As Calgary continues to mourn the loss of 11-year-old Parker Wells, who was tragically found deceased after a 13 day search, many honoured his memory this weekend by exploring the outdoors. A request from Parker’s parents asked families to spend time together outside in a Memorial Adventure Walk, and many from across the city took part. “We’re just honouring Parker just by coming to the park, giving mom a little break, thinking of Parker, and just trying to enjoy ourselves,” said Chris Lindberg, who was at Shouldice Park with his two-year-old granddaughter. For many like Lindberg, it was a day of both celebrating the time you have with family, and also taking the time to recognize the tragedy the Wells family is facing and keeping them in their hearts. “We’re just trying to have a good day and keeping Parker’s memory going,” Lindberg said. “Hope that he’s doing better, hope for the family to get better, just hope that he’s in a better place now,” said 13-year-old Titus Needham, who was walking his dog today. Some people took it upon themselves to honour Parker in their own way, while other groups, like the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada and Al Madinah Calgary Islamic Assembly, organized a group walk. Among the walkers was Aahil Khan, who went to the same school as Parker, and says he cried when he heard the news of his passing. “I just know he loved wagon rides. Like in my school, every time I saw him, he’d be in a wagon,” Aahil said. “He’s in my custody, and he’s special needs too, so I feel it. Like if something had happened to him, I don’t know how I can take it. It’s really hard,” added Aahil’s grandmother Bibi Khan. While celebrating family was a priority for those who went on the memorial adventures for Parker, many also took the day to reflect on the tragedy. “There are many children in our communities who have different kinds of challenges, autism and ADHD and many other issues and problems. We need to make sure that our children are safe, they are protected,” said Syed Soharwardy, founder of the Islamic Supreme Council of Canada and Chairman of the Al Madinah Calgary Islamic Assembly. “Enjoy the families is the idea of today’s walk, but also understand the dangers of issues and problems that our children are facing,” Soharwardy continued. For Bibi Khan, and other families who also have autistic children, they say the pain of losing Parker hits close to home, and they will continue to remember him and honour his memory. “We want to support Parker. What happened to him, it was a very big tragedy, it shouldn’t have happened,” Bibi said. “My son is the same as him, 11 years old. I think whenever we saw him, we will miss Parker forever,” said Aamir Harrison, who’s son also has autism. “In our whole life, I will miss him forever,” added his wife, Summayya.
