Happy Tuesday, everyone.
I talked to Mom today and it sounds like she and Aaron and Kelly will be busy today and tomorrow getting Aaron all checked in at Walter Reed and then getting ready to leave for South Carolina. Aaron is considered an outpatient right now, as I mentioned before, which means he and Kelly are responsible for staying on top of his medications and such. There’s a lot of that sort of thing to do, so pray that it will all go smoothly, since Aaron will be far away from his doctors this week. In a pretty funny note, we’ve been told that our family is supposed to sit in the VIP seating area at Ryan’s graduation, which is somewhat disconcerting, so please pray that we don’t fall off the podium or embarrass ourselves or Ryan in any way. We’re not really accustomed to being Very Important anything, and I have a feeling funny stories are forthcoming.
Please pray for safe travel for our family this week. I’ll be taking a flight from Albuquerque to Jackson tonight and then driving to South Carolina with Dad and the girls. Kelly and Mom and Aaron will all by flying to South Carolina on Wednesday, and then there will be a variety of return trips. All told, we’ll be covering a lot of miles and we’d appreciate your prayers for smooth, safe travel.
With that, I am afraid that the site is going to be very low on updates for the next few days. I won’t be back home again until Sunday and it is very doubtful that I will have Internet access in the meantime. So, if you have any pressing questions, send an email to my wonderful husband, Dan, at daniel@wachdorf.com. If I get any information during my visit that I think y’all might want ASAP, such as an address for Aaron and Kelly while Aaron is at Walter Reed, I will give it to Dan and he can post it. Incedentally, I need to thank Dan for living with me the last few weeks as I have been something of a basketcase and have had my hands glued to our laptop for hours at a time keeping up with email and posting updates. He's also provided wonderful technical service for the site, which, people, is getting roughly 1,500 hits a day, WAY more than it ever has. It's to his credit that it hasn't crashed or had any major complications. To show your appreciation, if you live in the Albuquerque metro area, feel free to feed Dan while I’m gone. He’s being really sweet about the fact that I am going away and leaving him all alone for most of the week, and I don’t want him to starve.
On that note, I will say farewell for now. Feel free to keep on leaving comments for Aaron, since he will be able to check them once he gets back to D.C., and please pray for our trip. We love and appreciate you all so much.
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Comments (19)
Wow, Aaron! You are an inspiration to all of us back at the Grove (and sounds like much more far-reaching than that)! We are all so proud of you and Ryan for your service and sacrifices. Please know that I am keeping all of you and your family in my prayers. It sounds like you and God are really tuned in to each other; you are such a blessing to all those with whom you come in contact as you encourage and spread His grace and comfort. Keep up the great work and remember to call on Him for everything. I know He has a wonderful plan for you and your family.
God's Blessings,
Coach (or Mrs.) Songy
Posted by June Songy | April 5, 2005 11:31 AM
Posted on April 5, 2005 11:31
Came across this in the May triathlete magazine - in addition to this regular series of training articles, Paul Martin has his web site, a coaching service and written a book - One man's leg --- and he's training to do a Ironman this year in under 10 hours - an incredible bullet fast time. Martin and I have been following your progress daily - you are incredible, but then, you are a Rice boy!!!
http://www.triathletemag.com/story.cfm?story_id=9520&publicationID=92&pageID=1727
http://www.triathletemag.com/story.cfm?story_id=9434&publicationID=92&pageID=1727
http://www.triathletemag.com/story.cfm?story_id=9481&publicationID=92&pageID=1727
http://www.onemansleg.triathletesonline.com/
Posted by Donna Rice | April 5, 2005 12:45 PM
Posted on April 5, 2005 12:45
Hey, This is William Anderson. I've been meaning to get in touch with you ever since the accident. I just now read an old reflector, shows how much i read it, and found this weblog. I know you've probably heard this but as an officer in training i'm real proud of you. I was extremely shocked when i heard the news from Ace Riverman, one of Austin's friends i'm sure you know of. I'm glad that you are real optimistic about everything right now and i will be praying that you will have a speedy recovery. Everybody who is an American is proud of you.
William Anderson
Posted by William Anderson | April 5, 2005 2:14 PM
Posted on April 5, 2005 14:14
We are so excited that all of you are going to be together for Ryan's graduation. God is so good! Aaron, it is wonderful to see how well you have progressed in such a short time. We continue to pray for you day in and day out. Your testimony has been such a blessing to our family, people at our church and the people at the school that I work at. So many people that don't even know you are praying for you. Isn't it wonderful to be a part of the Lord's family.
We look forward to hearing the reports when you all get back from South Carolina.
Lots of love, Aunt Julie and Uncle Rick
Posted by Julie Lindsay | April 5, 2005 2:26 PM
Posted on April 5, 2005 14:26
Hey Aaron,
This is Mrs. Robertson from the OGHS Counselors office. I just wanted to let you know that I have been praying for you and your family since I heard this news. I am grateful for what you & your brother are doing for our country. I just hate that this happened to you and I know that if you keep God first, you will see what his purpose is and we will all benefit from it. It may not look this way now but God is never wrong.
