I Did Not Leave

Do not stand at my grave and grieve.

I am not there. I did not leave.

I am the sunrise that wakes you with a soft warm glow.

I am the refreshing rainfall that you have come to know.

I am the sunlight that dances on the trees.

I am the sweet and gentle breeze.

I am the eagle and the osprey that soar high above.

I am with you always because of friendship and love.

I am the setting sun at the day’s last light.

I am the twinkling star that catches your eye in the night.

So, do not stand at my grave and grieve.

I am not there. I did not leave.

     -     Lance Fuhrman 2012

The Last Day

It's only been a few weeks since you had to go and could not stay

But, I will never ever forget that oppressively sad and somber day

We were all gathered and reminiscing about family ties

When you tried to pull a fast one and slip away without our prying eyes

But then, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star played in the hall

Liz sounded the alarm and Steve made sure to gather us all

We came to your bedside to be with you and hold your hand

Silently we waited and watched as you departed for the Promised Land

We were sad to see you go but, took comfort in your long and adventurous life

You will be forever missed by your family and of course Mary your loving wife

Your friends will miss you as a mentor, storyteller, and true comrade

But, the saddest ones, of this I know, will be those that call you Dad


      -     Lance Fuhrman 2012

Just checking in

Dad, I was just thinking about you again today

Wondering what I could have done to be better along the way

I wish I could let you know how much you really meant to me

Hopefully you already know and that you will forever be in my heart and my memory

Yes, we will re-tell the stories to our children and grandchildren that you have told us

The ones of working on the tug boat, the narrows bridge, the viaduct, and driving a bus

We will reminisce about spending time with you in the car and at the lake hearing you sing

Especially of you belting out Cool Water and leaving our ears with a bit of a ring

We will share stories of how hard you worked throughout your entire life

There will be tales of your travels and adventures and wintering in Arizona with the love of your life

Of course we will talk of how much you liked Thanksgiving and Christmas time each year

How you were happiest when entertaining your friends and family and everyone who was so dear

We will speak of all the fun times and many friends at Mineral Lake, your favorite fishing spot

And how you loved to come back in to shore and say “Look what the Fuhrmantor caught!”

Your children and their children will all chime in and tell stories too

The tales of your strength and wisdom and how much fun it was just spending time with you.

But alas old and young will join in this all too familiar refrain. 

Man, I wish he was still here so we could do it all over again.

One final note before I sign off for the night

I will talk to you again tomorrow; I hope that is all right.

      -      Lance Fuhrman 2012

I was totin' my pack along the dusty Winnemucca road, When along came a semi with a high an' canvas-covered load. "If you're goin' to Winnemucca, Mack, with me you can ride." And so I climbed into the cab and then I settled down inside. He asked me if I'd seen a road with so much dust and sand. And I said, "Listen, I've traveled every road in this here land!"

[Chorus:] I've been everywhere, man. I've been everywhere, man. Crossed the desert's bare, man. I've breathed the mountain air, man. Of travel I've had my share, man. I've been everywhere.

I've been to: Reno, Chicago, Fargo, Minnesota, Buffalo, Toronto, Winslow, Sarasota, Wichita, Tulsa, Ottawa, Oklahoma, Tampa, Panama, Mattawa, La Paloma, Bangor, Baltimore, Salvador, Amarillo, Tocapillo, Baranquilla, and Perdilla, I'm a killer.

[Chorus]
I've been to: Boston, Charleston, Dayton, Louisiana, Washington, Houston, Kingston, Texarkana, Monterey, Faraday, Santa Fe, Tallapoosa, Glen Rock, Black Rock, Little Rock, Oskaloosa, Tennessee to Tennesse Chicopee, Spirit Lake, Grand Lake, Devils Lake, Crater Lake, for Pete's sake.

[Chorus]
I've been to: Louisville, Nashville, Knoxville, Ombabika, Schefferville, Jacksonville, Waterville, Costa Rica, Pittsfield, Springfield, Bakersfield, Shreveport, Hackensack, Cadillac, Fond du Lac, Davenport, Idaho, Jellico, Argentina, Diamantina, Pasadena, Catalina, see what I mean-a.

[Chorus]
I've been to: Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravelbourg, Colorado, Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, Eldorado, Larimore, Admore, Haverstraw, Chatanika, Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika, Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City, Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City, what a pity.
[Chorus]

http://youtu.be/3rLK3dfyfUo


This song reminds me of Ralph. When we were young kids and on trips back and forth from Spokane to Tacoma, Ralph would sing "Cool Clear Water". He belted this out with much gusto! We kids were quite embarrassed. Good times remembered! Please click the link above to listen.