Dear Kobe...
I remember when I was in year 3, it was an English homework. The teacher asked us to name one sport we like, and our favorite player who played that sport. At that time, I was already a fan of Arsenal. I have started watching football. I didn't know what was on my mind, but I wrote ‘Basketball’. When I was about to write who’s my favorite player, I was thinking of Michael Jordan and Shaquille O’Neal. But instead of writing their names on the paper, I googled ‘Basketball Players’ and that’s when I saw your name.
“Kobe Bryant...”
To be totally honest, the first thing I thought was, “Daaang what a cool name.” Because I really had no idea who you were. That’s how it all began. 7 year old Rey wrote your name as her favorite basketball player, just because she thought you have a very cool name. Then I submitted the homework, and the teacher checked. After she checked mine, she called me to return my book. Before she gave my book back, she asked me,
“Why do you like Kobe Bryant? People would normally say Michael Jordan.”
I said to her, “I don’t know. But I know he’s a great player.”
The truth is, I haven’t even watched you play when I said that to my teacher. But, I’m glad I wasn’t wrong. You are truly one of the greatest player I’ve ever seen. And I’m glad I was able to witness such an incredible talent.
After that day, I started to watch you play, as much as possible. I’d stream your matches, search for your name on YouTube, I followed your Instagram, your Twitter, every updates, I always followed.
When you announced that you’d retire at the end of the season on November 2015, I felt sad, knowing there might be no more reason to watch NBA. People might think I’m such a plastic fan, watching the NBA just because of one player. But it’s true. You were the only reason. And you’re always the reason. Your final match was the last NBA match I watched. Crazy it’s been almost 4 years since.
Kobe, my dream as a little kid was to watch you play in Staples Center. Unlucky for me, you retired before I got the chance. But I didn’t give up. I ‘changed’ my dream. My dream as a teenager was to be able to meet you and take a picture with you one day. I always believed my dream would come true... until today. I don’t blame anyone because now my dream will never happen. I guess I was just unlucky. If only I ever had the chance...
You once said, “Heroes come and go, but legends are forever.”
It’s true, Champ. Heroes come and go, but Kobe Bryant is forever.
Kobe, you were something special. You were so much more than an athlete. You were bigger than basketball itself. You are a legend among legends. Your legacy will live on forever in the hearts of millions.
Thank you for being my childhood hero. Thank you for introducing me to this beautiful game. Thank you for everything I can never be more thankful for. Thank you for showing me how to pursue my dreams with single-minded focus and dedication. Thank you for showing me that 24 is not just a number on your jersey, but the amount of hours in a day that you have to be devoted to the game to be the best. You will forever be in my memory. I love you. Rest in power, Black Mamba.
“We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will.”
Kobe Bean Bryant
A Sporting Icon
1978 - 2020 - Eternity
All my love,
The 7 year old kid who thought your name was cool
