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.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Daniel's new apartment (May 6, 2011)

On May 6th Daniel began a huge step towards independence and to a "normal" life.  He was handed his keys to his first apartment. 
Daniel receiving keys from Cpt. Fred Gorris (USN. ret), head of VHI

It is in a wonderful apartment complex in the Rancho San Diego area (near El Cajon, CA).  It has many services, stores, and a Starbucks within wheelchair distance and is only a 20-25 minute drive from the hospital.  Through some generous people and Veterans Housing Initiative (VHI) he was given the opportunity to get a one-bedroom apartment and a hugely reduced rate.   VHI also completely furnished it and made sure he had all the supplies the needed - especially in the kitchen where Daniel loves to spend time cooking.
"Hmmm... what to grand cuisine should I make first?
Miso-glazed sea bass and asparagus or ramen noodles?"

It affords him enough room to be on his own and be comfortable (and for dad to have a closet and a sleeper-sofa).  Daniel is very thankful to be out of the hospital barracks (where no one gets healthy again!).

Dad's closet (it took his inner "McGyver" to make it work)
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2 comments:

  1. Robert RileyMay 25, 2011 at 9:17 AM

    That's great to move another step forward. You keep me going each day. You are both an inspiration. I will get me wheel chair in a couple of weeks and have been scared. It's too help me as I get tired quickly walking funny an meds. But I am excited to be able to move around further. It going to be orange. It's hard for sue to accept but good so we can go places. So know you are helping people and looked up upon as I do. Your future is endless with your health and wealth of support. Thank you all;)

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  2. Kate MorganFebruary 14, 2012 at 1:51 PM

    What's Daniel's specialty in cooking? Rancho San Diego has a lot of beautiful apartments. My cousin spent her Easter there. She showed me the pictures through email.

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