Memorial Christmas Tree, Foundation Help Dad Cope

This Christmas, Mark Scherling’s tree is in his front yard.

He’s pretty sure that’s what his son, Nick, would want. Nick was 13 and on his way home from school in Post Falls last month when he was killed by a hit-and-run driver who police say had been drinking.

Nick’s death unified the community as only the senseless loss of a child can. That long-sought unity is Nick’s legacy, and Mark won’t let it slip away.

So he put his Christmas tree where people in the community can hang ornaments on it for Nick.

He hands out “Don’t Drink and Drive” cards in Nick’s memory. And he is starting the Friends of Nick Foundation at Bank of America branches to help kids have better lives.

“I felt the need to make something positive out of this,” Mark says. “My son did not die for no reason.”

Mark wears a picture of his dark-haired boy pinned to his shirt with a tiny guardian angel brooch. He speaks quickly and quietly, as if his grief might overtake his composure at any moment.

Mark created the cards on his computer four days after his son died. Nick’s name and April 10, 1984, birthdate are at the top, followed by “Died at the hands of a drunk driver - 11/10/97.”

Mark added a loop of white satin ribbon and a guardian angel.

“The white ribbon signifies purity,” he says. “My child never had the chance to do anything wrong.”

Mark says the foundation is his chance to raise money to help kids do things they can’t afford. Nick missed some Boy Scout activities because his family’s budget was tight.

“That shouldn’t happen,” Mark says. “There should be a foundation to help healthy kids do things they enjoy.”

He hired an accounting firm to control the foundation and hopes an annual broomstick pool tournament and bike rally will help the fund grow.

The organizing helps Mark cope, but grief still periodically overwhelms him. He pushes through it, determined to stay positive. He wears a Santa hat to publicize his foundation work, even though he’s not sure how he’ll make it through Christmas.

“This time of year is so tough,” he says, a little more softly and a little more slowly. “Every time I think of what I want for Christmas, I think of Nick. I just want my son back.”

Heavenly strings

The Coeur d’Alene Cultural Center will sound like a chorus of angels on Saturday when harpist Leslie Stratton Norris starts plucking. Leslie is tops in her field with 29 years of experience behind her.

She lives in Coeur d’Alene but plays principal harp with the Dayton, Ohio, Philharmonic Orchestra. Whew! What a commute!

Her concert will start at 3 p.m. Don’t bring a pillow - Leslie’s too into rhythm to put you to sleep.

Tickets are $10. Call 765-8196 for details.

Book work

Thanks to the Coeur d’Alene Public Library, Don and Midge Smock and Atlas Building Center, 51 kids have just received new books.

Remember the thrill of reading Jack London’s “Call of the Wild”? That’s one of the great books that went out to children in the library’s reading program and to boys at Anchor House.

Last year, the library’s Books for Joy program sent new books to 30 senior citizens. In six years, the program has handed out 423 new books and probably has hooked a lot of people on reading.

What a great gift.

Do you remember the first book that opened your eyes to something new? Clue in Cynthia Taggart, “Close to Home,” 608 Northwest Blvd., Suite 200, Coeur d’Alene 83814; or send a fax to 765-7149, call 765-7128 or send e-mail to cynthiat@spokesman.com.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Color Photo

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: To help If you’d like to decorate Nick’s tree, Mark lives in the Maranatha Trailer Park, 2402 Seltice Way, No. 6, Post Falls. A broomstick pool tournament will benefit the foundation at 10 a.m. Sunday at The Falls Club, 605 Seltice Way, Post Falls.