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.

Monday, December 20, 2010

Next stop, the U S of A

We just finished calling over to Landstuhl hospital to find out how Daniel was doing. After finally getting to the ICU we asked about Daniel's condition. The nurse's response, "He's right here, would you like to talk to him?". Even in the surprise and excitement I did have some snappy comebacks for the nurse, but decided to just say "yes" - politely. Though still a little groggy from post-surgery medications, he sounded well, alert, and was still concerned about not worrying us! He asked about his marine buddies and that they are aware of his situation, he asked about us meeting him, and he asked us to bring him some beverages. Tired of hospital food already?!?

He is scheduled to arrive at Andrews Airforce Base (Washington, DC) tomorrow about 5:00pm, then to Bethesda Naval Hospital. We are in frantic "get-ready" mode and waiting for travel orders and arrangements to be made. Good news! God is good.


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10 comments:

  1. Robert RileyDecember 20, 2010 at 1:30 PM

    And it is a merry Xmas for all;) enjoy each other and we love you all. It's great you can see him so soon.

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  2. C. Neil RileyDecember 20, 2010 at 3:10 PM

    Ughhhh, more waiting. No news on travel plans until tomorrow morning some time, hopefully, maybe, sir.

    The organizational abilities and administration in the Marine Corps = slow, cumbersome, slow, rigid, convoluted, slow, and frustrating. Oh ya, did i say .... slow.

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  3. AnonymousDecember 20, 2010 at 5:24 PM

    Sorry to hear that the travel plans are not finalized. I know you all are so grateful he will be back in the US, and that he is stable enough to be transported so far! Daniel and you all are in my prayers and thought night and day. When you see him please tell him thank you from my family and tons of my friends. I have tons of friends praying for him and y'all! God bless y'all!

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  4. AnonymousDecember 20, 2010 at 7:09 PM

    What r his injuries.

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  5. C. Neil RileyDecember 20, 2010 at 7:42 PM

    Re: injuries. While we are pretty sure we have a handle on all of his injuries, before we share the details, we are waiting for (1) to see him and actually talk to doctors, and (2) be sure we only share that which we have discussed and cleared with Daniel. Thanks for asking.

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  6. CaraDecember 20, 2010 at 7:43 PM

    so glad you'll be together for Christmas! Please give him my thanks for his service and let him know we're all praying for his continued healing! Merry Christmas!

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  7. AnonymousDecember 20, 2010 at 8:33 PM

    I totally understand, and respect the family's wishes and may god bless him, and watch over him in his time of need.

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  8. AnonymousDecember 20, 2010 at 9:53 PM

    So glad to hear he will be back soon...
    Have a awesome time together... what a gift... love you all...
    Still praying.
    Paulette

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  9. CarmenDecember 20, 2010 at 10:56 PM

    We've been praying for him here in Victoria. I've been following all the news as closely as possible. Sending so much love your way over Christmas.

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  10. Chuck TateDecember 21, 2010 at 6:40 AM

    May God's power and grace be with you and your family. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

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