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, January 7, 2011

Worst day for pain so far!

Today was a really rough day. Daniel said that it was the worst day for pain since getting back to the US. The pain is primarily Phantom Limb Pain. He was already tired and then he had to muster all remaining energy to manage the pain. This is difficult and tricky pain to manage; medically and mentally. They are doing their best and seem to have it basically under control this evening. He is finally getting some well deserved and needed sleep.

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4 comments:

  1. PaulaJanuary 7, 2011 at 6:09 PM

    Please let Daniel know that he is still in my thoughts and prayers. I cannot begin to imagine how hard all this is, but I have faith that he'll get through these worst days and find better ones.

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  2. Sarah McAfeeJanuary 7, 2011 at 6:16 PM

    I know that it sounds completely hippy-dippy-trippy-hookie and strange, but massage of the area of space where the limb would be actually really helps. Visualize where his feet would be and rub "them". For his hand, massage the right hand, and the brain will put the pain relief on both sides.

    Daniel continues to be in our prayers. His endurance is an example to us all.

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  3. C. Neil RileyJanuary 7, 2011 at 8:10 PM

    Sarah, not that weird - been doing that for days. :-). Not weird for him anyways, kinda strange for me. He even corrects me if I'm massaging it in the wrong place on his "foot" or if I'm missing his "foot" completely. thanks

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  4. Sarah McAfeeJanuary 14, 2011 at 11:08 AM

    PS, I would be happy to offer my slightly dusty massage expertise for Daniel when he returns to this area.

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