Vassallo: The Seed Is Planted, and the Flower Awaits

Photo by Ole Miss Communications

When Bette Midler recorded “The Rose”, who would have ever thought that this classic would become an inspiration for generations to come?

It’s especially inspiring to college graduates as they embark upon a journey like they have never experienced. The lyrics of this song written by Amanda McBroom rank right up there with some of the very best lyrics of songs recorded by Sinatra “Cycles,” Lennon’s “Imagine” and the Beatles’ “Let It Be.”

Ole Miss graduates, reflect on Amanda’s thoughts as you prepare for your professional lives:

“It’s the heart, afraid of breaking that never learns to dance
It’s the dream, afraid of waking that never takes the chance
It’s the one who won’t be taken who cannot seen to give
And the soul, afraid of dying that never learns to live.”

In other words, the author is saying to us that the ship that never leaves the safe harbor might never encounter the storm, but by not crossing the sea, the ship will never achieve greatness and truly experience what all life has to give. This world has many opportunities, many challenges and an abundance of choices. Only when one is confronted with those choices, can you grow and develop beyond your own personal dreams and imagination.

These past four years, I hope have been as wonderful to you, as they have been for those who preceded you. Your academic successes, social experiences (not to forget a Sugar Bowl championship) and the many relationships you’ve encountered will be memories to last a lifetime.

The investment has been made. You are now on your way to fulfilling greatness….

“When the night has been too lonely and the road has been too long
And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snow
Lies the seed that with the sun’s love, in the spring becomes the rose.”

(Special credit and recognition to Google, Wikipedia and Amanda McBroom’s classic.)

Steve Vassallo is a HottyToddy.com contributor. Steve writes on Ole Miss athletics, Oxford business, politics and other subjects. He is an Ole Miss grad and former radio announcer for the basketball team. Currently, Steve is a highly successful leader in the real estate business who lives in Oxford with his wife Rosie. You can contact Steve at sovassallo@gmail.com or call him at 985-852-7745.

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