shovels and rakes and implements of destruction

Well, my mom won't speak to her dad, and I will barely speak to mine, but she and I have a great reltionship. We can talk about anything, like you and your mom. I'd call raising a kid that you can have a real relationship with--talking like equals and involved in each other's lives (instead of silent loathing) is a win. Your mom sounds great. That's my 2 cents,anyway! :D