What Kobe meant to me

My first introduction to sports was watching the Los Angeles Lakers on cable television with my dad. I remember him turning on the TV and watching the Lakers and like any child would, I followed my dad and sat alongside him. Watching Kobe Bryant play was like poetry in motion. The way he carried himself and the way he performed amazed me.

I still remember where I was when the news broke. I was at home on social media responding to my friends' birthday posts scrolling through Twitter and I noticed "Kobe Bryant" was trending. When I saw the TMZ article, I couldn't believe what I was reading. Like many people, I was shocked and in disbelief when I hear the news. It was more of I did not want to believe the news rather than I could not believe it. How could someone like Kobe, a legend and an icon in Los Angeles suffer a horrible fate like this? My heart goes out to his family and loved ones, as well the other people who were on the helicopter as well.

Fast forward one year, and I am still in disbelief that Kobe is no longer with us. But rather than mourn his death, I would rather celebrate his life and his career. He wasn't a perfect person, but like many, people can change. They learn and grow through their mistakes and that's what Kobe did. He was not just an athlete, he was also a loving father. His impact stretches far beyond the court, as he was able to inspire and motivate the lives of many.

What Kobe meant to me was a childhood filled with amazing memories of his career and highlights. It also represent a bond my father and I had. Granted, we did not have the best relationship with each other, but the one thing we had in common was our love for the Lakers and Kobe. Whatever differences we were having, we would put it aside and watch the games together. I still remember when we were watching the 2006 NBA Playoffs and it was Game 4 and Kobe hit buzzer beater against the Phoenix Suns in overtime, we were both celebrating and cheering together. It was one of my favorite Kobe Bryant moment and one of the few, but fond memories I shared with my dad.

The one quote I remember the most by Kobe is one that always cracks me up and it's a commercial with him and Kayne West, where he asks West, "Are you a different animal and the same beast?" And I'll never forget West's response of, "What the fuck does that mean Kobe Bryant?"

To this day, like many others, I still miss Kobe, and it goes without saying, his legacy and memories will live on and the impact he had on our lives will never be forgotten.