On February 7, 2020, Kobe and Gianna Bryant were laid to rest, following a horrific helicopter crash that took their lives on January 26 that claimed the lives of them and seven other victims that had so much to live for and had families that loved them dearly.
On February 24, 2020, a memorial was held for Kobe and Gianna Bryant to celebrate their lives and the lives of the seven victims that were also taken.
2/24/20 has a special meaning for Vanessa Bryant, as these are the numbers that represented Kobe and Gianna Bryant when they wore their jerseys to play basketball, with 24 being one of the numbers that Kobe wore when he played for the Lakers. The year 2020 also has a special meaning for her, as it represents how many years she was married to Kobe.
It was a celebration of life that was held on Monday, as basketball fans inside “The House that Kobe Built” and around the world mourned for their losses.
The vigil kicked off with Beyonce singing “XO” one of Kobe’s favorite songs. While listening to the song, I liked how Beyonce decided to change some of the lyrics in her song to be more sentimental by changing the lines, “And I’m crashing into you” to “And I’m laughing into you” and “You kill me boy XO” to “Just kiss me boy XO,” as a thoughtful and respectful way to pay respects to the aftermath of what happened to Kobe, Gigi, and the seven other victims that perished back in late January.
Following the performance from Beyonce, Vanessa Bryant then took the stage. She talked about her memories with Gigi and how much of an inspiration she was to everyone she met. They lived just like any other family. They would watch their favorite TV shows together, she had her hobbies, and she was aspiring to make a difference in the world of sports and prove that women can do exactly what men can do. I also liked when she spoke about Kobe and what she meant to her and her kids. Outside of basketball, Kobe was a family fan and a loving father who loved to spend time with his kids and would dedicate his time to picking up and dropping his girls off from school. At the end of the day, no matter what Kobe was on the field, or what he did, his family was always first. He could have as many championships as he would’ve wanted, but at the end of the day, family is what mattered most to Kobe, his love for Vanessa was eternal, and the bond he had with his daughters was unbreakable.
Having an older brother and a sister in law who also have two little daughters of their own, I can sympathize with Vanessa and how much pain she is still going through, as the thought that this could’ve been either of them as well would’ve been just as devastating, especially if it’s his wife that would’ve had to witness this happening to her and lose either of her babies, as they are what gives her life and what keep her going. It’s the kind of pain no mother should go through, no matter where you’re from, or what your background is.
The following speeches by Diani Taurusi and Sabrina Ionescu were also inspiring to hear, as Kobe had a great influence on them and pushed them to do better. They both wanted to inspire girls like his daughter Gigi, and show that girls can be just as competitive as guys and they also have a fire burning inside their hearts that exude passion. What I liked about their speeches, especially the one from Taurursi, was how much of a passion Gigi had for the game of basketball. Her curiosity about the game is what made her pick up the basketball every day, to the point that Gigi mastered the fadeaway technique at a much earlier age than someone like Lebron would’ve ever learned it.
Geno Auriemma then shared the memories he had with Kobe, not as a basketball player, but as a father. What I learned during his speech was that like Kobe in his playing days, Gigi was a lot like his father in how they wouldn’t listen to their coaches, this time with Kobe taking the reins of coaching duties. They would also talk about what defensive schemes to play and what drills to run. Auriemma then said to just keep it simple, and let them have fun. Kobe also made sure he wasn’t in the way, as he wanted Gigi to have all the attention centered around her as the Oregon Ducks got the opportunity to meet her and give her advice on the game of basketball.
As the event went on, Lakers GM and former agent Rob Pelinka then remembered how Kobe had three sides to him. The friend, the father, and the husband. The friend was the one that would talk about how they would text each other and talk about whatever was on their mind, especially on that gray day, when Pelinka was in church and he received a text message from Kobe saying how he wanted to find a baseball coach for one of Gigi’s friends, Lexi Altobelli, who unfortunately happened to be on the helicopter that day. The other side he knew was the husband, who loved his daughters and would do anything to keep them happy. He would call them on his business trips and ask how their days have gone and how he would miss them. His undying love for Vanessa was also highlighted as he and Vanessa were a team and would always have their backs no matter what the circumstances. His undying love for Vanessa would be highlighted when he decided to play “Moonlight Sonata” by Beethoven. The fact that Kobe had this romantic side to him, in my opinion, that family always comes first, no matter what, and that no matter where you are in this earth, family is all you’ll need to help you get by, because, without them, we wouldn’t be anywhere in this world right now if it wasn’t for them.
When Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal delivered their speeches, it showed me how much respect they had for each other not just on the court, but off the court as well. They also demonstrated the friendship they had and that it’s not about a competition between whose better, as the fans would say, but to get out of their way to lend a hand to someone who saw them as their idol when they were younger and to deliver them solemn advice to someone who wanted to learn much more than he could’ve thought he ever would. He was a loyal friend and a true renaissance man.
They shared their memories they had on the field, especially Shaq and the three championships they won, along with the complex relationship they had throughout the years playing together. Despite the turmoil they had after the championships they won, they had nothing but deep respect for each other, and they wanted to see each other succeed, no matter what tension was going on between them at the time.
Kobe Bryant was their little brother, their friend and most importantly, someone who will forever leave a lasting impact not just in the lives of both Michael Jordan and Shaq, but to everyone whose lives he touched, whether it’d be a close friend, a teammate, or even a fan. He will live on forever in the eternal skies of heaven, as he teaches Gigi some new basketball moves in God’s basketball court.
May they both look down on their families and their friends with much love and admiration. We will miss you both, and many condolences and prayers go out to the Altobelli’s, the Chesters, the Mausers, and the Zobayans. May the memories of those who perished in the helicopter crash that fateful morning on January 26 live forever and always by all, and may their legacies live on forever in history.
Altobelli Family
Mauser Family
Payton and Sarah Chester
Ara Zobayan and girlfriend Tessie Davidson
Zobayan’s girlfriend Tessie Davidson and her sons.
Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this piece. I know there are some things I could’ve spoken more about, but I figured since I wanted to share my thoughts about the commencement, I figured I might as well while I still can.
Thank you, and again, may the nine victims rest in peace. You will never be forgotten.
flamingfelpermeister 