Inspire Living in the Moment: A Tribute to Kobe Bryant

As a writer and blogger, there are certain events I wish I didn't have to write about. Unexpected things happen--things we can't explain. But that's a part of life. We can't ignore it; we must embrace it.

On Sunday, January 26, 2020, a tragic helicopter crash claimed the lives of NBA Los Angeles Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna "Gigi," and seven other individuals. They were traveling to a basketball game--something they have done numerous times before. It was supposed to be a normal, ordinary day. Of course, nothing bad would happen. Flying in a helicopter was second nature to Bryant and his family. 

Unfortunately, something bad did happen. Something no one can take back. They can't turn back the clock and repeat that day, this time choosing not to fly during the foggy weather. That's life. There is no "reset" button.

Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna "Gigi" (photo/Billboard).

I think if there is anything remotely "positive" about the horrific event that happened this week it's that the accident has reminded everyone how precious life is and that we should never waste it. It has been a long time since I have seen an event unite so many people. Everyone I know has been heartbroken this week, but they also are remembering how grateful they are to be here today...to live out their dreams. Kobe Bryant probably thought he had more time to experience life. There was always going to be a "tomorrow." 

Tomorrow is never a guarantee. We only have today. We only have this moment, so let's appreciate the present. Let's live in the moment. Let's spend more time with our loved ones. Let's make sure they know we love them. Let's stop fighting with our enemies--because in the end, none of those petty things mean anything.

(photo/Be Yourself)

If there is something you have always wanted to do but you've been afraid of trying, go for it. Be brave and have the courage to accept the challenges. Stop saying, "I'll start working on it tomorrow." Do it today...before it's too late. Live in the moment. Make each day count. After all, you only live once. If you do things right, once will be good enough. 

This post is in honor of Kobe Bryant, who started playing for the Lakers in 1996 when I was just two years old. I grew up knowing his name and his presence in the NBA. Fellow classmates in school mimicked him while tossing paper in a trashcan, exclaiming, "Kobeeeee!!!" For many people of my generation, he was our Michael Jordan. He was an athlete we admired off the court just as much when he was on the court.

We watched him as he won five NBA championships, was an 18-time All-Star, 15-time member of the All-NBA Team, two-time Olympic gold medalist, 12-time member of the All-Defensive Team, was the 2008 NBA Most Valuable Player (MVP), and he was a two-time NBA Finals MVP winner.

(photo/HuffPost)

Bryant was one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and it certainly was a pleasure to watch him make basketball look so darn easy. He played harder than most, and I think I can speak on behalf of everyone that we are going to miss him. We are going to miss his compassion, his talent, his drive, and his unique spark. He was truly one-of-a-kind, and we are going to miss him. 

He inspired good basketball players to be better ones, and there will never be another player like him. Never. 

-KJL-