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.
