25. K O B E

Dear Kobe,

I had just finished reading The Untethered Soul when you, Gigi, and friends passed. This moment, like the novel, reminded me about the inevitability of death and to live each day as though tomorrow may not come. The unpredictability of when it is our time.

You are The Man I have been chasing my entire life. Your work ethic. Drive. Hunger. A father-figure who I praised on the court and attained so much wisdom of how one develops from a Knight to a King. Vanessa must be the most pure form of support.

Remember that season you injured your shoulder and turned ambidextrous, shooting with your left hand during recovery? That is not normal. When you dropped 81 points on the Raptors, I spent the entire day at the gym. The lob to Shaq in 2000. Memories.

Of course, we were all there for your final NBA game. Though, the greatest part about that was seeing your transition into life’s next stage. You and Gigi courtside in Brooklyn, looking like two sports analysts, made me smile. She was so damn gorgeous.

Instead of reactively showing compassion toward those I love solely out of sorrow for this moment, I will make a promise to you and myself. To never forget that the time I have remaining in my own life is not of privilege but a one-way opportunity to happiness.

You are the GOAT. What you provided for young women post-retirement will continue to prosper in your name. My heartfelt admiration goes beyond the basketball player. You are my role model for what a great Father is. Thank you for that.

Sincerely,
Xynn Tii