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.

Thursday, March 17, 2011

March 16, 2011 - Three Month Mark

December 16, 2011 to March 16, 2011 - Daniel has got to the three-month mark from his injuries!

It has been three months now and we are so very proud of all that he has accomplished since that day in December. He has recovered faster than medical personnel, family, or friends had even hoped.  He is a determined young man with a big heart, keen mind, and deep spirit.  These have helped greatly in his healing.   We are grateful to the Lord, our family, friends, and the now greatly increased support network around us.

Way to go, Daniel!

Mum and Dad

Here he is on on his three-month "anniversary" taking a little walk around the neighbourhood with his brother, Tristan, and sister, Elizabeth.


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6 comments:

  1. Benjer McVeighMarch 17, 2011 at 8:22 AM

    Daniel, you are amazing, and I so wish we were in Colorado for your visit! We continue to pray for you and are so proud...enjoy Colorado!

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  2. TaraMarch 17, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    So great...loving watching Daniel do so amazingly in his healing. What an encouraging journey to watch. Thank you for letting us share in it through this blog. Still praying for you all.

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  3. MichMarch 17, 2011 at 10:37 AM

    Neil: You have such a sense of humour. I hope that Daniel shares it. Daniel - you are an inspiration of every young man that has suffered such devastating loss. Check our Kevin Malarkey's story about his son - who ended up a quad in a tragic car accident. At age 6 the son saw angels lift his dad out of the car and went to heaven whilst unconscious. Speaking of his paralysis - he says - it's only for a short time and then I get to be with God. "Daddy - I hope you're not upset", he told his Dad - "but - I wanted to stay in Heaven with Jesus." He's
    accepted his fate with amazing stoicism. You too Daniel are amazing. With continued prayers and love, Michele Fraser

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  4. C. Neil RileyMarch 17, 2011 at 2:46 PM

    @ Michele - "Yes"!! Daniel shares the same lame and odd sense of humour (for good or bad).

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  5. PaulaMarch 21, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    I'm here on the other side of town cheering for you, Daniel!

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  6. Cindy BukachMarch 21, 2011 at 6:18 PM

    Makes me want to dance. Hope you'll join me when we see each other next!

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