Mamba Forever
Dear Kobe, We bleed purple and gold - you taught us the meaning. We are more than just fans, we are your family. Your legacy will live on through us. May you and Gigi rest in peace.
I distinctly remember...
1999: My dad bringing home a golden retriever puppy for my brother and me. We named him "Kobe" (the Gold Mamba!).
2004: Living in Italy and screaming at like 3am in my room because Kobe made a clutch 3-point shot at the buzzer during a Finals game against the Pistons.
2009: Going WILD at a college party when we won Game 7 of the Finals versus the Celtics, then seeing Kobe at work the day after and freaking the f out.
2011: Watching Kobe and the Lakers live at the Staples with my parents for their 25th wedding anniversary.
2016: Walking by myself around the Staples Center "Kobe Land" honoring his retirement.
2020: Eating at a dim sum restaurant for Sunday brunch and sobbing with my family when we heard the terrible news.
Kobe was a part of my family's life for as long as I can remember. I grew up loving Kobe for so many reasons, but I admired his INTENSE passion the most - and how he shared it with all of us. When he made a shot, we felt the success and the pride. When the Lakers lost, we all lost. He let us in on the joy and the pain. He taught us how to bleed purple and gold.
"The most important thing is to try and inspire people so that they can be great in whatever they want to do."
Kobe Bryant
It pains me that he was just starting his life off the court, but I am glad we got to see that side of him for as long as we did. He has inspired so many - from this generation's star athletes to children in third world countries. And it's such a beautiful thing to see. We visited the Staples Center and murals around the city - so much sorrow, but so so so much love.
What will you do to honor of Kobe and his legacy?