Hi, y'all.
Not a lot to report this evening. It's been a busy day, and I haven't spoken with Aaron very much, but we have learned a bit more about what Aaron's situation will be when he is at Walter Reed. Once he is admitted there for prosthetic therapy, he and Kelly will stay in apartment-type housing near the hospital and he will just show up for his appointments. That is really nice for them, because they will be able to have a little more normal schedule and not be constantly talking to doctors and nurses. We love the doctors and the nurses, but I'm sure it would be nice for Aaron and Kelly not to live in a hospital room for the next month and a half.
Aaron also told me that the specialist he saw the other day to make sure that he isn't suffering any cognitive difficulties told him that to help him keep sharpening his responses, he should play video games. VIDEO GAMES. Being told by a doctor to play video games is, I'm pretty sure, every guy's dream. So Aaron is having his X-box from home sent to him, and he'll be playing Halo 2 for his health soon, just in case any of you were concerned that he might not be getting his couch potato time in. I think my husband, Dan, is already hatching a plan to bribe a doctor to prescribe X-box therapy for him.
In closing, I wanted to post this fantastic photo that Kelly send to me today. One of Kelly's college roomates in Starkville, Megan, is engaged to a young man named Russ. One of Russ's nephews, Seth, upon hearing about Aaron's injury, got busy immediately requesting prayers from his neighbors via sidewalk chalk. This was the result:
We've got the World Wide Web, and Seth has his driveway. Let's hear it for mass communication! Thank you so much, Seth.
That's all for tonight. Goodnight. Please keep praying.
Comments (7)
Hey Haley!! Seth, Russ' nephew, has held Aaron on a pedestal since he found out that he was a US Marine. Seth LOVES military stuff!! He will be SO excited to find this picture on the website. Aaron autographed a picture of him that Kelly took for her photography class. Russ and I gave it to Seth and his brother, Will, for Christmas. They both ask about Aaron constantly, and Jenny, Russ' sister, and her husband, Jeff, are also praying for Aaron, Kelly, and your family. You are awesome to keep this site so updated!! Thank you for taking such good care of my roommie!! I am praying for you and your family as well! I'll keep checking for updates!
Megan
Posted by Megan | March 30, 2005 10:50 PM
Posted on March 30, 2005 22:50
Haley- thanks so much for keeping us updated!! I hope that you get to see Aaron and Ryan soon and can give us your own personal account!
Aaron- I along with the rest of the Texas A&M RUF are praying for you daily. It is so great to hear how well you have been recovering. I also wanted to let you know how much your attitude and faith have been an encouragement you have been to me. Your trust in God and in His will has been so evident throughout this entire ordeal. God is definately using you in the lives of the doctors, other patients, and everyone who reads the blog. We will continue recovering. I also wanted to let you know to pray for you, Kelly, Ryan, and the rest of your family!!
-Hannah Wachdorf-
Posted by Hannah Wachdorf | March 30, 2005 11:33 PM
Posted on March 30, 2005 23:33
Haley- I don't think that we have ever met, but my name is Cadet Third Class Ryan Rayborn. I attended high school with Aaron and was friends with him, his brother, their sister and his cousin Shelley Howell. I am presently a cadet at the US Air Force Academy in CO and just wanted to let you know that our prayers are with Aaron, Kelly, and the family.
Aaron- Man how long has it been since we have spoken! I think that the last time we were together you, Shelley and I (and several others) were headed up to Jackson for someone's birthday! Anyway, I was just writing to let you know that I cannot tell you how proud of you I am... When Shelley told me the news the other day, all I kept repeating to her is that you are a real live hero, the "real deal"! And I dont mean that just because of your injury, but moreso because you served with honor and fought hard, which is more than most can say. It is something that you can always look back on and be proud of. You are in my prayers everyday, and I look forward to talking with you again soon. Semper Fi and keep pushing baby!
- C3C Ryan Rayborn
CS-29 "Black Panthers"
USAF Academy
Posted by C3C Ryan Rayborn | March 31, 2005 6:24 AM
Posted on March 31, 2005 06:24
Aaron - I have not had the pleasure of meeting you, but I am honored to have a glimpse into your life these days, through Haley's blog. My daughter, Kelsey Leno told me about your injury in Iraq and I have been following your progress since. She is afriend of Kelly's through church and school and got to know you and Ryan a bit at RYM. I am so inspired by your story of courage and faith and eternal optimism. I just wanted to tell you that I am praying for you and I am awed by God's presence in your life.
Kelly - You are an amazing young woman. May God bless you richly as you continue to shower your love on Aaron. Remember to take care of yourself too. Greetings to your mom, who I had the pleasure of getting to know at Ascension.
Haley - Thank you for your faithfulnees in updating this site. I was impressed that you answered my e-mail, when you don't even know me and you are obviously very busy these days. Thank you for sharing Aaron's story and providing a glimspe into your loving, supportive family.
Praise God for all the answered prayers and blessings!
Karen Leno
Posted by Karen Leno | March 31, 2005 7:44 AM
Posted on March 31, 2005 07:44
Haley,
I am the proud father of the 9 year-old artist featured your page today. Although they've never met, Seth is enamored with Aaron and his adventures in the USMC. He has kept up with him through Megan, and is so proud of him. Aaron, Kelly, you and your families are all inspirations for us. You are obviously a very close family, and your love and dedication is to be commended.
Thanks to Megan, you have an extended family, if only in thoughts and prayers, in Corinth, Mississippi.
Good luck to Aaron and Kelly, you both are truly blessings to all who know you.
Haley, Thanks for such a wonderful site, and keep up the good work!
Jeff, Jenny, Will, Seth and Grace Mansel
Corinth, MS
Posted by Jeff Mansel | March 31, 2005 8:10 AM
Posted on March 31, 2005 08:10
Aaron,
I have been waiting to post a good letter, but everytime I check Haley's site I get so emotional that I have to stop reading. Our new receptionist just asked me if I had alergy problems because I am sitting at my desk with Alligator tears rolling down my face.
When I hear of folks visiting I get jealous, because I really would like the opportunity to come say this in person. I am overcome emotionally when I think/read of your courage, duty, honor, and (now) upbeat spirit. My emotions are not sad, but more of humility to your service (like hearing a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem.)You are my friend, and I am here for you any way possible.
I hope that my letter reaches you soon, so that I don't have to air all my feelings on a message board. Know that y'all truly are in my thoughts and prayers constantly.
Ryan
Haley - Thank you so much for this opportunity. I am sincerely grateful for the information and correspondence.
Posted by Ryan Annison | March 31, 2005 9:11 AM
Posted on March 31, 2005 09:11
Hey,
I just read my emails and found one from Joyce Deer about Aaron. I'm not sure he will remember me but I remember him and am very greatful to him for his bravery. I know his sister Audrey also from a math class last year--I will be praying for all of you. God has some special plans for all you.
Love in Christ,
Grace Dickerson
OGHS
Posted by Grace Dickerson | March 31, 2005 11:40 AM
Posted on March 31, 2005 11:40