Stephen Warren

Com 345

Rohler

February 22, 2010

A Speech of Tribute

Thank you ladies and gentlemen for gathering here on this special day. As you already know, it is my father, Reed Warren’s, 53^rd birthday today. I would like to talk about some of the reasons why my father has been one of the most influential people in my life.

When I turned eight years old, my father said something to me that I will never forget. He said “Anything you do, do it with passion. What’s life without passion?” This has been the quote I have lived by ever since. It has helped with all aspects of life including my education, my athletics, and my music.

My dad is not one to boast, so I am going to do it for him. My father came from a poor family in Greensboro, North Carolina. He received academic and athletic scholarships to attend ECU under-grad, and went forth to Wake Forrest Law School. He joined a firm for his first seven years and then opened his own. He has been among the top divorce attorneys in North Carolina for the past ten years, and although they are collecting dust in the top of his closet, he has received many noteworthy awards.

My dad taught me how to play golf at a young age. Up to today, being on the golf course with just me, my dad, and some cold beers is about the best place on earth. This is one of the places I have learned the most about life. Everything about golf he could relate back to reality and real situations.

I remember I played in a junior golf tournament my freshmen year of high school, I played terribly and at the end of the round I walked up to my dad and said “Dad, I don’t know what happened. The course was hard, the wind was blowing, and the greens were too fast…” My dad stopped me in mid sentence and said “I know what happened; you have not been practicing recently. Don’t blame the game, blame yourself.” At the time, you can imagine I was pretty heated, but today I realize he was saying take responsibility for your own actions.

Several of you might refer to my dad as somewhat of straight arrow, tough, or maybe a little inflexible. Although, there have been the times where I have recognized this, (i.e. skipping class in high school) this man has a big heart. He is the most generous and selfless person I know. In a way I admit, he has kind of spoiled me, but he has always taught me that nothing comes for free and to be thankful for what you have.

Reed Warren is one of the most genuinely honest, loyal, and moral person I know. He is a great individual, and a great father. I could not ask for more and can only hope that one day I can be half the man he is. I would like to wish him a happy 54th birthday and another year full of health and happiness.