tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post300982977181271508..comments2024-01-05T09:23:57.540-05:00Comments on Mr. Grudge: But for the Grace of an Old, Army JeepMichael J. Kannengieserhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-61141630860432007432008-05-07T17:17:00.000-04:002008-05-07T17:17:00.000-04:00Hi Spirit,For you...I'd be happy to do a meme. Tha...Hi Spirit,<BR/>For you...I'd be happy to do a meme. Thanks. I'll get to by next week some time. I have a few items to post here on on the other blog I am invloved with. Thanks again, and it's great to see you back. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-63608798568090484502008-05-06T02:17:00.000-04:002008-05-06T02:17:00.000-04:00Hey again (see, I really am back online this time....Hey again (see, I really am back online this time. I showed up twice in a row *winks*), just wanted to let you know that I've tagged you for the 'Random Things' meme if you'd like to do it. Purely optional. :)Feeby Nekohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04100258685580124299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-11127263641531543862008-05-05T10:28:00.000-04:002008-05-05T10:28:00.000-04:00Hi Dripping Mind,I appreciate you stopping by and ...Hi Dripping Mind,<BR/>I appreciate you stopping by and I am glad you can relate to this story. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-85553197692099762982008-05-02T23:25:00.000-04:002008-05-02T23:25:00.000-04:00This article is truly remarkable. I practically gr...This article is truly remarkable. I practically grew up with much influence by the Franciscans, being gone to catholic schools administered by the order. It is one thing that I can personally relate to some aspect of this story, but the approach, and the wisdom that might have touch your heart to write this simply radiates and felt as one goes on to read this. It's a blessing in its own way Mike. :-)<BR/><BR/>Leofina JaneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-72148273863701449522008-05-02T10:22:00.000-04:002008-05-02T10:22:00.000-04:00Hello Ceris,How wonderful to meet you. I just cma ...Hello Ceris,<BR/>How wonderful to meet you. I just cma e back from your blog and your poetry is powerful, emotional, and vivid. I will go back when i have a bit more time and give your work the reading it deserves. As for your comment here:<BR/><BR/><I>"My point is, irrational as it may seem I feel that if I tell his story I will somehow bring comfort to the souls of those he left behind (all since dead) and to my father, who never met him but who was aware of his ghost and how it haunted my grandfather to his grave."</I><BR/><BR/>Your desire to tell the story of your great uncle is not irrational, but noble. It is the writer who becomes the historian, and who chronicles the details of a person's life, be him or her a family member or freind, or person of note. I would imagine that the details of his death would come as comfort to his family indeed, no matter how belated, because time does heal all wounds...and who knows? You may have healed his soul. <BR/><BR/>I am always on the lookout for writers and their blogs because I am eager to learn more about this craft of writing. I am a bit slow to post lately due to a heavy workload; but when I do post, I try to come up with something folks will want to read. Thank you so much for stopping by. I look forward to reading much more of your writing, and please stop by again. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-75858319028787899732008-05-02T10:15:00.000-04:002008-05-02T10:15:00.000-04:00Hi Spirit! It's been a long while...and i am glasd...Hi Spirit! <BR/><BR/>It's been a long while...and i am glasd to see you back. Hope all is well, and i just checked out your blog. Be well. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-63084475781651238632008-05-02T10:14:00.000-04:002008-05-02T10:14:00.000-04:00Hi Ange,Gos to see you back. Thank you very much f...Hi Ange,<BR/>Gos to see you back. Thank you very much for your kind words about my writing. I appreciate it. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-26326091484739182172008-05-02T10:08:00.000-04:002008-05-02T10:08:00.000-04:00Hi Max,"Your dad's story is incredible and if you ...Hi Max,<BR/><BR/><I>"Your dad's story is incredible and if you don't mind I would like to say that God brought you dad home so that he could call you and ask "when am I seeing my grandchildren" :)."</I><BR/><BR/>Thank you so much for the kind words about my writing. As far as your reasoning for why God brought him home...so simple isn't it? I guess the answer is in front of all of our faces as to why we are here: so that we may love each other and support and nuture one another. <BR/><BR/><I>"When am I going to see my grandchildren?"</I><BR/>Any time you want, Dad. Any time indeed. <BR/><BR/>Thank you Max.<BR/><BR/>-Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-12817667048839237752008-05-02T10:04:00.000-04:002008-05-02T10:04:00.000-04:00Hi 1st Lady,"You've just made me look up an old ph...Hi 1st Lady,<BR/><BR/><I>"You've just made me look up an old photo I have here on my computer of my grandad and great uncle in their WWII army uniforms, and I'm smiling remembering them..."</I><BR/><BR/>I am only happy to have helped you remember your grandfather and your great uncle. What happened to them during the war? Are they still with us? Would you be willing to record their story for history? Thak you so much for reading, 1st lady. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-45501667191973694762008-05-02T10:02:00.000-04:002008-05-02T10:02:00.000-04:00Hi JJ Loch,"My FIL can't speak of his WWII experie...Hi JJ Loch,<BR/><I>"My FIL can't speak of his WWII experiences either. He was on the boat that carried the photographer who snapped the pic of that famous flag raising, and the days that preceded that were the worst he's ever lived through."