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.

Friday, December 24, 2010

Delayed

We have talked to Daniel a couple times. While he sounds better and we have had some good conversations, he continues to have some medical issues and therefore will not be getting out of Germany today. We have no idea when he will be getting to the USA. So looks like Christmas apart. We are really sad as we rattle around the hotel and Bethesda area. Thankful that our friends, the Bukach family, have come up from Richmond, VA, to be here with us.

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9 comments:

  1. joyfulclineDecember 24, 2010 at 7:15 AM

    dear neil julia and family, so sad to hear that you will not be together with daniel for christmas.glad you have been able to talk with him and know it will be christmas for you when you can be together with him. so thankful for your friends that can come and be with you as you wait. we are continuing to hold you all in our prayers.love and hugs to you all. the cline family

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  2. ColinDecember 24, 2010 at 7:46 AM

    May the Lord's very presence be with you.

    Just a suggestion, would you consider meeting with one of the military chaplains to get some coaching about how to interact with Daniel when he does arrive?

    Grace and peace, Colin

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  3. C. Neil RileyDecember 24, 2010 at 8:21 AM

    Colin, thanks, we have been assigned a Recovery person to work with us. Also hoping to connect with a chaplain.

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  4. Quincy the DogDecember 24, 2010 at 8:37 AM

    Is there anyway we can send mail to Germany or to MD to be waiting? I'm so sorry about Christmas. Let us know if you all need anything as well. Dan and my cat Grover are good buddies, wish I could send him! He's very good at making everyone feel better!

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  5. MMKDecember 24, 2010 at 10:00 AM

    You are very much in my prayers and our prayers, Neil and Julia and everyone. May the Lord continue to sustain you through this night of waiting.

    Mary Kate

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  6. AnonymousDecember 24, 2010 at 1:10 PM

    Very sorry to hear that Daniel is still in Germany, but if he is getting good medical care, that is what is important. Christmas is just a day assigned to celebrate Jesus' birth, so maybe just pick another one this year? Thinking of all of you at this time.

    Thank you for setting up the blog and keeping communication open for us to follow along with you on this journey.

    Love and hugs from the Macauleys

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  7. AnonymousDecember 24, 2010 at 1:27 PM

    Still praying for you all! I'm thinking of you constantly and hope that you all will be together soon!
    -Emily Moore

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  8. Winnie HamiltonDecember 24, 2010 at 3:27 PM

    Neil and Family we are thinking of you and sending our warm wishes your way, in hopes you can try to enjoy the season. Hopefully Daniel will soon be back state side. Take Care and be strong.
    Love Aunt Win and family

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  9. AnonymousDecember 25, 2010 at 12:25 AM

    Merry Christmas Rileys. You have been in my thoughts and prayers constantly this week and we will continue to be.... I pray that God will continue to hold you in His tender embrace and you will know His presence carrying you through the inevitable ups and downs that lie ahead for all of you. Hope you are all together again very soon. Love always Tish Wayne Grant Chloe and Myles

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