(Photo: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.com)
The family of Kobe Bryant are sharing some beautiful – and heartbreaking – messages about him on what would’ve been his 42nd birthday.
The basketball legend tragically died in a helicopter crash in January this year alongside his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna and seven others.
His wife, Vanessa, took to Instagram, describing just how much she misses the man she’s known since she was 17:
“To my baby – Happy birthday. I love you and miss you more than I can ever explain,” she begins.
(Photo: @vanessabryant/Instagram)
“I miss your big hugs, your kisses, your smile, your loud ass deep laugh. I miss teasing you, making you laugh and bursting your bubble. I miss you sitting on my lap like my big baby that you are. I think about your tenderness and patience all the time. I think about everything you would do in situations to help me deal with everything thrown my way.”
She continues by thanking Kobe for teaching her how to “be strong” and see the best in people.
“Your thoughtful gestures and the amazing way you made us all feel is extremely missed. I picture your smile and wide big welcoming hugs daily.”
(Photo: @vanessabryant/Instagram)
Vanessa also describes feeling “so empty” now that he’s gone.
“I’ve been completely broken inside. As much as I want to cry, I put a smile on my face to make our daughters days shine a little brighter. I’m not the strong one, they are. They’re strong and resilient. I’m sure you’re proud of them. They put a smile on my face everyday.”
She ends her special message with gratitude for the time they had together.
“Thank you for loving me enough to last several lifetimes…Thank you for showing me what real love is.”
Vanessa and Kobe’s 17-year-old daughter, Natalia also shared a special message:
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“Happy Birthday Dad,” she writes on Instagram sharing an old photo of the two of them together.
“I miss your smile, laugh and big bear hugs. Happy birthday to the best movie buddy I could have ever asked for. I will always remember our late night drives to the movie theatre with the windows rolled down and listening to our favourite songs.”
Meanwhile, Kobe’s foundation, the Mamba and Mambacita Sports Academy has shared a video of the late basketballer and a message about his legacy:
“Kobe taught us to be better. A better scorer, better mentor, better father, better champion. Today, on his birthday, we continue his endless pursuit of better. 💛💜 ”
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Happy Birthday Kobe!
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