Hey Everyone!,
I just wanted to let you all know what an encouragement you have all been. I get online at least a few times a day to check the new postings, and just to read Haley's spin on things. It is so nice to have such an easy way to read encouraging thoughts from everyone back home. Please keep it up. If there is anything you would like to tell me, just drop a line on Haley's website! I promise I will enjoy reading it.
I did have a fun day in D.C. today. I just got back and now I am cooking out steaks with T.C., the guy from Starkville. We are having a good time, and I just stopped to read the new comments and leave a note for everyone. I am still doing great. I have yet to get discouraged in the least. As much as all of you praise my ability to stay optimistic, believe me, it is easy with such love and support from back home. Another thing that keeps things in perspective for me is one of my hobbies of visiting Marines who are hurt much worse than myself. It is a great pastime because they enjoy getting a visit from a fellow brother in the Marine Corps and I enjoy encouraging them, and also realize everytime how truly blessed I am. I am looking foward to seeing Ryan this coming week, and to starting rehabilitation afterwards. Keep me in your prayers and God bless you all for your support.
Love,
Aaron Rice
A note from Haley: Several of you have asked me for an address for Aaron. At the moment, it looks like he will be going to an entry appointment at Walter Reed early next week, either Tuesday or Wednesday. Once he's admitted, we should have a new address. Until then, I would say hold off on the snail mail because it might take a while to get forwarded to him. I'll get y'all a new address as soon as we have one. Have a good evening, and keep checking in.
Comments (9)
Hey Aaron and Rice family,
Aaron, Are you still seeing double? While this is nice for viewing your wife (what's better than two of her!) I would think it would get unnerving.
Laura and I are still praying from here she in Birmingham and I in Yazoo.
Wish we could see you. How wonderful that the whole family will be together soon. What a blessing for Ryan!
Prayerfully, Beth Harris
Posted by Beth Harris | April 1, 2005 8:13 PM
Posted on April 1, 2005 20:13
Hey Aaron, just wanted to let you know that all of the Echo 2/14 families are praying for you. They continue to ask me about you on a daily basis. We are all so proud of how well you are doing. I have sent this website on to the guys in Iraq. I hope that you hear from them soon if you haven't already. Let me know if you or Kelly need anything.
Amanda Davis (wife to SSgt Steven Davis)
USMC Key Volunteer Coordinator
Posted by Amanda Davis | April 1, 2005 8:24 PM
Posted on April 1, 2005 20:24
Well Aaron, I see still no comment on the generous offer I made of geometry work. I know it must of stunned and awed you that I thought so highly of you that I was willing to share this wonderful work with you. Don't say it...I know you appreciate me more than you can say right now. Ahh, the beauty of the internet that they can be so readily available to you....
Well, I digress in my excitement. It is SO good to hear what all you are doing. Once again, everyone at OG asks about you and wishes you the best of everything. Can't wait until we get to see you again.
Love JDeer
Posted by Joyce Deer | April 1, 2005 10:19 PM
Posted on April 1, 2005 22:19
Yo JOe
Hey man you never stop amazing me. I talked to josh the other day after your suprise calls to both of us. We are both some how empowered by the incredible optomistic energy, as you know this is something rare for coook and i. Usually just go about it as....we ll you know. I think i am gonna call it the Rice factor A. Man keep it up and like i said if there is anything you need from me let me know and i will mail it to ASAP. i.e. music for one? I know Ryan is going to be exstatic to see you as would any of us. I a mgonna talk to my dad and see if I can score you some pre-paid phone cards, that way you can make as many phone calls (until you use all the minutes up) as you want. It also means that i will have to get another call sometime later but, i will hold off on sending them until you get situated at the other place and get your adress unless of course ...ok i am done i am just rambling now. Keep sharing the Rice factor A with you buddies there i know they will all welcome it. Love you man. Keep fighting the good fight.
Love
Matthew "Better then Aaron in cards" Morris
Posted by matt morris | April 1, 2005 11:38 PM
Posted on April 1, 2005 23:38
Hey Aaron,
We are praising God you are well and optimistic! We have been praying for you since we heard the news. I'm so looking forward to seeing you and Kelly again and being able to spend time with the two of you! My family gives you their love!! Love in Him, Emily Osborne
Posted by Emily Osborne | April 2, 2005 12:34 PM
Posted on April 2, 2005 12:34
Aaron,
We have been praying for you since we heard the news two weeks ago; you are so amazingly cheerful! We can't wait for you and Kelly to get settled in and we can have you guys over and you can meet our baby. We are SO thankful to heaer the good news and that you are alive. We can never thank you enough for your service to your country to defend our freedom. May God bless you!
~Anne Kathryn (Osborne) DeViney
Posted by Anne Kathryn (and Michael and Michael Ray) | April 2, 2005 12:44 PM
Posted on April 2, 2005 12:44
Aaron you are so cool! You did what? Why did I have to come home? Being there to watch you convince the hospital staff that your going to D.C. would be a good idea would have been so entertaining. :) I would have appreciated that so much more than an education.Graduating high school is over rated. You rock my face off, Aaron. Keep running around and touring the area and cooking steaks... it's good for you. I know I'd want to get out, too. It sounds like T.C. is doing well... I'm sure he enjoyed getting to hang out with you. I can't wait to see you next weekend! Love ya!
-Hammah Rue
Posted by Hannah | April 2, 2005 2:50 PM
Posted on April 2, 2005 14:50
Hey Aaron and Kelly!
Joanne just told me about this neat website. It's a great way to keep up with everything, so thanks to Haley.
I have an envelope of letters from my students, but I will probably wait to mail it since you are possibly moving. Children's prayers are so sincere and to the point, and I have really been touched at how concerned they are for you both. They ask me daily about you and are so faithful to remember you in the morning prayers. They even cut me some slack on April Fool's Day, which is quite a big event in the 6th grade, as you can imagine.
Can't wait to get you back home and am delighted at how well you're doing. Jacob just called from CA and asked about you and I'm getting him this site address. Love and God bless,
Rooney
Posted by Rooney Davis | April 2, 2005 4:08 PM
Posted on April 2, 2005 16:08
Aaron, I am so glad to hear that you are quickly improving! I have been home from school the past couple of weeks, and at church you are always mentioned and prayed for! You are in my thoughts and prayers...may the Lord continue to give you a speedy recovery! God Bless, Meredith
Posted by Meredith Campbell | April 4, 2005 6:56 PM
Posted on April 4, 2005 18:56