Growing up in the 90s, one of my favorite things to do was to watch basketball. I had a handful of favorite players but I admit one of them was not Kobe Bryant. Not because I hated him as a person/player but that he would literally beat every team I liked.
Throughout the years I continued to follow his career but I appreciated and admired his work ethic and drive to win. Even though he would continuously beat teams I would go for, I couldn't help but be in awe of what he did. Especially to the Raptors, he seemed to always have special moments against them; from his 81 point game to come from behind wins.
His final game was just a classic Kobe Bryant performance. Scoring 60 points and putting the Lakers on his back one more time to have fantastic end to his NBA career. It didn't even seem surprising when watching because he's done it so many times before.
The moment I found out he died, I didn't want to believe it. I saw my wife and just hugged her and shed some tears. I couldn't believe how upset I was; that's when I realized how much of any impact he did have on me. What upset me more was that he was leaving behind a wife and 3 daughters. Being a new parent, I can't even imagine what his wife Vanessa is going through.
Kobe Bryant was the definition of what true hard work is. His drive to succeed was something to behold. We can cherish the memories and lessons he gave us and cherish each one of moments like it is our last
RIP Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and all others involved in the horrific crash
Memories
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