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.

Sunday, December 26, 2010

Resting in ICU - a good day.

Daniel is resting well in ICU. Pain is being managed well and he is stable. We have been able to visit him a few times. He has also had visits from his godparents, Ludvik and Cindy Bukach, and their daughter, Tania. We were also told that he was visited by the Assistant Commandant of the Marine Corps, General (4-star) Dunford.  Also a visit from Bishop James Magness. Of course, in true Daniel style, he worked hard to try and comfort us!

Last night we were telling him that lots of people were praying for him. We indicated that "his parish" - the Episcopal Church of the Transfiguration, Vail, was especially praying and concerned for him. He then got all excited and shared how he kept a small knitted "prayer shawl" in his sleeve every single day. He wanted to make sure we passed on a thank you to the lady who made it for him. He also said that his whole unit had the ones made for them as well. It was very special to him. Earlier we had been given his "personal effects" that included a boot, his watch, a dog tag, and the prayer shawl! It is now on his wall to be able to look at and remind him of God's presence and the prayers of the Body of Christ.


pictured: the small prayer shawl.

Today was a good day.  We had plenty of time with him and he was very "chatty".  We smiled, laughed, made jokes, prayed, and had some very real conversations about his situation.  He wanted his family close and enjoyed the company and to hear and tell stories.  I enjoyed a few hours with him.  It was very special to me.  He is a great young man, I am very proud of him.  It will be a long journey, but one we take with each other, our support communities, and the Lord.

At the same time we are all VERY tired and trying to avoid being grumpy with each other.  Not always easy.

- Dad    =)
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11 comments:

  1. AnonymousDecember 26, 2010 at 7:56 PM

    Daniel,
    Great to have you "home" Merry Christmas!
    Without Jesus choosing to be "God with us" life indeed would be too hard. Instead all things work for good for those who love the LORD.(God does HOWEVER, expect you to hand over to Him those "things")
    May the LORD continue to bless you with healing,
    Ann Rudnick
    Holy Apostles, CHS

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  2. CaraDecember 26, 2010 at 8:33 PM

    Thank you Lord, for these precious gifts - a life spared, your Body in action, and a brave young man. The future is uncertain other than that God will use these injuries and circumstances to forward His Kingdom.

    Thank you Daniel for your service and your faithfulness.

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  3. ColinDecember 27, 2010 at 6:10 AM

    Thanks for the update, Neil. Glad you are all together and beginning the steps toward recovery. Is there a way that Daniel can do his rehab in Denver at VA or better yet at Craig? I am just putting this into your thought process in case there is a procedure that you might get started. Perhaps it would be better to rehab in Maryland/DC, but I would think having lots of family and friends around would be a good thing.

    I know it is early in the process, but I know that the military is sometimes slow about these things. For now, enjoy your precious time with Daniel and the heart connections that are forming.

    Your brother in Christ,Colin

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  4. Dana MaxDecember 27, 2010 at 6:20 AM

    So glad to hear the wonderous news of healing, connection, and love! May all these gifts of God continue to grow within you all! We're still praying.

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  5. Erin FlynnDecember 27, 2010 at 7:09 AM

    Dear Dan (CTOP),

    I just wanted you to know that I am thinking about you and praying for you every day. You always were our "tower of power" and I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen you every day.

    Love,
    Erin Flynn (Hernandez)

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  6. C. Neil RileyDecember 27, 2010 at 7:48 AM

    @ Colin. Thanks for the care, prayers, and ideas. We have done some initial investigation into the option of the VA in Denver. That is not presently an option (or any time soon). Daniel will need some specialized rehab that is not available at VA Denver or not available to the extent that he will need. He will likely need to be at one or two other facilities between Bethesda Naval Hospital and any possible stay at VA Denver. At that is many many months down the road.

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  7. C. Neil RileyDecember 27, 2010 at 7:52 AM

    Dear family and friends of Daniel,

    Daniel and I have talked and we are preparing a brief statement regarding the extent and nature of his wounds. We will likely have it ready to post tonight.

    Neil (Dad)

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  8. PaulaDecember 27, 2010 at 8:29 AM

    Please let Dan know he is in the thoughts and prayers of many of his old high school speech teammates and both of his former coaches.

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  9. joyfulclineDecember 27, 2010 at 9:20 AM

    dear daniel and fam, so thankful for your christmas together what a wonderful answer to prayer. shared your story with our church family sunday morning. we will continue to lift you in prayer on your journey of healing in the days, weeks and months to come.we love you all.the clines p.s. dan do you remember the christmas you and i went shopping together to get some of your familys' gifts???love joy

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  10. Brock clayardsDecember 27, 2010 at 2:12 PM

    Daniel,

    We are thinking of you and have advised our church who are also holding you in prayer. Rest in God's arms.

    ReplyDelete
  11. juliette EberhardDecember 27, 2010 at 5:31 PM

    So glad you are all together. We had an Open House on Boxing Day and Clayards and Candy's were here - fond memories and talk of PACS and Port Alberni and you guys!! Love to you all

    juliette

    ReplyDelete

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