Christi Larsen is one of those people who digs in the dirt and finds comfort. More than two years ago, she lost her son Cole while he was serving in Iraq. The pain doesn't go away and the memories of her son are deep. Cole loved the outdoors, Christi said, and she thought a garden tour would be a nice way to remember Cole and help others who are in the same situation as her family.

The Second Annual Memorial Garden Tour will be held on Sunday, June 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Nine gardens of various sizes and designs will be open to the public for their perusing and enjoyment. Homeowners are on hand to give garden tips and explain some of the details of their well-tended plots. Donations, of any amount, will be accepted and given to two organizations that provide assistance to the men, women and their families who have or are currently serving in Iraq - TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) and the Wounded Warriors Project. Both organizations, Christi said, gave her comfort and strength following the death of her son.

"It has been almost two and a half years since the loss of my son and not a day goes by when he is not in my thoughts," Christi said. "I will miss him each and every day of my life."

Christi said Cole was born wearing camo boots. "He always loved playing with his little army men and always wore camouflage clothing," she remembers. "Joining the military was his calling and he had no hesitation."

While preparing her yard for the tour last year, Christi unearthed several little plastic army men and a little army truck that she displays in her Memorial Garden.

"This is a way for me to REACH OUT and HONOR all of our loved one's memories."

Al and Judy Nicholson participated last year and are gearing up for this year's event. They have strong opinions about the war, but have a compassion for the parents whose children are serving and those who have lost their lives.

"I support the parents who lost their kids over there even though we are very much against war," said Al Nicholson, who served in the Army during Vietnam. "We fly an American flag. My garden is my connection with nature. Birds are welcome here. It's very tranquil and I want to do what I can for these families."

Diane Benjamin has known the Larsen family for many years and is an avid gardener. She will be participating in the tour again this year. "I was personally touched that Christi wanted me to do this tour with her and to donate the money raised to such good causes," Benjamin said. "The tour last year was very touching. It's good for all of us to remember the young men and women who are making this sacrifice."

Cole's life was just beginning, she said, and people just couldn't help but like him with his red hair, blue eyes and silly smile. During his last R&R, he surprised the family by escorting his sister Haley to the Canyon High School Homecoming Dance where she was crowned princess.

"Cole grew up to be a very confident young man who had a tight knit group of friends that he would do just about anything for as they would for him," she said. "I know his friends will never forget him and how he had influenced them in so many ways. He served his country with honor and I am proud to say I am his mother."


For more information about the Memorial Garden Tour, log onto www.memorialgardentour.com.