For the speech I thought that I was a lot more prepared than I actually was. You see… normally whenever I have to give a speech and I know that I’m going to mention my dad which usually becomes quite emotional for me I always volunteer to go first so that I can have my emotions on check and not have it affected by anyone else’s speech. This time around hearing everyone’s stories first just messed up my emotions to the point that I was a blubbering baby and everything that I had prepared went out the window. It’s not so much that I was nervous, I use to go to a performing arts school so I’m okay with being in front of a crowd but when you’re performing it’s usually someone else’s words that you’re saying and not your own words and emotions. It’s not always as interconnected with you as your own history is. No matter how much time has passed since my dad has passed away, talking about him is still very raw for me as if its still a fresh wound; that is why I generally tend to shy away from talking about him . For the most part I had my emotions in check through everyone’s speech although there were times that I had to try my best to hold back the tears but when Richard started telling his story and the meaning behind his tattoos I started blubbering like a baby. Also Lynn’s story and the moment that she had with her mom was very touching as I related to her a lot since I always find it hard to communicate with my mom.