#RoyalTeeApproved
When I first heard the news about Kobe Bryant’s death early Sunday morning, I didn’t believe it. My first assumption was that it was fake, stupid people who are always trying to kill people off on social media. And personally, that should be a crime, like intentionally giving someone HIV and you know you have it. An extreme example, but you get my point.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm93lmeFupY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Nonetheless, as a journalist, I decided to do my own personal confirmation and shockingly and unfortunately against my belief, the 41-year-old was indeed gone. At that moment, it seemed like the world stopped. But to also hear that his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna (Gigi), transitioned with him, along with seven others, the air became a little too thick to breathe.
I didn’t grow up as a big basketball fan at all. I’m the type of person that would go to sports bars or get-togethers to watch the game, more for social purposes. I’m the girlfriend and couch companion to my significant other. Any team that he is rooting for, so am I. Just tell me what colors we are wearing tonight.
At that moment, it seemed like the world stopped. But to also hear that his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna (Gigi), transitioned with him, along with seven others, the air became a little too thick to breathe.
I probably couldn’t give you a rundown of Kobe’s entire career and stats. But I can tell you a little bit about Kobe the man, the father, the friend, the husband, the mentor.
I see Kobe in my own father, my cousins, my brothers-in-law, my guy friends. I see Kobe in young, men who are role models to kids in their community. Those same young, men who grew up with Kobe haircuts and #24 written in marker on their sneakers, playing at the neighborhood courts.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B4s9JWnHnxf/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
I see Gigi’s beautiful spirit in my niece, who just celebrated her 14th birthday. Both are athletes; Gigi played basketball, my niece plays tennis, and both have a passion for life. Both love their father, who is their everything.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BuiMT7cn6in/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
You seriously will never know the impact you’ve made on this world until you leave it and the impact you make on others. Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Durant decided that life is too short to hold grudges and smashed their beef.
Just wanted to tell you I Love you my brother and whatever I did to hurt you I’m sorry bro and hope you forgive me!!! I love you bro real Talk! @KDTrey5
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) January 26, 2020
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50 Cent decided to put his pettiness aside and said he would no longer argue with people. “I feel like I have to achieve what I want in life now after this,” he wrote in his IG caption. “I have to focus, I’m not arguing with anyone anymore, I’ll deal with it another way if there’s a problem.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/B71NzUQn_ss/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
At one point, I had to log off social media and I cried a little and prayed. I prayed for the strength and healing of a wife who has to bury her husband and daughter, the newly, single father fighting back tears as he told his three children that their mother was never coming home and all the families and friends who have been affected.
Most importantly, I prayed for myself. I prayed to live a full life, as long as He would allow me to stay here. To live healthy; mentally, spiritually and physically.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bm93lmeFupY/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
We only have one life to live. One life to love and be loved. One life to be happy. One life to not waste away stressing, depressed, angry or resentful. Any toxic factors in your life get rid of them. Any demons you have, make peace with them. Forgive yourself. Heal yourself. Each day that you are allowed to wake up is another opportunity to be a better version of yourself than you were the other day.
Death shouldn’t be a reminder to get your life together. But if don’t know by now, tomorrow is not promised. We must make the most of this life that we have now and be unapologetic about it.
We only have one life to live. One life to love and be loved. One life to be happy
So as we mourn Kobe and Gianna Bryant, and the seven others who lost their lives, let’s remember to also celebrate them. And a reminder to live our lives to the fullest.
