Tender mercies and my brown-eyed boy

Owen talks about my dad a lot, which is interesting since he's never met him.  My dad passed away over 10 years ago.  We do talk about him, because I want my kids to know all they can about their grandpa.  We eat his favorite sandwich on his birthday and laugh at the way Jason describes how intimidated he felt the first time he met the very protective Gunnery Sergeant Jones.  I know they would have loved being around him, because everyone did.  A couple days ago I was putting Owen's shoes on, getting ready to rush off somewhere when Owen stopped me in my tracks.  Suddenly his adorable brown eyes got big and he said, "Grandpa Jones"...and something I couldn't understand over Matthew's sudden yelling about who-knows-what.  After Matt left the room I asked Owen what he said about Grandpa Jones.  He smiled and said, "He drives a truck."  My dad loved trucks, was a truck driver, and had an enormous collection of model trucks in his office.  I'm sure I've mentioned my dad's love of trucks to my kids, I know I have, but I love moments like this when Owen randomly talks about my dad.  It helps me feel close to him and reminds me that he's still part of my life.  I can't see him right now, but I believe he's not far away and I know I'll see him again.  I miss him more than words can express and I look forward to hugging him tightly one day.  I love my sweet brown-eyed boy for reminding me to occasionally stop and remember how lucky I am to have been blessed with such a wonderful father.