Excellent news to report tonight: The entire Rice family is going to be able to make it to Ryan's graduation from Marine basic training at Parris Island. Aaron and Kelly found out today that the Marines are going to help them out with tickets costs through a program that allows people to donate their frequent flier miles to a fund for injured soldiers and their families who often have unexpected and expensive travel needs. Tomorrow I am going to find out the name of the program and put up a link to it here. I was able to get a ticket on Southwest Airlines thanks to David and Cheryl Smith, friends of ours from Providence Presbyterian Church here in Albuquerque who were generous enough to offer me a Rapid Rewards ticket they had earned on the airline. Obviously, if they need anything written or if their computer breaks, we are eternally at their service. (Writing and fixing computers kind of encompasses all of mine and Dan's useful skills.)I also need to thank my in-laws, Lorrae and Arthur Wachdorf, and my aunt and uncle, Emily and Gil Sikora. Both of those couples also offered help in the form of frequent flier miles or rewards tickets. As it turned out, Southwest was my best option in terms of flight availability and schedule, but I'm so thankful to have had options, and so thankful to be able to go. I'm actually going to fly to Jackson and drive with the family to South Carolina, which sounds like an adventure in and of itself. We are all just ecstatic that we will be able to be there for Ryan on this occasion and see each other. I feel really bad for whatever unfortunate sane family gets stuck in a hotel room next to the ones we have reserved in SC. Good luck keeping us quiet!
Just wanted to share the fantastic news.
More tomorrow.
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Comments (11)
Yeah for the great way things are falling in place. I have FF miles I probably will never use, as do others. PLEASE let us know what we can do with them!!
Joyce Deer
Posted by Joyce Deer | March 31, 2005 9:18 PM
Posted on March 31, 2005 21:18
Haley! I'm so excited that the whole Rice family will be together in less than a week... We didn't expect that to happen till Christmas of 2005. Though I agree that it would be courteous to inform the general public as to what hotel we're staying in. Or at least which floor to avoid. Love you!
Posted by Hannah | March 31, 2005 9:56 PM
Posted on March 31, 2005 21:56
What does Semper Fi mean?
Posted by Shelley | March 31, 2005 10:05 PM
Posted on March 31, 2005 22:05
I am so excited for ya'll to get to be together! Wow ~ to be a "fly on the wall" in those rooms haha
Posted by Adrian | March 31, 2005 10:35 PM
Posted on March 31, 2005 22:35
Hi Aaron, Kelly, Deb, & all the other Rice's who may be in Maryland,
I thank God you have come through this combat injury so well. Reading Haley's blog for the past ten days or so has once again convinced me how important the attitude of the injured is to their recovery. And what a magnificent attitude you have! Still, I know this has been a horrendous experience for you and especially for those who love you and care about you. That club seems to be growing exponentially as of late.
Remember Devils Den.
Love, Uncle Mike
Posted by Michael Lowry | April 1, 2005 12:23 AM
Posted on April 1, 2005 00:23
I'm so glad that all of you will get to be together with Ryan. Give everyone hugs for me.
Posted by Aunt Emily | April 1, 2005 6:02 AM
Posted on April 1, 2005 06:02
Semper Fi means Always Faithful. It is short for Semper Fidelis. It is the Marine Corps motto. It is on the ribbin in the mouth of the Eagle on the Marine Corps emblem. Below is a link to a site that will give a little more info if you want it as well as the ability to look around at some other Marine Corps history. I just read the Marine Corps Hymn again. I am always amazed at how emotional it is. I always smile when I read the last line.
http://www.usmcpress.com/heritage/marine_corps_motto.htm
My name is Matt Johnson and I was in the Marine Corps and have been following this story since my daughters kindergarden teacher, Mrs. Prine, at PCS, told them about Aaron and sent him a card.
Have a great day.
Semper Fi
Matt Johnson
Sgt. USMC
Posted by Matt Johnson | April 1, 2005 6:12 AM
Posted on April 1, 2005 06:12
Hi Aaron,Kelly,and all the Rices!
Much love from the Sherling family--- we have all been praying, and will continue to do so.
I wish I could go with y'all to Parris Island! We'll pray that you have a safe trip.
Amzi and Fam
Posted by Amzi Sherling | April 1, 2005 8:20 AM
Posted on April 1, 2005 08:20
It is so heartwarming to read your updates. Aaron's faith is amazing (as is the entire Rice family's) and God has great plans in store for him. May God continue to bless each of you.
Posted by Rita Middleton | April 1, 2005 10:20 AM
Posted on April 1, 2005 10:20
Hey, haley and the rices--
I don't know if we know each other--we definitely know lots of the same people, and I'm pretty sure I've been at RYM with Kelly and Aaron for years and you all looked familiar in the picture...I didn't realize that Kelly and Aaron Rice were the people in the picture when I heard about it at RUF, but then I saw the picture and said, "Oh. I know them."
but, just like carrie jussely, I was definitely crying in the computer lab. thank you for such a vibrant (and funny) testimony to God's faithfulness.
God help Parris Island, and I hope Aaron's recovery continues to progress.
Posted by emily jane chapman | April 1, 2005 11:36 AM
Posted on April 1, 2005 11:36
Aaron, I am trying to reach you and Kelly.
After you visited my store at White Flint I changed jobs....wanted to take you two out for dinner....now I would just like to talk to you both and see how you are doing....
Call me..you have my number at home.
Susan
Posted by susan warren | December 25, 2005 5:36 PM
Posted on December 25, 2005 17:36