That is such a thoughtful thing to do, Sean. I am sure this story will help your mom to see your grandparents in a different light and help her process some of what she went through as a child.

I first met my husband's grandfather, Charlie when he was in his 80s. My impression of him was a lovely, funny, kind old soul. My father-on-law says he was a very difficult man, mean to his wife and tough on his two boys. It seems Charlie mellowed in his later years - when life had become easier for him. He was a stoker in the navy and who knows what kind of hardships he had to deal with during the war - maybe some unresolved PTSD? It's always good to give people the benefit of the doubt and be kind.