Dear Kobe,
Where do I even begin?
The impact that you had on me and my family while growing up was tied to how you brought my family together. My earliest memories include being surrounded by my Filipino family — aunts, uncles, cousins, and siblings — all together in different living rooms, at different ages all to watch you and the Lakers.
It didn’t matter whose house we were at, we were always talking, cheering you on from our couches. My uncles would talk about your stats while my cousins, siblings and I would play basketball in the backyard or living room. There was never a moment where someone took a shot and DIDN’T yell your name.
You were the hero of my dad, uncles, and cousins. You inspired everyone — the Black, Latinx, Filipinx communities. You showed the world that a person of color can work hard and chase their dreams. That our dreams are attainable.
You chased and lived your dream during your 20-year career with the Lakers. You did what most people try to do throughout their whole lifetime.
My family and I are older now. Family gatherings aren’t what they used to be. We are all older, living in different places, chasing our own dreams and figuring out our lives.
My younger brother is now in the Navy. A month ago we sent him a care package that included two books — one about your life during your time with the Lakers, and the other a collaboration into what I truly believe was the start of another chapter in your life post-retirement.
His package arrived on Monday, January 27th, the day after you, your daughter, and seven others lost their lives.
I still can’t believe it. You have been a part of my life and many others for the majority of our time on this earth. I know that the media only allows us a glimpse into the lives of those who are famous. And I feel like the world was finally getting to know YOU — as a father, a supporter of both the NBA and WNBA and human being.
You were more than just a basketball player. You were a trailblazer, and I was more excited about what you were going to do with your art of storytelling after your Oscar win with “Dear Basketball”.
You worked hard for your dream. Devoted 20 years to it.
What hurts the most was hearing you talk about how Gigi brought you back to basketball after retirement. How you saw the game through her eyes daughter’s eyes and fell back in love with it. You were determined to help her and the next generation chase their dreams just like you did.
I looked forward to getting to know this other part of you.
I couldn’t wait to see Gigi Bryant play in the WNBA so that I could tell my kids years from now that I got to see both Kobe & Gigi Bryant play during my lifetime.
Never in a million years did I think the world would lose you, during my own Kobe year.
The world is still mourning but I know we will carry on all that you’ve taught us and showed us.
Thank you, for inspiring and touching the hearts of millions of people.
Mamba & Mambacita forever.
From,
Audrey Nicole