Year End Motorcycle Road Song and Tribute to Dad

by LIz Jansen

While driving my car down a popular motorcycle pine-tree-lined road a few years ago, Jim Croce’s I’ve Got a Name came over the radio. The lyrics sang a custom fit to my time and place in life.

Now they reached even deeper into my heart. By researching my ancestral roots for Crash Landing, I’ve reconnected with me.

The motorcycle trip I took in 2016 that followed the migration of my grandparents opened my eyes, understanding, and appreciation for their lives. They arrived in Canada as refugees in the 1920’s, moving thousands of miles over decades, trying to make a go of it.

They passed their experiences, courage, strength, and resilience to their children, my parents. My parents tried to pass them to me.

It was a profound honor to take my dad to visit his Alberta childhood homes in August. That trip brought his life full circle. We didn’t know he’d be gone less than two months later.

I’ve Got a Name is the perfect road song, whether you’re on a motorcycle your life’s road.. Listen and sing, live, and ride along!

Here’s to rolling me down the highway, moving ahead so life won’t pass me by.