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, January 24, 2011

Heading West



Hello everybody, Daniel here again. The last couple of days have been better and I certainly more mobile, see picture. I have more freedom around the hoispital, unfortunately it extends only within the bounds of the hospital. But, I still managed to get outside and bear the DC cold and roam around. I am also excited to be unplugged from all my IV's.

This week will mark a change in my treatment - I'll be heading to sunny and warm San Diego. I'll be at my rehab learing how to walk, run, jump, and climb again. I will be travelling via a military med-evac - still don't know which day, but probably within the next seven days - i don't know when (typical Marine Corps). My dad will be flying with me and staying in San Diego as well. San Diego will be my new home for maybe a year and a half or so. I'll first be in a hospital bed and then hopefully soon i'll be out of the hoispital and have much more freedom.

Thanks for the continuing support. As I will be moving soon do not send any more mail to Bethesda. For now you can contact me by email (danielcwriley@gmail.com ).

I am happy to move on and i'll update you more when i am on the otherside.

Daniel
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14 comments:

  1. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2011 at 7:58 AM

    Wow Daniel!! So happy for you, Looking forward to more posts when you are settled in. Our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you and your family.
    Love and blessings,
    Ken and Joan

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  2. UnknownJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:10 AM

    YAY!!! I'm so happy for you Daniel. I'm looking forward to maybe coming out mid march over my spring break to visit you! Love You and hope to see you soon!

    Elizabeth

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  3. Alex and EmilyJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Wonderful news! Safe travels!

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  4. UnknownJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:13 AM

    I am absolutely thrilled with the latest news. This is great~! Safe journeys

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  5. AnonymousJanuary 24, 2011 at 11:34 AM

    It must feel good to be out of that bed. And a relief to have a decision regarding the next faze made. Again thanks for keeping us all in the loop.

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  6. Quincy the DogJanuary 24, 2011 at 12:38 PM

    Daniel Riley- you just made it through the first step in your rehab, what are you going to do next?
    YOU'RE GOING TO DISNEYLAND!

    :) Love you

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  7. Soo HooJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:28 PM

    Danny! I'll follow up on this site and pay you a visit when you come down here.

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  8. UnknownJanuary 24, 2011 at 6:58 PM

    Good for you Daniel!!! Maybe we can swing a trip out there since I have all my family there! I need to get out there anyway - it's been FAR too long since I've been on the Cali beaches!

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  9. Robert RileyJanuary 24, 2011 at 9:47 PM

    That's fantastics you have what seems so soon gotten mobile and moved forward. It sounds like a long time ahead but my rehab has been going for 3.5 years. Enjoy the journey. Our thought are with you.

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  10. AnonymousJanuary 25, 2011 at 11:04 AM

    Good for you Daniel. That California sun is going to feel awesome. You are making great strides and I applaud you,
    Diane Grisdale

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  11. Kohlton FryJanuary 25, 2011 at 8:11 PM

    Awesome news Daniel! I love it when you write the updates (no offense, Neil). We continue to pray for you daily!

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  12. AnonymousJanuary 28, 2011 at 3:10 PM

    DANIEL! This is fantastic! I'm so glad to read that you are moving forward! You are in my prayers as your recovery continues! If you need a friendly face in San Diego, let me know and I'll pop by! :)

    Mary O

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  13. AnonymousJanuary 29, 2011 at 10:36 PM

    Hi Daniel
    Wonderful news that the decision has been made...and you will love San Diago..it is a lovely city..and with the Calidornia sun on your face...well that is part of the healing too! Our thoughts and prayers continue as you enter this next phase...You have progressed so quickly...you are amazing! Never far from out thoughts...hi to all the Riley's
    love Lynn and Rick

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  14. Bob StewartJanuary 30, 2011 at 3:36 PM

    Daniel you and your Dad our in our prayers that the travel will not be delayed and that you will safely arrive in San Diego

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