The shocking death of Kobe Bryant, 41, exactly one week ago today, taught us that time is too precious.
It was one of the most devastating moments in pop culture and sports history. Bryant met his demise on February 26, 2020 after a horrific helicopter crash that also claimed the life of eight others including his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna “Gigi” Bryant. The group was on their way to a basketball game, where Gigi and three other teammates were to play.
Just two years after retiring from the NBA, Bryant would not get to live out the next chapter of his career. It was founding and coaching his daughter’s basketball team that occupied most of his time prior to his death. In fact, young Gianna had hoped to continue in her father’s footsteps and pursue a career in professional basketball, and he was happy to help her do so.
Kobe and daughter Gianna aka “Gigi”
While Bryant’s legacy is that of one of the most celebrated, awarded and talented basketball legends in NBA history, he was also an Oscar winner for the 2018 animated short film “Dear Basketball,” a philanthropist, businessman, actor and musician.
He was also most happiest being a present husband and father; something his basketball career and hectic schedule prevented him from doing during the height of his career.
Following his retirement in 2017, he had hoped to expand into entertainment, invest in various business ventures and continue with his philanthropic work.
What Bryant gave the world in the last two decades many haven’t accomplished in a lifetime. His legacy and “mamba mentality” teaches us to aim higher, work harder; even beyond our wildest imagination, and that our legacy lies in the lives that we positively impact not just our individual successes.
What we can also learn from his short life is to let go of hurt, protect your peace, forgive those who’ve forsaken us, and move on. You never know when it is your time.
Sadly, at the time of his death he was estranged from both his parents following a 2013 fall out.
Bryant is survived by his wife Vanessa and their three remaining daughters, Natalia, 17, Bianka, 3, and Capri, 7 months.
Rest in peace Kobe, Gigi and to the other victims including husband and wife John and Keri Altobelli, their teen daughter Alyssa, Sarah Chester and her daughter Payton, 13, assistant coach Christina Mauser, and pilot Ara Zobayan.
To find out how you can support the Bryant family and their foundation, head to mambasportsfoundation.org.
(Photos: Vanessa Bryant/Instagram)
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