Gift #87- Hank's Story Telling

Hank comes from a long line of practical jokers and story tellers.  I did not have the chance to meet Hank's Grandfather before he passed away, but I have heard that this larger-than-life man could tell a story or a joke like no one else.  Hank did not necessarily inherit the joke-telling gene.  He knows that about himself and is ok with it.  He still tries occassionally and this is very endearing to me.  About mid-way through one of Hank's jokes or funny stories I usually begin to laugh.  He realizes that I am not laughing at the joke, but at him telling the joke.  Then he laughs at himself trying to make me laugh.  It is one of our crazy things.  

BUT....  I think that he did inherit the story-telling gene.  Just mention the subject of flying and you will see what I mean!  Hank can tell some flying stories.  He becomes so animated.  He uses his hands to illustrate his story.  He makes all manner of jet engine noises.  He turns into a big kid! You can tell that he is passionate about his craft.  He gets particularly excited when the story involves some kind of danger or near-death experience.  He usually doesn't tell me these types of stories.  He saves them for dinner guests and I hear them over dessert.  Sometimes I smile at him sweetly and kick him under the table.  Other times, I pretend like I have heard it a hundred times and just keep pouring the coffee.    I am not sure which is a bigger blessing, Hank's endearing inability to tell a joke or his super ability to tell a great flying story.  I like them both.  I am sure that his Grandpa would be very proud to hear one of his tales.  My friend Jen took these pictures of Hank when he was visiting in Beaufort last summer.  I stumbled across them today and they made me smile.