On December 16, 2010 at 8:30am I got "the call" - the call a parent of a soldier dreads to get - informing me that my son, Daniel, had been seriously injured while serving in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. I will never ever forget that call, or the hours, and days to follow. It was the worst moment of my life so far. But, God's grace was there, whether I felt it or not. And many of the "coincidences" that have followed have been evidence that the Lord Jesus is with us all, and Daniel! I know and trust, even though I don't always feel it, that God will walk through this with us all.
From my Facebook updates ...
after word had been given to family and close friends, and after word had spread ..... (December 16, 2010; 8:57pm) Please continue to pray for our son, Daniel. He was injured today by an IED while serving as a US Marine in Afghanistan. Last we heard he is in stable but serious condition. He has significant injuries to his legs, left hand/arm, and left lung. He is still in Afghanistan and will be moved to Germany when stable enough..., then to Bethesda, MD. We will update as we know more.
(December 16, 2010, 10:39pm) Daniel update .... from chaplain source in Bagram, Afghanistan, who is on the look out for him.... Daniel stable enough to be moved to Bagram airforce base hospital in Afghanistan. Scheduled on first flight in the morning.
after another call from a chaplain, Maj. Sarah Shirley, USAF, who was with Daniel while in Bagram Air Field Hospital ..... (December 17, 2010, 10:43am) just found out that Daniel is presently in flight to Bagram Airforce Base. We have a connection with chaplain there who is looking out for him and is going to get specific messages to him and will give him a cell phone to call as soon as he is able to talk.
(December 17, 2010, 3:05pm) Just got off the phone with the chaplain, Sarah, in Bagram. She met Daniel as he arrived, and before he went in for more surgery she annointed him, prayed for him, whispered all our love to him, and kissed him on the forehead on our behalf. She will call me when he is out of surgery.
(December 17, 2010, 7:31pm) Daniel out of surgery, things went well, doing okay.
(December 18, 2010, 7:50am) from chaplain at Daniel's bedside in Bagram ... "Daniel is resting now, and doing as well as can be expected".
(December 18, 2010, 3:00pm) Chaplain in Bagram just told us Daniel is doing well and is stable. He is alert and has been getting messages from us and he recognises and remembers the messages. We were able to get a picture of all us gathered to him and a special picture from his brothers (that he "smiled" at and gave a thumbs up). Perhaps more surgery. At least 24 hours before being moved to Landstuhl, Germany.
Thank you Neil for this. Daniel has great parents and you have a son to be proud of. lots of love for all of you now and always.
ReplyDeleteYou are not alone in this - we are with you every moment. There are so many prayers surrounding Daniel and your family. I know that God will send his servants to minister to Daniel, and that He will give Daniel the strength to endure, and overcome.
ReplyDeleteDaniel is a wonderful, charming, intelligent, kind and brave son. We appreciate the sacrifice you have made, and we want you to know that we love you and pray that you will be able to come home to your family soon.
Hi. My son Cpl Fritz is a friend of Daniel's. we live in MD less than an hour from Bethesda. when Daniel gets here, if you need ANYTHING, please please feel free to call upon us. If you need a warm bed or a hot meal, know you're not alone. May our LORD Jesus comfort you at this difficult time. We are praying for you.
ReplyDeleteDear Neil and Julia, Just wanted you to know that we and our church family are also holding Daniel and all your family up in prayer. We are so thankful to hear that he is now in Germany and that the surgeries have been successful. As already been said, Daniel is a wonderful young man and comes from a family that has faithfully loved and served the Lord, He surely must have a special mission for Daniel and we are sure that he will rise to whatever God has planned for him. Will continue to be in prayer for you all, and thanks so much for sharing on this site.
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings, Ken and Joan W.
Hey Daniel, I'm rejoicing with all your supporters, that you'll be at Andrews tommorrow! God must be listening to all the prayers. Will continue to pray, especially for safe travel. Thanks for this site. BTY this is the first time I've put a comment on a blog and only the 2nd blog I've seen. You R truly inspiring!
ReplyDeleteNeil and Julia so glad you will be with Daniel and know you all will continue to be surrounded
by prayers.
Stick with Jesus He is the great physician!
Ann Smith-Rudnick
Great news Neil! Our prayers will be with you for safety in traveling for both Daniel and your family. So happy to hear that you will soon be together, God is so good!
ReplyDeleteLove and blessings,
Ken and Joan
To Daniel's family - I'm so sorry that you had to receive that call. From Feb 09 to Feb 10 my husband was deployed in Afghanistan with the Army as a combat engineer looking for IEDs - I completely understand the fear of deployments.
ReplyDeleteDaniel and I were in debate at CHS and I actually came to kidnap him that very early morning. :) He also was a comfort to speak with while my husband was deployed and I hated that he had to go over again.
Thank you for keeping this blog and Daniel and your family are constantly in my thoughts.
Hello Neil and Julia,
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear this news, but am thankful for his service. I am also thankful or the Internet and your willingness to share this information with us. Jami Amo facebooked several of us with the news earlier today.
I was very fortunate to work with Daniel at Columbine as his debate coach. I remember him as a wonderful and kind young man with a great sense of humor and compassion! It sounds like those qualities have only grown in recent years.
My thoughts and prayers are with Daniel and your family.
Much love and compassion,
Marti Benham