A New Life Goal

Nothing is more pleasing than the sound of a gentle chuckle or a hearty guffaw especially when you evoke this response from your jolly father, Skip Jennings. Now this may seem to be an easy task as parents typically praise and encourage their children, instilling confidence and belief that everything they do is amazing. And I cannot complain because my dad does this in nearly every aspect. However a recent discussion with my loving, X-chromosome donating father left me perplexed. When asked to describe me in three adjectives, I left the room heartbroken as “funny” was not on his list. Seriously dad? You laugh at me all the time! How could I not be the funniest person you’ve met in your life?!

Dad is constantly laughing. His face reddens as tears stream down his face and his lungs gasp for air every time a bad pun is made. It seems as if every time I go home for a visit, we start yukking it up and I describe my new AWESOME idea of my perfect life plan. My father’s head tilts back and his belly begins to shake while producing a deep hearty laugh that is easily one of his most distinguishable qualities. This has been a common theme since the beginning of my youth. I’ll never forget the day my six-year-old self walked up to my father and told him that I wanted to be an astronaut. The laughter, which would become a common theme in my life, began as my father quickly shot down my hopes and dreams by reminding me that astronauts had to be good at science and I hated science class.

Around my dad, I pull out my most sarcastic responses, find the irony in every situation, and perform my best imitations (mostly of family members, sorry Chris). It makes me happy to see my dad’s face turn a deep shade of red as I think to myself “My dad thinks I’m funny!” But alas, I am wrong. However, I will not give up. I will strive and continue to make my father laugh until he believes with all of his heart and soul that I am the funniest person he knows. It is my new life goal.

Dad's favorite joke:
Me - "Dad I think you're getting deaf in your old age."
Dad - "Huh?"
Me - "You're going deaf."
Dad - "What? I didn't hear you."