Past – Page 4 – Past Present Future

A Preview of My Dad’s Past, Through His Eyes and Words

Published on February 8, 2017September 24, 2018 by McKenzieLeave a comment

German PW’s are completing work on a volley ball court. Soon after they finished we played a game.

Bernard McKenzie, June 24, 1945

With a camera and a pen, my dad recorded for all of us many of his experiences and thoughts while in Europe during World War 2. With nearly 200 photos, many of which have incredible descriptions inked on the back, my dad left me a bit of a puzzle. While I have a pretty good idea of my dad’s story–including the six-month interruption in these photos caused by his internment by the Germans–spending the time to focus on these photos and inscriptions while I publish them here will surely help me fill in some of the blanks. I plan to tell the story of this enlisted member of the Army’s 87th Infantry Division, the Golden Acorns. And in doing so, I want to share his story told by these amazing mementos with the world.

A Meeting with President Truman, April 1948

Published on January 31, 2017September 25, 2018 by McKenzieLeave a comment

On April 1, 1948, my father Bernard McKenzie, his best friend Marshall Hanley, and Marshall’s wife accompanied Hanley’s family friend Sherman Minton to meet with President Harry S. Truman at the White House. Less than 18 months later, Truman tapped Minton to become the newest member of the United States Supreme Court. I wish I knew what they talked about. It was actually my dad’s second visit with President Truman. More on that later.

An Incomplete Family Medical History

Published on January 31, 2017January 31, 2017 by McKenzieLeave a comment

meniscus-surgery

I’m 52 years old, and except for today’s right knee menisectomy, right rotator cuff surgery three and a half years ago, right Achilles repair nearly 25 years ago, and left shoulder dislocation repair 33 years ago, I’ve been incredibly fortunate with my health. And in times like these when doctors are prescribing opiates for minor surgeries such as these and even lesser ailments, I realize I handle pain well and even revel in getting back to normal as quickly as possible. But god forbid I get a splinter or a blister…it’s for times like those that I stockpile those narcotics!

If my grandchildren unearth this blog one day, they can feel at ease that no McKenzie genes should make them worry about the first 52 years of their health. My dad had surgically removed bladder cancer in his 40s, and my mom had hypertension diagnosed in her 40s, but the health scares that ended their lives in their 80s were age-related accidents and cancers.

I feel incredibly blessed that my ailments have been so trivial. I feel even more fortunate that my family’s health has been even better. In terms of health, looking to the past can help predict the future, but it’s probably yet another part of life where it’s even better to be lucky than good!