Just remember everyone at the "Grove" is praying for you. Your an inspiration to all of us here at the GROVE. God bless you!!
Posted by Theresa Robertson | April 5, 2005 2:40 PM
Posted on April 5, 2005 14:40
Aaron, You and all of your family have been in my prayers. I do know, from experience, that faith in God, can help you get through even the most tagic events. I can see you and those around you do have faith. Your recovery and attitude are amazing. Thanks to you, Ryan and all the others who have and will serve for our country.
Amy Garraway
Posted by Amy Garraway | April 5, 2005 3:05 PM
Posted on April 5, 2005 15:05
Hello Aaron and Kelly from the 'Ville!!!
Oh my how much I love you two and are praying and thinking about you guys often. I was waiting to send you snail mail until I figured out about 0.3 seconds ago that I could post a comment. So I guess "a comment" means not a novel, I'll keep it short for ya to read the other fan mail!!! The beginnning of James makes me think of your situation and how faithful in God's love you've handled it all. To me it shows the true face of personal faith, and it's a blessing in it's own right to see a brother and sister walk toward the light admist the dark. Praise God that your glow shines so brightly it has overtaken the dark!!! I'll think about you two and your mom in your travels and as you all see Ryan and the rest of the fam. Have a wonderful, safe trip and can't wait for more updates!!
Love you and praying for you two!!!!
Lauren McIntosh
Posted by Lauren McIntosh | April 5, 2005 10:58 PM
Posted on April 5, 2005 22:58
hey aaron and kelly.....
its kyle - i just wanted to know how much of an inspiration and a blessing you are! ever since i started reading and hearing about everything you guys have gone through and how you are handling the situation, ive been overwhelmed... completely. i really wish you could understand how amazing you two really are. I'm still praying for you two!
much love
-kyle
Posted by kyle errickson | April 6, 2005 2:38 AM
Posted on April 6, 2005 02:38
Aaron, Kelly,and all the Rices,
We love you and pray for a safe trip.. What a blessing to have such a strong family. We cant wait to read the stories of the weekend.. You are all VIPs!!!
Many hugs,
Aunt Cheri, Matthew, Sam, and Adrian
Posted by Aunt Cheri | April 6, 2005 8:46 AM
Posted on April 6, 2005 08:46
Aaron and Kelly, this is Barbara Keaster from OGHS. I was just looking at your prom picture, you know the one with Aaron in the pink tux and he was holding you in his arms Kelly. Aaron I think that picture says alot about both of you! I know that you will conquer any obstacle in your way and make those around you better for knowing you. I hope you know that God must have big plans for both of you. Only the strongest are tested like the two of you have been. I look forward to hearing where you go in your lives in the future. You are in my prayers. I know you are receiving lots of e-mail from all over, so just let us know how things are going every now and then. Love you Barbara
Posted by Barbara Keaster | April 6, 2005 12:29 PM
Posted on April 6, 2005 12:29
Aaron, Kelly, Debbie, Randy, Ryan and all the crew.... You are in our thoughts and prayers each and every day. We pray that you all have safe trips and look forward to seeing everyone in June. Haley, I don't think you could embarrass the Rices in any way!!!! Now, there are some of us in the "clan" who could probably set something up for you that would be really embarrasing. Ask your Dad. He had help with Steven & Martin. We love you and will keep you in our prayers.
Posted by Barbara Jackson | April 6, 2005 12:33 PM
Posted on April 6, 2005 12:33
Hey Aaron and Kelly!
It is so good to hear that everything is going well. I miss you both so much. You are an inspiration to everyone. Aaron, I'm sure you heard, you made front page of the reflector!
Can't wait to see you guys.
Love mel
Posted by Melanie Lewis | April 6, 2005 7:00 PM
Posted on April 6, 2005 19:00
Aaron,
I am glad to know that the move is taking place and that you are going to Ryan's graduation. You guys are making memories that count! Ryan will be so moved to see you there! I often think about how close the 2 of you wee and are--I hope that my boys are that way. Again--I love you! I wanted to remind you of a quote:
"It is the presidents responsibility to be truthful and honest while in office." Bill Clinton--Gov. of Arkansas
"Ask not what you can do for your country--what can your country do for you." JFK--oops! Freudian slip!
Take care my future leader!!!! With all of my love, prayers, respect and admiration Mr. Rice.
Love, Kelli Bowles
Posted by Kelli Bowles | April 7, 2005 12:28 AM
Posted on April 7, 2005 00:28
Aaron,
Hey! You may not remember me but I wanted to tell how incredibly moved I have been by your story and the messages on this website. I talked to Lee Sybert a couple of days ago and I promised him I would tell you he was trying to get in touch with you. His email is nukedcat33@yahoo.com.
