember 22, 2010 at 3:29 PM

    I can only imagine how hard it must be to have to continue to wait to see Daniel. As a parent, I know I'd just want to be able to wrap my arms around my boy and hold him tight. I will continue to pray for you all. Right now I will especially pray for God's peace as you wait. And I will also pray for safety, healing, and protection for Daniel. Lots of love to you all.

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  4. barbDecember 22, 2010 at 3:38 PM

    Sorry for the setback. God's timing is perfect, even if we don't understand it. Will keep you in prayer, as we have from the start of this ordeal. If you want to fellowship with other believers, let us know.

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  5. MicheleDecember 22, 2010 at 3:50 PM

    Neil - we all feel your pain. Thanks for keeping us posted. Michele

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  6. CaraDecember 22, 2010 at 4:03 PM

    Neil - thanks for your continued updates. Agonizing with you over the delay. Praying for safe travels for everyone. Just think, you'll have time to take in the sights and sounds of Maryland at Christmas! (whatever that might look like?!?) Praying for joy in the midst of angst, abundant blessings in the midst of changed plans and general sanity for all!

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  7. UnknownDecember 22, 2010 at 4:08 PM

    Continued prayers from our house..

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  8. AnonymousDecember 22, 2010 at 5:12 PM

    So sorry.....
    Paulette & Rob
    Crystal & Mike

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  9. NancyDecember 22, 2010 at 6:06 PM

    I'm thankful you arrived safely and I continue to pray for all of you as you await Daniel's arrival. God has a plan and He is holding you in His loving grip. Thank you for the updates.

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  10. julietteDecember 22, 2010 at 8:33 PM

    Thanks for the updates Neil (I just figured out how to find them on the blog!) We are continuing to hold you up in prayer - that he gets here soon. In Afrikaans I would say "vasbyt" which loosely translated means "Hold on tight" - we are holding on with you

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  11. dseilsDecember 23, 2010 at 11:11 AM

    The Seils' and Startzels gathered in Texas for Christmas in Texas continue to hold all of you in prayer, expecting blessings in the midst of this.Thank you for the continuing updates. We love you.

    Don and Allison
    Ned and Elsie

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  12. Tom DanitschekDecember 23, 2010 at 1:08 PM

    Praying continually for Daniel and all of you... Tom

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  13. Ephraim RAdnerDecember 23, 2010 at 1:39 PM

    Lots of love and prayers from us going your way, Daniel and family.

    Ephraim and Annette

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