Mamba out...RIP Kobe

I
 didn’t know him. 
I was never a huge fan. 
I was resentful and dismissive because people compared him to Michael Jordan who was, and will always be, the GOAT of basketball in my opinion. 
I was disgusted with him when a young girl accused him of sexual assault, and then dropped the charges because regardless of the veracity of her claims, he admitted to cheating on his wife with this girl. 
I was disappointed in him for letting down a generation of young people who looked up to him like I did to Jordan. 
I was also deeply saddened to hear of his death. 
Despite his shortcomings, Kobe, who was also known as the black Mamba, was an inspiration to countless young people and the nation felt a great loss when news of his death in a helicopter crash on Sunday began to spread. 
“For 20 seasons, Kobe showed us what is possible when remarkable talent blends with an absolute devotion to winning,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said. “But he will be remembered most for inspiring people around the world to pick up a basketball and compete to the very best of their ability.”
It is undeniable that Kobe gave his heart, his soul, along with his blood, sweat and tears to becoming the absolute best he could be in the sport he loved, and he earned respect for his dedication and commitment as he became one of the best players to grace the court.
Kobe was drafted to the NBA right out of high school in 1996, which wasn’t something that happened every day. He wasn’t the first, but he was among the pioneers in the sport to make the jump in a time when many questioned the physical and emotional capabilities of a 17-year-old to play in a league which boasted the best players in the world.
Kobe proved that his age wasn’t a factor in his ability to play the game, and from the beginning, made his presence known on the court even though he was competing against seasoned veterans. In his 20-year career, Kobe became one of the greatest players of all time. Among many other remarkable moments, he scored 81 points in a single game and in the final game of his career, he poured in 60. 
His wife and three daughters are left to grieve this devastating loss. Though no one can feel this loss more than Kobe and Gianna’s family, they are not alone in their grief.
There were also seven others on that flight who have left a family grieving their loss. Orange Coast College head baseball coach John Altobelli, his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa were also on board, and they leave behind two other children. Sarah Chester and her 13-year-old daughter Payton, Christina Mauser and the pilot, Ara Zobayan, lost their lives as well. Mauser was the assistant girls basketball coach at Harbor Day School in Orange County and she also helped Kobe coach the Mambas AAU team; she left behind a husband and three children. Chester also had a son who was not on board.
My heart breaks for Kobe, John, Keri and Sarah because as that helicopter went down, they knew their child would die and I can only imagine the incredible anguish that knowledge brought them in their final moments. They and Christina also knew they would leave their other children behind without a parent. 
And sweet Gianna (Gigi), whose life was cut so short … She had the love for basketball that her father had, and that love reignited the passion Kobe had for the game as he began to see it through her eyes. 
Many pictures have been plastered on social media and the absolute best are of Kobe and Gigi watching the game together. The love and pure joy is evident on their faces.
Kobe articulated a message to his four daughters on the night both of his jerseys — 8 and 24 — were retired, which spoke of how he lived his life, and what he hoped for them. 
“Those times when you get up early and you work hard, those times when you stay up late and you work hard, those times when you don’t feel like working, you’re too tired, you don’t want to push yourself but you do it anyway: That is actually the dream.
It’s not the destination, it’s the journey. And if you guys can understand that, then what you’ll see happen is that you won’t accomplish your dreams. Your dreams won’t come true, something greater will.
And if you guys can understand that, then I’m doing my job as a father.”
The entire accident is just so heartbreaking for all involved. Though a reason for the tragedy will never be known, I know that I will hang on tighter, love on harder, appreciate greater, and ensure that everyone I love knows exactly how much they mean to me. You just never know when will be the last time you see their face, hear their laugh, or see their smile. 
RIP Kobe and Gigi and all those who died too early, and may God bless and keep you and your family in his loving care.