I am at MC, and I have shared this website with several of my friends. Even though they do not know you, they pray for you too. God is using you to teach us all so much. I am so proud of you and Kelly. Your testimonies are blessing people you may never meet...KEEP THE FAITH! I feel like I know you so well after reading this site, I am confident in saying that you are one of the finest witnesses of God's grace I have seen!
Abby Munton
Posted by Abby Munton | April 7, 2005 11:28 PM
Posted on April 7, 2005 23:28
Aaron,
It was awesome getting to talk to you last night. I'm sorry that we didn't get to talk longer, but I know that you were extremely tired. It was just a major encouragement for me to hear from you. Your attitude and outlook couldn't be better, and the strength you have mustered throughout this ordeal has been phenomenal. I have alot to learn from you man, and I'm really glad that I can say I know such a great guy. I hear that you are somewhat of a celebrity now so uhh, can I get an autograph when you get back? Seriously. Well bro, take care and hurry back so you can be in our wedding!
Kelly,
Hey, you are also in my thoughts and prayers. I know that it takes a tremendous amount of strength to keep up with a superhuman marine like Aaron. Ha Ha. Well I just wanted you to know that if you need anything at all, just holler at me. Take care, and I'll see both of you soon!
-Russ
Posted by Russ Johnson | April 8, 2005 8:12 AM
Posted on April 8, 2005 08:12
LCpl Rice,
It was great seeing you again on the island of Parris! It's good to see you have outstanding self-motivation. I cannot begin to tell you how much you have inspired me. I am honored to have been your Senior Drill Instructor. I wish you well and I owe you 26!! Keep in touch! If you ever need anything feel free to ask.
Mojo Sends
Posted by SDI SSGT CUELLAR | April 8, 2005 9:25 AM
Posted on April 8, 2005 09:25
Hey Aaron!
This is Grant Williams from high school. I just heard about what happened to you in Iraq and wanted to drop a few lines and tell you how proud you've made me and the rest of the country. I've always looked up to you and Ryan and not only because I'm short either. I also heard you're in the Washington DC area and guess what! I live in Virginia right now just a couple of hours away. I move back to Mississippi next month but before then I wondered if it was alright if I dropped in for a visit with you and your family before I took off. Email me sometime and we'll make a plan if that's cool with you. Godbless you bud and I hope to hear from you soon!
In Him,
Grant Williams
Posted by Grant Williams | April 8, 2005 10:58 AM
Posted on April 8, 2005 10:58
Dear Aaron,
Kelly Bowles contacted me recently to share the news about your life. I was touched that she thought of me, and I hope that this note finds you safe, feeling positive, and as confident and brave as you ever were when I taught you at Oak Grove. I did see the pictures of you and I was honored to receive the Wedding invitation! I cannot beleive you are so grown up (and now even more so!) and married! The pictures of you in your new ride on this website are awesome, and I can see this new lifestyle hasn't cramped your optimism, faith, or hope. It is wonderful to learn of your committment to our military. I am a military brat myself, having grown up in the Air Force and traveling the country. The government/military take care of their own like nobody's business, though it might seem like they make red tape a hobby to some.
I am comforted to know you are doing so well and that you'll travel soon (if not already) to Ryan's graduation. I would love to know more about how you both did in college and where Ryan is graduating from! I am proud of you both, and I look forward to a message from you at your earliest convenience. You are in my heart and I am fortunate to have crossed paths with you!
My best to you and your family...And tell Shelly hello for me also!
Elizabeth Shaunessy
Posted by Elizabeth Shaunessy | April 9, 2005 6:54 PM
Posted on April 9, 2005 18:54
Wow aaron, matt just told me about this site. I read all the comments and am very happy that you have such strong people around you. I've been talking with matt a lot, and if he and josh find time to catch a plane to visit I will most certainly be with them. I really hope we can make it, it'd be great to see you. I actually heard about your tragedy a few days after i enlisted in the air force. Too bad there's a waiting list and i won't be able to ship to basic until August =(. but keep up your great attitude, heh, out of all of us from high school I know you're the only one that would be able to keep such a positive view on this situation and life in general. After seeing the pictures after your operation it's not near as bad as I feared, after your rehab maybe it won't even be a major problem. We're all so proud of you, and you know it's not like me to gush like that. Come vsisit home soon, maybe you and ryan can get down here at the same time and we can hang out and talk about "the good ole days". Oh by the way, a war injury pretty much prequalifies you for a seat in the senate doesn't it? =) Remeber your dreams man. Wish ryan all the luck in the world for me, I'm sure you'll see him before he ships out. You seem to be everything we expected you to be, just keep being aaron Rice.
My Love to Kelly,
Logan
Posted by Logan Anderson | April 10, 2005 1:10 AM
Posted on April 10, 2005 01:10