I hate it when a story dominates the news cycle to the point that you can’t move off it. When that occurs, for the most part, something of catastrophic proportions has transpired and the world literally feels it. Jan. 26, 2020, at an estimated 12:45 p.m. EST the event occurred. Within minutes the word spread and to our chagrin was confirmed. Pilot Ara Zobayan, Alyssa Altobelli, Keri Altobelli, John Altobelli, Payton Chester, Sarah Chester, Christina Mauser, Gianna Bryant and Kobe Bryant perished when a Sikorsky S-76B helicopter crashed in Calabasas, Calif. All life is precious and the loss of any in such an unexpected, sudden fashion is tragic, but when one of the names is Kobe Bryant it takes on a whole new magnitude. If the man didn’t utter a word outside of his business facilities, his body of work alone warrants the adulation.
I’ve been lucky enough to attend quite a few basketball games, and of the players that I’ve seen in the flesh as well as hours on screen, Kobe Bean Bryant was the closest thing, to the closest thing of basketball perfection. And number 23 of the Chicago Bulls has that by a hair. That was an opinion shared by millions, including that of Kobe himself. Yet Kobe sought to not accept that as a reality. He saw what the standard of GREATEST was and instead of trying to immolate it, his ultimate goal was to surpass it. Being blessed by the celestial father with physical gifts was part in parcel to his journey. Alvin Ailey-esque grace blended with poetic creativity and surprising power as he maneuvered over, under or through those that opposed his quest to score was what we paid to see. However, in the National Basketball Association or the local courts on the streets we can find those qualities in players. That tireless work ethic to become the best version of his self though—that had to have accounted for at least 90 percent of why he was able to become who he became. The boy had an engine possessed by a chosen few in a lifetime. He knew what it took to get to the place that he knew existed and spoke it loud enough for everyone to hear. Cocky to some, foolish to some and believed by few, the title of best basketball player ever was the endgame. During his 20-season professional career in the league as a Los Angeles Laker a few of his accomplishments read: two Olympic Gold Medals, five NBA championships, 18 times an All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and was a two-time NBA Finals MVP winner. Even if you never saw him play, you’ll be hard-pressed to think of anyone who played the game better. If you did see him play, you’d know that it was arduous work that put him in position to make the game look so effortless. In hearing him speak and what others say about him, it’s that tangible quality that we all have and the capability to tap into our best selves.
Life for the man Kobe Bryant was just starting. Watching that 17-year-old phenom blossom into manhood we couldn’t imagine that dude finding something or someone he loved more than basketball. Until his daughters and wife were mentioned that is. His life as husband and father was about to become front and center and his prime life was about to begin. Seeing how your guidance, wisdom and trust impact the life of your children; watching from afar as they discover, venture towards and accomplish their dreams. Gianna and the other children on board that flight is where the true tragedy lies. We would have loved to see your lights illuminate.
Lost for words, truly.
