His one was tough to watch unfold.
Kobe and I had more in common then one would think, we both had 4 girls, both were 13 year old girls basketball coaches, both were shooting guards in basketball (my career 3 point % was better then his, but who is counting lol ) and from everything I understand about him,we both are/were extremely involved in our families lives.
So as I watched the coverage unfold, and as I learned more about Kobe the person, not as the basketball icon, the more it made me realize how precious life is and how every day is a blessing. And not to take things for granted, that nothing is trivial. A simple thank you, or I love you to one of your kids takes no time at all and means alot. Taking 5 minutes out of your day to ask how their day was, or asking them if they need help with homework.
I realized we have sat down as a family 1 night in the past 11 days for supper (our evening meal for you dinner folks out there) because everyone is busy running around with sports and events and friends. So on Sunday, during the SB, we will hang out as a family and eat wings and nachos and just enjoy the day together. No SB parties, no hanging out with friends, just a great family day.
Back to Kobe, he will be missed. And I hope not because he was a basketball player, but because he was a father, a son, a husband, a philanthropist, a coach and a friend. he was a lot more then a basketball player. Sure, that was his springboard into other avenues after retirement, and it may have given him the resources to become more then "just" a basketball player. But I hope when he is remembered, basketball is but a small part of it. And this is coming from a Spurs fan that had nothing but dislike for him during his run.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the 9 people that lost their lives on Sunday. I hope I get to learn more about the others. None of their lives are any less important then Kobe's.
My last thought is I realized I may not be as immortal as I thought I was if a legend like Kobe Bryant can be cut down in the prime of his life and that I should give out more hugs and wear my seatbelt more then I do now. And that I regardless how stretched out my time is, that I make time to donate that time to make a positive difference in the community.
Don't waste your time looking back, you're not going that way. - Ragnar Lothbrok
