Leland Threebells and Vivianne Hawberry had decided that they were going to enjoy Christmas morning snowshoeing. They had only been on the trail for a few minutes when they rounded a corner and stopped. There was a solitary figure a short distance ahead, sitting with his back against a tree.

It was obvious from the man's complexion and lack of any breath-cloud that he was beyond any help that they could provide.

Vivienne made her way to his side and knelt beside him. She studied his face carefully for several minutes. Then she looked up at Leland.

"He has found peace. He has no remorse."

Leland nodded his head very slowly.

Vivienne wiped away the snow which had accumulated on the sign that hung around the man's neck. She started to read it.

"My name is Lawrence. I'm sorry that you had to find me but I am now exactly where I want to be. Please call my daughter, Justine, and let her know where I am. Thank you and God Bless you".

Vivienne closed her eyes and began to gently rock back and forth, singing in a soft voice.

Leland fumbled around in his pocket and pulled out a small packet of sweet grass. He walked over to the Pine tree and picked up a branch that had broken off and fallen into the tree well. Kneeling in front of Lawrence he took a pinch of sweet grass and laid it on the branch, then lit it with a match. The earthy smell of the smoldering sweet grass filled the crisp air around the makeshift sanctuary. Leland closed his eyes and began to rock in time with Vivienne's rhythmic singing.

After a few minutes the sweet grass had been consumed. Vivienne stopped singing and without opening her eyes, she spoke.

"Lawrence, we have a saying that has come into my mind as I sang."

"When you were born, you cried but the world rejoiced."

"Now, the world cries and you rejoice."

Leland and Vivienne got up and stood solemnly in front of Lawrence.

Leland pulled out his cell phone and called the number written at the bottom of the sign.

"Hello, is this Justine?"