We Love You Kobe & Gigi

Written by Maia Wells

I have never been comfortable with death. Never have I made peace with it. I can never get used to it; every encounter I have had reopens emotional wounds and sadness within me. I have always been a person who values every aspect of human life and the loss of any life really affects me. So, when the heartbreaking news of the Los Angeles plane crash reached me, my emotions came flooding back. I was extremely uncomfortable for days, and the news did not sit well with me at all.

Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, and seven other individuals died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, January 26th of 2020. Immediately, the news sent a shock to the world, including myself. Growing up, I watched my two brothers’ and father’s obsession with basketball and adapted it myself. This hit very close to home for me because my own brothers idolized Kobe. My dad as well, having played basketball in high school. In addition, my brothers went on to play basketball in their middle and high school years. They all looked up to him, modeled their game after him. My love and admiration of Kobe came from watching the men in my life include him in their lives.

This tragedy, and all tragedies that include the loss of lives, should be a lesson. Anything can happen at any given moment. Life is not promised. Every human life should be valued. Every relationship, every connection, every bond. Hug those you love. Communicate your love for them every chance you may get. 

And for those that have passed on, their legacies should never be forgotten or belittled. Their lives and contributions should be celebrated. It is a common trend in the media for shocking news, such as death, to be relayed and then simply forgotten about. I believe the spirit of those who have passed on should be kept alive. There is no doubt in my mind that the spirits of Kobe, Gianna, and the seven other victims will ever vanish. Rest in peace to these precious lives. Mamba Forever.