I am devastated at the passing of Kobe. Watching the events unfold, my mind, body and soul went through a roller coaster of emotions that I have never experienced.
What was about Kobe Bryant that made such a lasting impression on my soul?
This question keeps coming to the forefront of my mind since the news of the tragedy. Maybe it was because he epitomized hard work and success. Maybe it was because when I was about 8 years old and fell in love with the game of basketball. I loved watching Michael Jordan play, but then this new kid came along that showed no fear, or arrogance, but only supreme confidence that I wished I had.
Basketball was an escape for me and a way for me to watch pure art. Kobe, MJ, and Lebron all performed this ballet of human motion that was almost surreal, alien, not of this world, almost god like. Maybe this is why I chose a profession that incorporates human motion. This was the closest way I could get to being apart of the game.
Maybe thats why it’s such a bewildering feeling I am experiencing this morning. This guy, a possessor of god like talent, immortal, is gone so soon.
Kobe is a flawed human like every human. These flaws were a connection point to me, it showed me that even flawed people can achieve greatness.
I feel great sadness and a thousand other emotions that I have not processed, but will work through. I know that Kobe would want us to embody his “Mamba Mentality” and work thru this difficult time. When in reality, I just want to turn on the television and watch him play one more time.
I will forever remember how Kobe overcame failure, like when he airballed 4 three point shots in a playoff game vs the Jazz to dropping 81 vs the raptors, knocking down a game winning shot vs the phoenix suns, 5 rings and finally 60 vs. the Jazz on his last game.
Rest in Peace Kobe and Gianna Bryant, John Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, Alyssa Altobelli, Sarah Chester, Payton Chester, Ara Zobayan and Christina Mauser.
Image courtesy of: Keith Birmingham/The Orange County Register via AP