I got this email from Kelly this morning and she wanted it passed on to y'all. Enjoy.
Hey y'all,
As you've read in Haley's blog, we're not exactly hanging around the hospital much these days. If I had it my way, I would be sleeping all day, but Aaron is perfectly happy making his mom and I push him around Washington D.C. and the entire state of Maryland it seems, so that is exactly what we have been doing. It has been a blast. We kind of consider this a really weird sort of vacation, all expenses paid. I'm sure you all are jealous that you don't get to spend several weeks in a Naval hospital.
There are a lot of things that Aaron and I have agreed on since this whole thing happened. The main thing is that this really is not that big of a deal. We actually hardly consider this a stepping stone or a hurdle. It's just something we have to take head on just like we all have to do in life sometimes, right? Aaron's attidue is amazing, as we all know by now. He tells me all the time that he likes his "stump" and thinks it's awesome because it adds character to him. He plans on putting an Operation Iraqi Freedom sticker and a USMC sticker on his new leg because he's proud of it. He also wants to name his stump, so we are open to suggestions. Another thing we've agreed on is that we are so blessed to have been chosen by God to be an inspiration to so many. It's crazy to me the way God will change your life in a matter of seconds. I love Ryan Rayborne's comment: "God never wastes a hurt." We have already seen so many prayers answered and our little experience has so far shown us that God never closes a door without opening another.
We really are having fun here, as weird as that sounds. Aaron lets nothing get him down. The nurses are having a fit because they can never find him. They finally gave him an "official" weekend pass because they knew he wouldn't come back to his hospital room anyway. Washington D.C. was great. It was very humbling to Aaron to have Vietnam veterans go out of their way to shake his hand and thank him for his service. If you know Aaron at all, you know he is a huge history and war buff, so he was in his own personal heaven as we walked through the WWII memorial and the Vietnam memorial. We took LOTS of pictures so you will see them on this site shortly. I have a feeling we will be back at those memorials at least three times a week until it is time for us to go back to my personal heaven that is Mississippi.
We are trying hard to stay patient but Aaron is so ready to get his new leg and start running marathons. We have met so many inspirational people so far, such as T.C. Rollins (Marine from Miss.) and his faithful mom, Millie, who we will always be thankful for and never forget. In God's perfect timing, we will be back in Mississippi in our own little corner of the world. We just want to thank y'all for being so dedicated to Haley's site and keeping us encouraged. We praise God for the power of prayer. One of the last things Aaron told me before he left for Iraq was, "This will all be over with before you know it." Well I would like to pass those wise words on to you all, so you can expect us home in no time. Thank you for everything!
"I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." - our testimony.
Love,
Kelly
Comments (6)
Kelly and Aaron:
Its nice to hear that all goes well in D C and to hear that Aaron is doing so well. We all look forward to both of you returning to Mississippi. I am glad you are getting a break by seeing some of Washington D C. Don't get used to it, we want you and Aaron home soon. We had some relatives (Memaw's side of the family) from Maine down here- they were very interested in what is going on. We have heard from so many- asking about you and Aaron and we are so happy to report everything is going well. Lets keep it that way so ya'll can come home soon. Miss you very much !!!
Posted by joanne fedrick | April 3, 2005 6:42 PM
Posted on April 3, 2005 18:42
Kelly,
You are amazing also! You are such a fine example of what the bible refers to as a "virtious" wife. I need a few lessons from you! Aaron is a great guy and I knew that he would find the "perfect" woman for him and he did! I hope that you know that I hardly know you but I feel like I know you well. You are cared for and you are prayed for. Continue to be his rock!
Kelli Bowles
Posted by Kelli Bowles | April 3, 2005 8:33 PM
Posted on April 3, 2005 20:33
Aaron Rice,
Enjoy DC! I love it! A few years ago a relative gave me a trip anywhere I wanted to go and I chose DC. I felt like history was cradeling me! You know that I loved it! I know that you are having such a great time! I am so glad that you are having a little freedom. Kelly's letter talked about Vietnam vets honoring you--man you deserve it! This war is the 2o00's version of Vietnam--guerilla warfare! Did you ever think a few years ago when Col. Danny McDaniel spoke to you guys about his Vietnam experiences--that one day that would be you! Yes Aaron--when I do go back into a classroom--I want you to help me teach! A double major in political science and history would not be bad! You would be a great teacher and yes a fabulous politician!
You know, I have not told you what a witness that you and your family have been to me. For 2 years, Cory and I have been thinking about leaving our church for a new one. Cory said a few months ago that Woodland is where he wanted to be. I was reluctant--I was raised Methodist. However, God has spoke to me through your accident. Woodland will be my church home. I know so many young men that grew up there that are fine-fine Christians! I would love for my boys to be like you and Ryan! Your parents are fine people and your wife is phenominal! Woodland helps to create strong Christian followers and I will be seeing you there. I had been praying for two years for answers--God uses all things for his glory!
Aaron, I love you like a son! I respect you as a colleague and a my hero! You hang in there and I am going to write so many sappy letters that you personally email me or call me and tell me to chill!
Kelli Bowles
Posted by Kelli Bowles | April 3, 2005 8:41 PM
Posted on April 3, 2005 20:41
Kelly,
Hey Sweethart! I apologize for not contacting you sooner, but I guess the news from Mississippi travels slow. I just wanted you to know that I am in DC now living on the Hill and if there is anything at all that I can do for you, please let me know! You are in my prayers!
Love,
Chrissie
Posted by Chrissie Prichard | April 4, 2005 12:55 PM
Posted on April 4, 2005 12:55
Kelly and Aaron,
I don't really have any new news, but just wanted to let you guys know we're still thinking of you on a daily basis and still praying more often than that. You two are constant reminders of faith, perseverence, love and trust. You are blessing us more than you know. May God provide for you two in His ways and in HIS TIME!
"I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel.., being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." _ Philippians 1:3-6
With all of my love and prayers,
Camp Murphy, your brother in Christ
Posted by Camp Murphy | April 10, 2005 10:04 PM
Posted on April 10, 2005 22:04
Aaron and Kelly- My family attends Trinity Presbyterian Church in Montgomery, AL, where Mike and Frosty Howell have been with us for the past year or so. You have been on our prayer list, and I just wanted to offer what I feel is a very inadequate thanks for the sacrifice(s) that you both have made to protect our way of life. I am a vet from the Desert Storm-era (sorry we didn't seal the deal when we should have back then), and my wife and I have some appreciation for both the physical dangers of the battlefield as well as the emotional roller coaster that takes place with loved ones on the homefront. I don't think our nation has ever fielded an armed force as capable and professional as that which we have seen in the last two years. I don't know of an example anywhere in history where an army has had to completely change its mission and tactics, and do so with such a low tolerance for civilian casualties. I fear that our nation is maybe too introverted to truly appreciate the sacrifice that you and your family have made. You will continue to be in our prayers, along with the safety of all of our soldiers, and please let me know if I can do anything to help during your recovery.- Guice Slawson, Montgomery, AL
Posted by Guice Slawson | May 30, 2005 5:01 PM
Posted on May 30, 2005 17:01