Introductory Speech

Did you know that the Ford Mustang is the only muscle car that has remained in constant design and production for almost 5 decades? From the 1964 ½ model to today’s 5th generation model, the Mustang still remains as one of America’s top selling muscle cars. Not many people would choose their muscle car to compare themselves to but you will see my car, the Ford Mustang, and I are characteristically similar in several ways. Like the Mustang, I am strong- like the car’s engine. I am reliable and dependable and still going strong after almost 5 decades and many physical revisions. The engine of the Mustang is strong and powerful and symbolizes my strength, both mentally and physically, to endure the many hardships I have had throughout my life. I was in a fatal car accident at the age of 2 that killed 4 people in the other car. I sustained a large head would that required 64 stitches across the back of my head and I also had 2 crushed ankles. My parents were told that I would most likely never walk again. I underwent many reconstructive surgeries on my ankles and spent over 6 months in casts that started at my toes and went to the tops of my thighs. My persisting strength became evident after the casts were removed and I began to walk once again. As I got older, I was able to play many sports like softball and basketball and never allowed anything to slow me down or get in my way. It just goes to show that a strong will can trump any doctors’ prognosis. I was raised to be a very reliable and dependable person. I was taught to always be on time, preferably early, for anything and everything. This trait was instilled in me by my father and is also a trait that I have instilled in my children. I was also taught through many different situations that if you are going to do something, make sure that you do it right the first time and you do it with the very best of your ability. Also, never to tell anyone that you will do something or take care of something for them and not do it. Lastly, I am still going strong in my life after almost 5 decades and many physical revisions. I have had to have close to 15 surgeries so far in my life but I am still very strong and energetic like I was when I was younger. Age has slowed me down only a small amount. I have managed to raise 5 children and now have 6 beautiful grandchildren. I’ve also had my right knee replaced within the last 7 months and no one is able to tell physically. I walk completely normal like anyone else and I don’t have to endure the pain anymore. I was so focused on getting myself back to “normal” that my strength allowed me to be able to return to my job only 8 weeks after the surgery. I have a very physical job and am on my feet 8-10 hours a day so the first couple of weeks were quite challenging, but I conquered that challenge. Now you can understand how my car, the Ford Mustang, and I are characteristically similar. I am strong, very reliable and dependable and I’m still pushing forward full steam ahead after almost 5 decades and many physical revisions. Like the Mustang, I am still improving constantly. I live my life with a passion for each day and an undying love for my children, my grandchildren and my family members. Each day is a challenge for me to face head on that makes me stronger and wiser in the end.