The death of Kobe Bryant has shaken the world.
I’m not a basketball connoisseur, and I don’t watch basketball regularly. But when you grow up with a father and brother who live and breathe sports and married to a man who’s a sports fanatic, too—you learn a lot about the game and players.
On Sunday, January 26th, I received a call from my husband while he was out at the barbershop, and he told me the news, “Kobe Bryant died in a helicopter crash.” My first reaction was utter shock. Did TMZ report false information? Surely, it was a hoax, right? No. It was true. The beloved Lakers icon, NBA sensation #24, AKA ‘Black Mamba,’ was gone.
Like many Americans, it took some time for me to process his tragic death and the death of his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, along with many others. It made me sad. Extremely sad. I can’t begin to understand what Kobe’s wife, Vanessa, is going through and the other families, too. I can’t fathom losing a husband AND a child. Only God can give those families the comfort that they need right now and in the days to come.
This tragedy awakened something in many Americans across the country. Suddenly, we’re all in a space where we share something in common—grief. The loss of a man who was a household name for decades. For some, a man whom they grew up watching dribble a basketball down the court. For others, a man who was an idol figure. A mentor. A friend.
Though Kobe was a trailblazer, one of the greatest athletics of all time, and passionately loved the game of basketball, he was a husband and father first. A family man who valued married and raising his beautiful children. That was evident.
After my husband and I were made aware of the news, we were in a different headspace. We gained a
lot of perspective from the tragic event. And we couldn’t help but play the scenario in our heads over and over again. Besides, it was national and international news, and there was no way to escape it. It was on every media outlet across the nation. Social media was flooded with posts, photos, and videos, paying homage to a legend. Unfortunately, it’s still a constant reminder that I wished it was all a bad dream.
If you think this heartbreaking occurrence hasn’t been a wake-up call for many Americans—think again.
Along with millions, my husband and I hugged our daughter tighter and longer. And frankly, as scary as it is to say this, it makes you question your mortality.
Take advantage of every second to spend quality time with your loved ones. Love them, cherish them, and make unforgettable memories with them. Hold them close and whisper, “I love you,” often. Let them know what they mean to you and how they inspire and positively impact your life.
In remembrance of all of the lives who perished in the helicopter crash, rest peacefully in the arms of the Lord in heaven. Your legacies and light will forever live on and shine bright.
