Kobe.

I started drafting this post over the weekend with intentions of taking it to a very different place. My typical light hearted post. With tid bits of family and, of course, a recipe.

But after the day that was Sunday, January 26th, I’ve felt compelled to write something. Anything. To get these thoughts off my mind.

By now I’m sure you’ve seen a news headline, come across an Instagram picture, or read one of the numerous articles written about Kobe Bryant. I’ll be honest, I’m not one to get terribly choked up over the death of a celebrity. Yes, it’s absolutely sad. I’m not denying that. But at the end of the day, I didn’t really know the person. And after awhile, life goes on, we continue our days as if nothing happened.

But this one hit me a little differently. I clearly did not know Kobe except from what I saw on the basketball court, but something about this accident shook me. Maybe because I’m a former athlete, who grew up watching the phenom that was/is #24. Watching his extraordinary confidence, his passion, and undeniable will to win. But no, I think it’s something even more than that. Because now that I am a wife and a mother, the tragedy of this accident is unthinkable. And to even begin to think about the last minutes those parents and their kids had together is nearly unbearable. And Mrs. Bryant? No parent should ever have to bury their child. Let alone their spouse in the same breath. The surviving Altobelli children? What will they do without their parents? My heavy, heavy heart breaks with all of these thoughts.

So what (cruel) lessons do we takeaway from such tragedies? To be honest, I’m not really certain. Because all I’m wondering is why? Why do things like this happen? Why were lives cut so dramatically short? The children. Why the children? I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. And although right now that reason is so unclear, I pray one day we’ll see it. We’ll see it, right?

But one thing I do know is that life is so precious. And fragile. So love your people just a little more. Hug your babies just a little tighter. Rid your life of toxicity and focus your attention on the people who push you, who lift you up, and show you all the love and support. Hold nothing back because the world wants to see your brightest light. And be grateful for every waking moment you are given. Life is just too. damn. short for anything else.

#TwentyFourever