#ThankYouKobe

20 years have gone by. I’ve learned so many things from this living legend named Kobe Bean Bryant a.k.a. the Black Mamba. His work ethic is unreal and unmatched by any person. How can a person perfect his craft with that kind of intensity every single day? You have to have an obsessive trait about you and that never giving up attitude to become better. Kobe called it Mamba Mentality back in 2013 when he suffered his first of three season ending injuries that would eventually lead to his retirement. His workaholic attribute was his gift and his curse because it broke down his body to the point where he could no longer dominate the game with that same killer instinct every night. However, still managed to play with the elites and show them why he’s been the best without being a 100%. His heart and mind were in it, but his body was saying no. Hence, he played his last game on Wednesday, April 13, 2016. What a dramatic finish. I knew he was going to aim for 50 points, but he finished with 60. It was a season high for any current NBA basketball player, a record for the oldest to ever score that many, and a record for the most ever scored by a single player on their last game. He gave you that extra mile. I’ve never been disappointed by this athlete because he always gave it all he had. That’s what he will be remembered by, especially in his final game, that he left everything out on that basketball court. In a world full of imposters, deceivers, and indolent people, Kobe always brought his best and that’s what I admired the most. I hope I can do the same, bring my best and offer it. We have to be that person. A living breathing reminder to believe in better things. We have to have that superhero mindset, at the expense of being perceived as the villain. As long as God is in the center of our actions, He will allow us be a part of his will to bring joy to others. We have to be that hope. We have to be that example.

With Kobe’s retirement, he begins a new chapter in his life, but personally my chapter continues, my season approaches its finale and I move into the off season to perfect my craft, to grow, but most importantly to serve others. I will continue to follow Kobe Bryant in all of his future endeavors, buy and wear his shoes and other products. I will still look for him for continued motivation. He has always been like a brother to me. My love for Kobe will never change because of what he has done for me personally. Like he closed in his retirement letter, “My love for this city, this team and for each of you will never fade. Thank you for this incredible journey.”

Dear Kobe, #ThankYouKobe for 20 great years, growing up with you as a teenager, a high school basketball player, an undergraduate student, a junior high teacher and coach, a graduate student, and an athlete I learned so much from you. You have been the greatest of all time. Not because:

You have won 5 championships

2 Finals MVP awards

2 scoring titles

2 gold medals

18 time NBA All Star

4 All Star MVPs

Led all players in All Star votes

Regular season MVP

3^rd in the all-time scoring list

20 years loyal to the same team

Sold more merchandise and tickets

Had more fans on the road chanting your name and “MVP”

Slam dunk champion

Multiple game winning baskets

Scored 81 points in a single game

Scored at least 40 against every team in every arena, etc. etc. etc…

Beyond what you have accomplished on the court I will never forget what you have done outside the basketball court. What I valued most was that unlike others, not only have you been a champion, but you have saved your marriage and loved your family; as a person of faith, you have acknowledge and credited all to God and to your Catholic faith; without a college education you have studied multiple languages, acquired knowledge in business from university level work, and build a passion for story writing. That’s what makes you the best that you were able to perform anywhere and excel especially when and where it mattered most. That’s why I know you will do a great job in this next chapter in your life. God has a special plan for you because He knows the impact you have on people. God bless you Kobe! “Mamba OUT” but I know that a different animal but the same beast is “IN”.