Years ago a hunter shot a buck on Dan's Mountain in Western Maryland. He was dragging it back to his truck when he had a heart attack and died. He was from out of town, and a local man found his body. The man loaded the fallen hunter onto his 4 wheeler and brought him back to civilization, then notified the authorities.

That's not all I know about the story, however. I like to hike the remote areas of Dan's Mountain, a place where few people go, even during hunting season. A few years ago I stumbled on the spot where the hunter had died.

There had been a little memorial there, from a little girl to her father. It had fallen into disrepair. Wind, rain, snow and time had each collected their rightful share of wear, and I felt moved to undo some of their work by straightening up what was left.

I gently reassembled it, having to guess at what it originally looked like, unable to really know. I knew the cross belonged wired to the top of the stake, but the wire was too rusty to bend without breaking. So I did what I could.

The words on the cross say, "Dad, Merry Christmas, We Miss You".

There is a spent rifle cartridge, a little toy deer, some plastic flowers, and a few Christmas decorations, along with a picture of a toddler. There is also a picture of a smiling little red haired girl, maybe 10 years old. I'm sure she's the author of the words on the cross, because the penmanship is girly and meticulous.

Rifle season is in November and December. The first Christmas without her father would have been the hardest on the little girl. I'm sure she insisted she be taken to the spot where her father fell. It didn't matter how far it was out in the woods. She carried her cross and her decorations and the memorial ceremony was held there.

The memorial has been faded by time. I know that her grief has too, because it couldn't be as sharp or painful now as it was that Christmas when she was a preteen. But, being a father too, I know the love between the girl and her dad hasn't faded one bit. And it never will.

I didn't know why I was moved to spend Easter wandering Dan's Mountain this year. I do now.

I came across this memorial again. And once again the elements had scattered the components of the memorial. I set to work and set it right. Then, in the deep solitude of the forest, I remembered the love between the Father and His Child. I was where I had been led, doing exactly what I should have been doing.

It occured to me that I might have a way to learn who the girl is, and get her to send me fresh components of her memorial to her fallen father. I could remake the memorial. I could even lead her there again. Maybe the magic of the internet, all of us working together, could get the job done. If you know this girl, who is now grown, and any background to the story, I'd appreciate knowing. Thanks!

The memorial is next to this beautiful brook. I continued my walk, following the brook for awhile and eventually roaming up into the highlands.

It was a retreat of sorts. My heart was soaring with the lesson for the day: Love will never fade.

I think it was the best Easter I ever had.