It has been two weeks since the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant and his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna. The beloved dad and daughter duo left behind millions of fans who are mourning their loss, and a family that is struggling to cope with their deaths. Vanessa Bryant has been sharing some photos and videos of her husband and daughter since the January 26 helicopter crash, but a recent one she posted on Monday, February 10, accurately describes what grief feels like for a lot of people.
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Losing a significant other or a loved one is never easy, and in Vanessa's case, the pain of losing two at the same time is unimaginable. The mamá shared her honest feelings and how she is struggling with accepting that their lives were cut short, and shared the anger she feels that her child still "had so much life to live."
Vanessa shared the most beautiful video of her daughter.
At just 13 years old, Gianna was already shaping up to be a mini-Kobe Bryant. The talented basketball star was making a name for herself on the court, and her dad made it clear that she would be the one to continue the Bryant legacy in the sport. Vanessa shared some highlights of her daughter playing basketball, and shared how much she regrets that her child didn't get more time to become who she set out to be. Not only is she mourning the loss of her partner of 20 years, but also dealing with losing a child, all at once. "I’ve been reluctant to put my feelings into words. My brain refuses to accept that both Kobe and Gigi are gone. I can’t process both at the same time," she wrote. "It’s like I’m trying to process Kobe being gone but my body refuses to accept my Gigi will never come back to me. It feels wrong. Why should I be able to wake up another day when my baby girl isn’t being able to have that opportunity?! I’m so mad. She had so much life to live."
The mamá said she has to stay strong for her kids.
Vanessa shared her feelings about being grateful she still has her three kids with her but also resentful that her other two loves are gone. "Then I realize I need to be strong and be here for my 3 daughters. Mad I’m not with Kobe and Gigi but thankful I’m here with Natalia, Bianka and Capri," she wrote. "I know what I’m feeling is normal. It’s part of the grieving process. I just wanted to share in case there’s anyone out there that’s experienced a loss like this. God I wish they were here and this nightmare would be over. Praying for all of the victims of this horrible tragedy. Please continue to pray for all."
Vanessa has shown incredible strength.
She shared the post to comfort others who have experienced a loss like hers, and that is so admirable. She recently also posted a video of her 7-month-old baby Capri, and the mom is heard laughing and being joyful while witnessing a milestone moment in her little girl's life. Kobe might not be there anymore to share in those moments with her, but as a mom, she has to stay present and enjoy the happy times with her three daughters.
She has shown us that losing a child is a parent's worst nightmare.
She shared this post from Gianna's basketball jersey retirement and wrote: "My Gianna. God I miss you. I’ve been so lucky to have woken up to see your gorgeous face and amazing smile for 13 years. Wish it would’ve been until my last breath. Mommy loves you to the moon and back. Infinity plus 1." People comment on her posts with heartfelt and honest stories about their own loss and shared that a parent is "never the same" after the loss of a child. As hard as it may be, other people find comfort in knowing they are not along in their experiences.
Vanessa shared an important and honest point about grieving.
An important part of Vanessa's message is where she recognized that her feelings of anger about the passing of her child are normal. We all grieve differently whenever we experience major losses in our lives, but there are certain stages of grief that a person goes through that tend to be universal. Acknowledging that she is angry for not having more time with her child and that her life was cut short way too early is more than normal. Sadness is just one of the feelings that we experience after a loss but being angry, confused and in denial are also a part of the process that eventually lead to acceptance.
Vanessa also showed us it's OK to be vulnerable.
Her first post following the tragedy was thoughtful and also heartbreaking but there was a level of rawness and vulnerability in this recent post that can almost make you feel how she's feeling two weeks after the tragedy. Although she does have to remain strong for her three kids, it is understandable for her to also have moments where she feels broken and hurt. Yes, moms are strong but they are also human. She also asked for prayers for her family and the other families involved in the crash. Her friends and fans flooded the comments with sweet messages, reminding her that she is loved and that she is in their prayers and their thoughts. After all, it's important to rely on your community and the people around you in times like these. While we mourn those who are gone, it's also important to cherish those who are still with us. Vanessa and her daughters continue to be in our thoughts.
