The aspirations of Private Aidan Goulding, as shared by his grieving mother, will remain unfulfilled.
Goulding, aged 23, was among the four military personnel who lost their lives over the weekend following a sudden grass fire incident at Canadian Forces Base Wainwright. Several others sustained injuries.
In a poignant conversation on Monday from her residence in Vancouver Island, Monk shared with As It Happens host Nil Köksal about her son’s unrealized dreams, the sorrow within her family, and the heart-wrenching moment she received the tragic news. Here are excerpts from their discussion.Â
How are you and your family coping with the situation?
The current situation is incredibly challenging for us as Aidan occupies our thoughts entirely. When I returned home yesterday, his brother was distraught. It has been extremely tough and surreal for us all.
What is the age of your other son?
He is 24 years old.Â
They are close in age, I presume.Â
Indeed, they were the best of friends.Â
Goulding, on the right, bids farewell to his mother and brother at the airport before commencing his service in the Canadian military earlier this year. His mother describes her sons as inseparable. (Submitted by Sonia Monk)
What are your thoughts during those moments of grief? Is there anything specific you convey, or is it merely being present together?
I often reassure them, “We will overcome this, we will persevere.” Aidan would not have wanted us to dwell in sorrow and halt our lives.
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