Kayla Bullock
Staff Writer
More than a year has passed since the death of NBA legend Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna Bryant. On January 26, 2020, Kobe Bryant, Gianna (Gigi) Bryant and seven others perished in a helicopter crash. The tragedy left sports legends and fans shocked, unable to cope with the news. Celebrities from Beyonce to NBA superstar Lebron James paid tribute to Bryant. But the loss is still painful to Bryant’s wife, Vanessa. The two were married for nineteen years before his death, sharing four children. After such a loss, Vanessa Bryant is the epitome of strength and resilience.
A somewhat private person, Vanessa Bryant has vocalized her struggles with the passing of her husband and daughter. Over the last twelve months, Bryant shared countless tributes to her late husband and daughter. In an Instagram post on January 15, Bryant shared that grief is “a messed up cluster of emotions.” One day she is laughing, spending time with singer Ciara and basketball wife Lala Anthony, and the next day she does not want to be alive.
According to Bryant, she shares her feelings with anyone who can relate. She received praise from countless celebrities for showing such grace and resilience during this seemingly horrible time. On the hard days, Bryant remembers she must be there for her three daughters, Natalia, Bianka, and 1-year-old Capri. In other tributes, Bryant mentions that life is unfair.
“Life truly isn’t fair. This is just senseless,” she says.
The 38-year-old widow took several hits after the passing of her husband and daughter. On March 1, 2020, Bryant posted a statement gracefully shaming the first responders who showcased photographs of the tragic accident at a bar. In a later announcement on September 22, 2020, it was revealed that Bryant sued the LA sheriff over the matter. If that wasn’t enough, Bryant’s mother, Sofia Laine, filed a lawsuit against her daughter. Laine claims she is suing for financial support after claiming to be a “longtime personal assistant and nanny” to the family.
In response to those claims, Bryant accused her mother of trying to “extort a financial windfall.”
On January 26, 2021, Vanessa Bryant spent the day reposting tributes of Kobe and Gianna. In a personal post, Bryant reposted a letter that Gianna’s best friend, Aubrey Callaghan, delivered to her. In the caption, Bryant states, “I will never understand why/how this tragedy could’ve happened to such beautiful, kind and amazing human beings.”
In more recent times, Vanessa Bryant is a proud mother. Her daughter, Natalia Bryant, was accepted into the University of Southern California on March 30, 2021. Celebrities and fans praised Natalie Bryant for the acceptance. A wave of happiness washes over the Bryants. Mrs. Bryant stated in her Instagram caption, “Daddy and Gigi are ALWAYS here.” Kobe and Gianna are shining down on their family.
Vanessa Bryant is truly the epitome of strength. After such a tragic loss, she continues to be a mother to three beautiful girls. Bryant is progressing in her career, growing every day, doing promotions, and honoring a legacy. I truly applaud her for showing such resilience. Bryant keeps to herself most of the time but is vocal about issues regarding her tragedy. Instead of stooping low, she goes high. Continue to keep Vanessa Bryant and her family in your prayers. This is an unimaginable experience, and we must shed positivity upon her family.
Categories: Opinions
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