</I><BR/><BR/>Your father in law's story must be facinating...as is al of those who fought. He witnessed such an historical event, it may be worth while to ask him about it...and then to write his history. It was extremely tough, and very painful to get my dad to talk about his experiences. All told, it took me twenty years of pestering him. Ultimately, he did so, and on his own terms. In answer to your question, he has not read anything I've written about him. There's are several posts on this blog about his war expereinces. I'm sorry he will not look at them. Thanks for the answer, JJ. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-32966807977668797322008-05-02T05:37:00.000-04:002008-05-02T05:37:00.000-04:00Hey Mr Grudge, I stumbled across your blog and I'm...Hey Mr Grudge, I stumbled across your blog and I'm glad I did, I enjoyed this post very much, also the comments. Coincidentally (or not, given the current world climate) I have been much moved recently by my own research into my grandfather's brother.Aged just 18,(or possibly 17, and therefore underage, I've yet to confirm his exact date of birth)he went missing in action in the trenches towards the end of WW1. His family never learned the details of how or where he died, or that he was remembered on a Memorial to the Missing at a Belgian war cemetery - to them he was just gone, wiped out except in their hearts. Thanks to the Web I've since obtained his unit's war diaries and contemporary newspaper reports from the field, enough to reconstruct his last days and to know that "missing in action" in his case meant blown to pieces. <BR/>My point is, irrational as it may seem I feel that if I tell his story I will somehow bring comfort to the souls of those he left behind (all since dead) and to my father, who never met him but who was aware of his ghost and how it haunted my grandfather to his grave. <BR/>Ripples in the continuum of life - like you, I'm not religious, but moved by and for the sake of some undefinable spirit that runs through all humanity.<BR/>Anyway, that's an ongoing project and will take a while to complete. Meanwhile I would be honoured if you visited www.earthsedge.blogspot.com, where I have posted some of my recent work. (Excuse the push, I don't get many visitors!)<BR/>CerisCerishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05355504974639604413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-85323781856700697692008-05-01T06:08:00.000-04:002008-05-01T06:08:00.000-04:00*poke* Hey you, sorry I haven't been around for aw...*poke* Hey you, sorry I haven't been around for awhile, had a lot of net problems. Just wanted to let you know that you aren't forgotten and hoping all is well with you, your family, and friends. Peace, peace!Feeby Nekohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04100258685580124299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-51387011745472277052008-04-30T10:46:00.000-04:002008-04-30T10:46:00.000-04:00Mike, your words moved me as always. I felt like ...Mike, your words moved me as always. I felt like I was there with you... riding in your car and at one stage, I forgot where I was! Beautiful piece and wonderful memories.angesbizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14852914069349493682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-20221438481048045782008-04-30T10:36:00.000-04:002008-04-30T10:36:00.000-04:00Hello Mike,I nearly lack the words to describe thi...Hello Mike,<BR/><BR/>I nearly lack the words to describe this text: it is simply sublime!<BR/><BR/>I loved reading it and as I did I could see all the images in front of me.<BR/>Your dad's story is incredible and if you don't mind I would like to say that God brought you dad home so that he could call you and ask "when am I seeing my grandchildren" :).<BR/><BR/>I know what you mean about being more spiritual than religious and I wished more people were like that. The most important thing is that you believe in God.<BR/>I am not Catholic, nor Christian for all that matter (although my parents are Roman Catholics), but I respect the pope (what an interesting individual).<BR/><BR/>I hope your wife and daughter are feeling better!<BR/><BR/>Have a great week!<BR/><BR/>CheersMax Coutinhohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588149349270422294noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-33527275426823168532008-04-30T08:14:00.000-04:002008-04-30T08:14:00.000-04:00I have a very old Jeep pedal car in my garage. I b...I have a very old Jeep pedal car in my garage. I bought it at a yard sale and have always been meaning to fix it up. You've just made me look up an old photo I have here on my computer of my grandad and great uncle in their WWII army uniforms, and I'm smiling remembering them...1st Ladyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08793382157442722513noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-4383142594479261862008-04-29T22:17:00.000-04:002008-04-29T22:17:00.000-04:00Mike, a great post full of nostalgia, poignancy an...Mike, a great post full of nostalgia, poignancy and love for your father. Has he read this?<BR/><BR/><BR/>My FIL can't speak of his WWII experiences either. He was on the boat that carried the photographer who snapped the pic of that famous flag raising, and the days that preceded that were the worst he's ever lived through.<BR/><BR/>Hugs, JJNature Nut /JJ Lochhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02895220529481743313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-36412280701409849412008-04-29T18:21:00.000-04:002008-04-29T18:21:00.000-04:00Hi Peter,"On the 25 April us Aussies celebrate ANZ...Hi Peter,<BR/><I>"On the 25 April us Aussies celebrate ANZAC day to commemorate the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli during the First World War."