Dear Kobe,

I was never a huge fan of your sport. But my sister and I still shared your #8 jersey as kids. I never saw you play in person, but I would always keep tab of your stats and how the Lakers were doing in their season. As one of the biggest self proclaimed sports fans, I felt I had a duty to know everything about you regardless of how much I said I didn’t enjoy the sport. You were a true hero to so many people in a city I truly love.

However, what hits me hardest about your loss is the loss of you as a dedicated girl dad. Being apart of a family of four girls, I can understand and appreciate what a special man a girl dad is. My dad is the best dad out there, and I know your girls thought the world of you as well. I hope you were consistently reminded just of how much they loved you. Thank you for teaching them how to be strong. Thank you for teaching them dedication, patience, perseverance, and love. Thank you for being your daughter’s first man they ever loved.
Thank you for everything Kobe. We miss you dearly already.

-Brooke