Random Childhood Memories

I truly didn't have that bad of a childhood.  When I talk about memories it seems that the bad ones are discussed more than the good but...... I think that is only natural.

I never really knew my maternal grandfather.  He divorced my grandmother many years before and I can only assume that upon starting a new family his old one suffered.  Mom never really talked about him much but there were visits - just not often.  About the only real fact that I know about my grandfather is that he died of cancer.  He knowingly and willingly worked in an environment that exposed him to asbestos.  Granted back in those days I know people didn't realize the effects of working with this deadly material.  Now days there are Mesothelioma lawyers to help people.

My paternal grandfather was a pretty big part of my life.  He died of cancer when I was in the sixth grade.  His cancer was caused by my grandmothers chain-smoking habit.  He is proof that second hand smoke kills.  She would light a cigarette and most of the time it sat in the ash tray just burning.  He was not a smoker but his lungs were as damaged as a lifetime smoker.  Oddly enough my grandmother is still going strong at 95.  

The other day I was trying to determine if I had any relationships in my life which I refused to speak to family members.  My initial answer was no but now I remember that I have no desire to ever speak to my grandmother, and I didn't speak to my dad for a couple years.  Other than that I am good.