My grandmother raised me, didn't knew how to read or write and yet had a business on NYC on the 40's and 50's. Raised close to 30 children from the neighborhood when she was young. She said my grandfather was the worst long tongue liar she ever saw.

Ever read 2 years at the mast. fantastic book [true story] of life at sea around 1860 . My grandfather and his brother in law were the crew that helped design and implemented the mulberry harbour at normandy [this gave the allies an instant dock. ] it survived the huge storm day 4 of the invasion unlike the american version which was lost

My maternal grandfather at 16 was on a railway survey team and so was one of the first Europeans in many of our western areas.

Last year, I learned that my maternal grandmother was ex-communicated from the catholic church for "witchcraft". I have always believed she was the most awesome person I've ever known, but that was just the cherry-on-top for me.