</I><BR/><BR/>It is great to learn about another countrie's history from someone who knows it first hand. I saw the movie "Gallipoli" with Mel gibson years ago, and it was brutal what those poor soldiers endured. I also appreciate your sentiment about soldiers overseas involved in battle today. I too share that thought, and I look forward to our men and women coming home soon. Thank you Peter. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-73911518553547976562008-04-29T18:18:00.000-04:002008-04-29T18:18:00.000-04:00Hi Bob,"My Dad was a liberator, went through on a ...Hi Bob,<BR/><I>"My Dad was a liberator, went through on a motor bike to all the little towns to give the people notice they were again free, Being one of the first people through he was shot at frequently by snipers in trees, doen't talk much of the war, glad to have him here still.</I> I'd love to hear you father's story. It was suggested to me a long while agao to record my father's expereinces so it can be a part of our family's history. It's taking me a while because his memories are too painful to recount at great length. But, he has acknowledged a need to re-connect with his past and come to terms with what happened to him. I applaud your father's service to his nation. Like I said, you should sit down with him, grab a video recorder...and ask a lot of questions, my freind. Thank you. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-84198101951093407212008-04-29T18:15:00.000-04:002008-04-29T18:15:00.000-04:00Hi Mike (M1)"Made me think of all the "normal" peo...Hi Mike (M1)<BR/><BR/><I>"Made me think of all the "normal" people living their normal lives out there going to work - doing the shopping - cleaning the car - whilst inside their minds are wonders, stories, tradegy ,death and hope."</I> Well said, Mike. And it is up to us writers to make those stories, the ones running through people's heads, come to life in the stories we make up. I am glad you liked the story, mate. Thank you. -Mike (M2).Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-28804923525180830152008-04-29T18:14:00.000-04:002008-04-29T18:14:00.000-04:00Hi JD,Your father in law's advice no doubt kept hi...Hi JD,<BR/>Your father in law's advice no doubt kept him alive, and thankfully so. I am sorry to hear of his death, and we are losing WWII veterans at an alarming rate. I do this, write stories of my father's experiences, to chronicle his story and to keep a record of his contribution, no matter how insignificant he thinks it was. Thanks JD.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-14641578006657878502008-04-29T18:11:00.000-04:002008-04-29T18:11:00.000-04:00Hi Kathy,I always appreciate your discussion of yo...Hi Kathy,<BR/>I always appreciate your discussion of your feeling swith regards to my work. You make my head swell! I am glad you enjoyed this one. Thank you. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-10664748571565066692008-04-29T18:05:00.000-04:002008-04-29T18:05:00.000-04:00Hi Swubird,I could not have said it beter myself. ...Hi Swubird,<BR/>I could not have said it beter myself. You stated elegantly what I was trying to sya and it took me about 1,100 words to do it. You did it in about thirty. Thanks for the eloquent comment. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-2714253614080962882008-04-29T18:04:00.000-04:002008-04-29T18:04:00.000-04:00Hi Poetikat,"As a daughter, I have not really iden...Hi Poetikat,<BR/><I>"As a daughter, I have not really identified with his experience, though I have heard many tales."</I><BR/><BR/>It took me a while to identify with my dad's experience because he never cooperated until later years. Your dad's service is admirable, and thanks to men like him, we have a safer world. That is why I write these stories about my dad, so none of us forget the sacrifices of veterans and to learn about myself through my father. Thanks Poetikat for sharing your personal stiry about your father. Your love for him is apparent. -Mike.Michael J. Kannengieserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02260343556851550757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-88302033882645573822008-04-29T13:45:00.000-04:002008-04-29T13:45:00.000-04:00Hi! A wonderful and heart warming story incorporat...Hi! A wonderful and heart warming story incorporating three generations from the other side of the world.<BR/><BR/>We may be from different parts of the world but one thing that we do have in common is that we've had family fight for our freedom.<BR/><BR/>On the 25 April us Aussies celebrate ANZAC day to commemorate the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces at Gallipoli during the First World War.<BR/><BR/>If it wasn't for them the likes of me wouldn't be around to enjoy what we have today.<BR/><BR/>I thank them and the countless millions that served and died in all the great wars, including current day wars for our freedom.<BR/><BR/>That thanks also goes to your father and to you for telling this great story.<BR/><BR/>Please God, for the many that are now fighting overseas, may they come home soon, safe and well.<BR/><BR/>Take Care,<BR/>Peter<BR/>PS The deleted comment was mine - I made a blue.Peterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12097919387041286154noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36188871.post-33096007380868680802008-04-29T13:41:00.000-04:002008-04-29T13:41:00.000-04:00This comment has been removed by the author.Peterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12097919387041286154noreply@blogger.com