Dear Pennies & Pens,
In this post, Inklove: Why the life of Kobe Bryant should inspire you to ink the life you’ve always wanted, I talk about why as fans of Kobe Bryant we should not only celebrate his life and legacy but also view him as inspiration to ink the life we’ve always wanted.
It started off as a regular Sunday…
Yesterday started off like any other Sunday. I woke up, watched the livestream of my church’s service, cleaned the house and made a delicious Vegan brunch. After eating, I watched Girls Trip then took a nap.
Hearing “the news”
After my nap, I went to check my phone. It’s funny because I only downloaded the ESPN app a few weeks ago and that’s how I found out about Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna, Payton Chester, 13; Alyssa Altobelli, 14; Keri Altobelli, 46; and Christina Mauser, 38, John Altobelli, 56; Sarah Chester, 45; and pilot, 50-year-old Ara Zobayan passed away in a helicopter crash. I was immediately in shock and disbelief.
Honestly, I just knew that I was going to click that link and find out they were okay. It broke my heart to read that article. I wish I never even would’ve clicked on that shit.
Growing up with Kobe
Like bruh, I grew up with Kobe. When Kobe took Brandy to the prom, he took me to the prom. When Kobe made it to the NBA at 17, I made it to the NBA at 17. When Kobe got his first ring, so did I. When Kobe got married so did I. And when Kobe had kids so did I.
Kobe was a true icon of American culture. Everything he did on & off of the court was nothing short of amazing. He affected people so much that millions of people who never knew him are mourning his death. I had to get off of social media because every story and feed post was a tribute to Kobe.
Why I wrote this ink
I wrote this post because like everyone else, I was a huge Kobe fan so I wanted to celebrate his life and legacy. But I also wanted to encourage others who may be feeling discouraged. Kobe’s passing has made me realize that each day we are given to ink the life we’ve always wanted is a blessing. And that’s why I wrote this ink.
Kobe was inking the life he always wanted
Kobe spent each day being the best basketball player, husband, father, brother and son, that he could be. Each day, he strove to ink the life he always wanted.
His death may have been tragic but he was in fact inking the life he always wanted. He made it to the NBA, had an outstanding career, married, became a father. He touched the lives of so many.
A Celebration of Gianna aka Gigi
What really gets me is that poor baby Gigi is gone. Although only 13, Gianna was a true baller. After going back and watching clips of her play, I immediately started balling. Gigi had the classic Kobe fadeaway and epic ball handling skills.
Had she lived, Gigi could’ve single handedly changed women’s basketball. As sad as it is to admit the WNBA just isn’t followed the way the NBA is. So as the daughter of an NBA legend who was genuinely gifted in her own right, Gigi was about to make history. It’s just heartbreaking.
An endless game of one on one
When Kobe transitioned, he was on the way to a basketball game with Gigi. The one who was clearly attached to Kobe at the hip. The photos don’t lie.
Gigi was just like her daddy. She had his smile, his spirit, and his game. Maybe the Most High took them together so she wouldn’t be scared. Now they can play ball for all eternity. It’ll be an endless game of one on one.
Prayers for Vanessa Bryant
I also want to say a public prayer for Vanessa Bryant. I pray that the Most High gives you strength and courage to navigate this horrific tragedy. I pray that Kobe and Gianna continue to guide you from the spiritual realm and act as protectors for you and your girls.
Prayers for the Altobelli, Chester, Mauser, and Zoyaban families
I pray for the Altobelli, Chester, Mauser and Zoyaban families as well. It hurts me that I didn’t know your names until your passing on Sunday. I could sit here and pretend but it’s the truth. But I still mourn you and pray for your living loved ones because they knew you. And now everyday, they have to deal with the fact that you’re never coming back. I pray the Most High gives these families strength and courage.
A Little Inkspiration
Before I wrap this up, I have to leave you with a little inkspiration. Because I wrote this post in between crying and sniffling. If you’re reading this post, please realize that you are blessed. And each day you are given is a blessing.
So please pray. Also, stop fuckin scrolling and go read a damn book. Go buy that camera and start your photography business. Start that blog. Write your book. Plan the girls/guys trip. Call your Mom and Dad. Text your brother, sister, cousin, Auntie or Uncle. Leave a nice comment on someone’s Facebook or Instagram post. Go volunteer. Help people. Serve others: “For you need only have courage and be kind.” Cindy’s Mama wasn’t lying.
Kobe spent almost all of his 41 years becoming the best that he could be. And that’s why we as fans have to celebrate his life and legacy. We have to work hard and be the best at what we do because that’s what Kobe would’ve wanted. And that’s why Kobe should inspire you to continue on this journey to ink the life you’ve always wanted.
And there it is. de la Pen…All Pen Everything. With us, keeping it real never goes wrong.
