Family of soldier severely burned at CFB Wainwright describes his ordeal

Cheryl Ramage is stuck in a nightmare after her 27-year-old son, Private Liam Ramage, was severely burned in the grass fire at CFB Wainwright. He was not recognizable. We identified him by his toes. Ramage has third and fourth degree burns to roughly 40% of his body, including his face, hands, and legs. He has pneumonia, went through three surgeries and three strokes, and can barely move, see, or speak. A lot of us talking to him is reminding him that he's safe and he's at the hospital. The night of the deadly fire haunts his memory. He does say he remembers it. He does say that he thinks about it. Being locked in your own mind is a form of torture right so just what can we do for you to help you get through this and I mean his mental health is going to have to be addressed right away. They play a radio to distract him. Classic rock and NHL games of his beloved Montreal Canadiens and they're clinging to the small things. He mouthed my name when I was in there with my dad that was like It was shocking for me. I did have a really good cry after. Are either of you able to think about what the future looks like or what it holds? You can't at this point. It is so unpredictable. You know, he's got a stroke. Is he going to be able to walk again? Is he going to lose his fingers? Liam had always dreamed of being in the military. Did you ever imagine that something like that would happen on Canadian soil? I never dreamt something would be two hours from home, no. For now, they aren't focused on the fire or the investigations into it. We'll have questions later, but we are definitely focused on Liam. And both say this Remembrance Day will hold new meaning for them. Hold your family a little closer. You never know what could happen, honestly. I didn't hope that this would happen to my son. I wish it hadn't, but I'm proud for him. Julia Wong, CBC News, Edmonton.