Dear Kobe,

My feelings toward you are different than most. But it wasn’t until Sunday when I actually realized how deep they were.

I grew up rooting against you. As soon as I started playing basketball. You were the best player on my least favorite team. But deep down, I knew you were IT. You were the NBA. You were the greatest. And it wasn’t until years later when I let myself grasp how incredible you were. As a player & a person.

My heart is heavy as I think of you gone. But I sob when I think of you & your Gigi gone together. 

My father taught me to love basketball, just as you taught her. I know firsthand what the bond of this game does for that relationship. It’s sacred and special & it warms my heart to know you two had that. 

I think I’ll feel this pain for a while but I feel blessed to have been alive the same time as you. I pray for your loved ones & those who also passed.

Thank you Mamba. You will be missed.

-Lauren Lomeli