Tripp Jennings: The Boy Who Found His Voice

Tripp Jennings: The Boy Who Found His Voice

Tripp Jennings, a spirited twelve-year-old, is the epitome of luck in the eyes of many. Residing in the serene landscapes of Nebraska's Sandhills, he lives an extraordinary life, surrounded by his unique but loving family. The Jennings family's farm, known as Vintage Land and Cattle, is renowned as one of the largest cow-calf operations not only in Cherry County but across the entire country.

Tripp's father, Henry "AgHank" Jennings, is a household name as the charismatic host of the TV show "Come Grow With Us." This popular show educates viewers about the origins of their food and how it's cultivated. What makes it even more special is that Tripp serves as his father's co-host, capturing the hearts of young audiences far and wide.

At the tender age of twelve, Tripp is already a sensation at Ingelside Middle School in Valentine, Nebraska. His popularity extends beyond the school's walls, with over 200,000 Instagram followers. Together with his dad, he co-owns Baller Cattle, a clothing and design company that specializes in products for active kids and adults. Tripp loves to wear a GoPro camera on his helmet, ensuring that his exciting adventures are always well-documented.

Tripp's dearest friend is TED, the world's smartest calf, who is always by his side. They are an inseparable pair, known for their playful pranks on Raffa, a 22-year-old exchange student from Sinaloa, Mexico. Raffa, a member of their unconventional family, plays the role of Tripp's older brother and protector. His arrival brought a sense of comfort to Tripp, who had experienced a difficult childhood marked by illness and bullying.

Together, Tripp, TED, and Raffa embarked on an extraordinary venture—Tripp's TEDtastic Adventurland. This captivating attraction not only graces the Sandhills but has earned its place as one of Nebraska's must-visit destinations. It offers thrilling rides, engaging events, and educational attractions that enlighten people about the origins of food. This adventureland even serves as the backdrop for AgHank's TV series.

Tripp's journey hasn't always been this enchanting. His early years were filled with hardships, marked by frequent hospital visits. Tripp was aware that he wouldn't grow to be the biggest child in school, and this fact was a source of disappointment for his dad, who had hoped Tripp would excel in sports like football, baseball, and basketball, just as he did.

Tripp's smaller stature made him an easy target for bullies, and he often found solace on the farm with his animal friends. Among them, he formed a deep bond with his mother, Susan. Susan was his guiding light, the one who sang him to sleep and told him stories as they waited for Henry to return from work.

However, tragedy struck the Jennings family when Susan was diagnosed with cancer. In a matter of months, their beloved "Center Pivot," as Henry affectionately called her, was gone.

The loss of his mother hit Tripp hard. At seven years old, he suddenly stopped talking. He withdrew into a world of silence, speaking to no one, not even his father. Instead, he sought solace in the company of his animal companions.

During this challenging time, Raffa's presence became a beacon of hope. Raffa had joined their family six months before, and he quickly became Tripp's protector, putting an end to the bullying at school. But Raffa played an even more critical role—he brought TED into their lives.

TED, the clever calf rescued by Raffa from a ferocious storm, formed an inexplicable bond with Tripp. It was as if they could communicate in a language only they understood. Raffa, observing their unique connection, decided to engage Tripp in a project to help him cope with his grief.

One day, Raffa overheard voices outside the barn and discovered something astonishing—Tripp was talking. Raffa assumed that Tripp had brought a friend home from school, but to his surprise, Tripp was conversing with TED. This was a pivotal moment in Tripp's journey, as his father, AgHank, walked in and learned of their extraordinary bond.

AgHank was overjoyed that his son had found his voice, and he embraced the unusual family dynamic. He allowed them to build bunk beds for Tripp, TED, and even Jacker, TED's duck. Despite the unconventional living arrangements, AgHank was grateful that TED had helped Tripp find his way back.

Now, it's the five of them—AgHank, Raffa, Tripp, TED, and Jacker—living under one roof, not as a conventional family but as a family bonded by love. Together, they have shown the world that unity and love can create something truly extraordinary.

About AgHank

AgHank is a beloved children's book series that revolves around the life of Henry "AgHank" Jennings, a 52-year-old widower residing in Valentine, Nebraska. Living with him on their farm are his 12-year-old son, Tripp, his adopted son, Rey "Raffa" Morales, and two extraordinary animal companions—TED, the smartest CALF in the world, and Jacker, a duck who comically believes he is a cow. The Jennings family has deep roots in Cherry County, a region often recognized as the cow-capital of the world.   MORE...